We are just a few weeks away from HIMSS18 in Las Vegas. Whether you are a first timer or an old timer, planning your schedule can be overwhelming. So many education sessions to consider, vendors to explore, and colleagues to meet up with. All amidst over 45,000 people and a facility that is guaranteed to get your daily step count to new highs!
For women attending HIMSS, there are even more sessions and events as part of the Women in Health IT program than previous years. Under the leadership of Carla Smith, Executive Vice President of HIMSS, there has been an increased focus by HIMSS on developing women in HIT.
The Women in Health IT Networking Reception has become an annual gathering where you can meet and socialize with women from across the industry. Remember, it’s all about networking! This year it’s being held on Wednesday night from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Venetian Convention Center – Palazzo Pool. This is a ticket only event and space is limited, so register soon.
#HealthITChicks meetup – This event takes place on Tuesday at 2 p.m. at HIMSS Spot Campfire, Sands Convention Center, Level 2 Lobby C. This year’s panel is “Making the Ladder Lateral: Advice on Creating the Career Path That Works Best for You.” The panel will be moderated by #HealthITChicks founder, Jennifer Dennard, with speakers Kat McDavitt, Elise Anthony, Lissy Hu, Tressa Springmann, and Alicia Williams. I am delighted to be part of the panel this year and look forward to a dynamic discussion.
The HIMSS Career Fair is on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Wynn Las Vegas, Lafite Rooms 1-4. There will be networking and education sessions as well as an opportunity to talk with recruiters and meet with hiring companies. The day is for those new to the field as well as seasoned professionals. I look forward to sharing my insights and tips at one of the education sessions: “Advice for the Aspiring Female Executive,” in Lafite 4 from 2:30 to 3 p.m.
On Thursday morning, the Women in Health IT Mentor Meetup is happening at 9:30 a.m. at the Venetian Convention Center, Lido 3104. There will be a number of roundtable discussions with influential women. You need to register on the conference site in advance for these and select your topics of interest.
This is the second year of the Most Influential Women in Health IT Awards. The four women winning this award were named in January: Ann O’Brien, Judy Murphy, Jessica Kahn, and Vice Admiral Raquel C. Bono. They will be honored at the Thursday night HIMSS Awards Gala. Congratulations to these very deserving women!
I’m told that the results of the HIMSS compensation survey and leadership/workforce study will be shared during the conference – let’s hope that we have seen solid progress for women in health IT since the last survey two years ago.
There are many women keynote speakers throughout the conference covering a range of topics important to all of us in health IT. I strongly encourage you to keep these events in mind as you plan your HIMSS18 schedule. And I hope to see you there!
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