HIMSS 2010, the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society Conference and Exhibition, took Atlanta by storm last week. The GetSynchronicity team was on its toes throughout the week, with five clients spread across two separate halls.
How did HIMSS 2010 compare with past years? Here’s what GetSynchronicity noticed during our week at the GWCC:
• The show floor buzzed with a tangible, positive energy. Was it the expanded presence of a few key exhibitors? Attendee need for clarity around meaningful use incentives? Relief that it’s no longer 2009? Our take: this was the vibe of an expanding industry, something we haven’t felt since the heady tech days of the 90s.
• Show management reported attendance comparable to last year but we noticed a slightly expanded exhibitor presence. This small but confident growth likely signals the influence that ARRA/HITECH is having on the medical technology sector.
• Live presentations ruled. Whether delivered by a hired professional or an internal expert, presentations clearly scored with attendees who feasted on the wealth of information being shared. In an age of social media, bluetooth, and text message campaigns, it’s interesting to note that some of the best success still comes from face-to-face communication.
• Medical has begun to embrace the “wow” factor. We saw race cars, basketballs courts, sports bars and DeLoreans on display. Exhibitors who reached out to attendees with experiential activities reaped the rewards of increased traffic and staff engagements.
• Social media campaigns abounded. Results of those campaigns appear to be mixed as marketers learn where, when and how to best use Twitter and other social networking tools.
• Overall, HIMSS felt alive and kicking, in a way that belied its conservative history. Does this signal a trend towards fresh energy in live events and tradeshows? Or just a fortunate coincidence?
Let’s hear your thoughts!