Blog Contribution by NIHD President Kevin Meek RN-BSN, BA, MHI, EDAC, FACHE
Fall is such an exciting time, and one of the things that makes it so much fun is that it also signifies the start to conference season. As the leaves change and the weather cools, a wide array of industry events, professional gatherings, and learning opportunities begin to fill up the calendar. For many professionals, this is a chance to reconnect with colleagues, gain fresh insights, and immerse ourselves in the latest trends and innovations in healthcare design.
However, this can also be an intimidating time. With so many options and opportunities, figuring out where to start can feel overwhelming. If you are newer to the conference season, even knowing which conference to attend can be stressful. It’s important to take some time to reflect on your goals, research the events that align best with your interests, and consider what kind of connections or experiences you’re hoping to gain. Remember, everyone was once a first-time attendee, and with a little preparation, you can make the most of this exciting season while building lasting relationships and advancing your career.
Which Conference Do I Choose?
I often have people ask me “which conferences should I attend” or “have you heard of this conference”? There really are quite a few conferences that connect components of healthcare design is so many ways, from behavioral health to senior living, facilities focused to strategy focused, there really is a conference for almost all aspects. So how do you know which conferences are good and which ones are not so good? Here are a few things that often signify a conference with some credibility and worthiness:
Is the conference affiliated with any professional organization? Often times larger conferences are supported by associations that help ensure the content and objectives of the conference are being met. If a conference is a stand-alone without any support, that could be a red flag.
Has an agenda of the conference sessions been published? Being able to see the speaking topics and agenda is really important. Often conferences publish their speakers and conferences sessions well in advance to give potential attendees time to review. If you don’t see an agenda for a conference, that could be concerning.
Search the conference on social media (i.e. LinkedIn) to see if you are able to find anyone who posted from the conference last time. Typically conferences that draw an audience will have someone posting on the conference – and not just the show sponsors posting!
The American Nurse magazine recently published a thought-provoking article titled “Predatory conferences,” offering valuable guidance on how to avoid questionable events and make informed choices about where to invest your time and resources. The article highlights several key risk factors to watch for when selecting a conference, such as lack of professional organization affiliation, missing or vague agendas, and limited social media presence from previous attendees.
Additionally, the article provides a practical resource tool developed by George Washington University to help attendees assess the credibility of conferences. This tool serves as a checklist for evaluating conference legitimacy, ensuring you choose events that are reputable and worthwhile.
How Best Do I Connect With Others?
There are so many ways to connect with colleagues and new acquaintances at conferences, and be ready to share your information with others. Over the past several years, I have seen a decline in folks handing out paper business cards, and many times attendees are using some form of a digital card. Either way, consider these opportunities for connecting at your next conference:
Breakout Workshops: Dive deeper into topics relevant to your interests and industry. These interactive sessions are a great way to expand your skills and meet others with similar interests.
Expo Hall: Visit the expo to discover new products, services, and technologies from leading vendors. If you see something you are interested in learning more about, feel free to share your information… but beware, you could also place yourself on a sales list!
Networking Events: Attend mixers, roundtables, and receptions. These are designed for you to meet new people and exchange ideas. The NIHD Receptions at events are a great way to connect with other NIHD members and our affiliates.