It’s the final frenzied weeks before HIMSS 2018 – this year’s theme is “Where the World Connects for Health”. If you are like me, you are finally starting to figure out your schedule, carefully prioritizing knowing it’s way too big to cover everything, and identifying who you want to meet there. After all, it’s the gathering of the year for health IT.

If you need to expand your “bandwidth” to meet your organization’s 2018 objectives, add a meeting with StarBridge Advisors to your schedule. Our principals and several advisors will be at HIMSS and can set aside time to meet with you to explore your interim leadership and advisory needs. Contact us through our website and we’ll be sure to schedule some time together.

According to the #HIMSS18 conference site, 45,000 people will come together for 5 days with over 1,300 exhibitors, and more than 300 education sessions. Yes, it’s overwhelming for most people. Everyone needs a plan. Stick to it but be flexible and open to meeting people, learning about new products and trends, and making new connections.

What are the big trends this year? Our industry has gotten so complex and dependent on technology, the list continues to grow. If you’re keeping up with industry reading, it’s all about disruptive technologies like AI, blockchain, IoT and virtual reality. I’m looking forward to moderating a panel titled “From Data Silos to Actionable Intelligence” at IBM and American Medical Association’s annual thought leadership dinner. We will discuss how emerging innovations in AI and integrated data models are being used to support advances in medicine, from population health to personalized medicine.

New on the exhibit floor are lightning sessions – 20-minute, high-energy sessions on some of the hottest topics impacting healthcare and health IT today. They will be held in Hall G, booth 9947.

As in past years, there are optional forums within the conference. The Monday symposiums will cover a range of current topics including interoperability, population health, precision medicine, and innovation as a strategic imperative.

The Women in Health IT initiative that Carla Smith, EVP of HIMSS, has spearheaded the past few years has an even greater presence this year with education sessions and women speakers. I’m excited to be a part of a great panel at the #HealthITChicks meetup on Tuesday. The Women in Health IT reception is Wednesday evening and Mentor Meetup Roundtables are on Thursday morning. I will be presenting a session called “Advice for the Aspiring Female Executive” during the HIMSS Career Fair on Wednesday. And the winners of the Most Influential Women in Health IT Awards will be recognized at the annual HIMSS Awards Gala on Thursday night. Congratulations to all the award winners and thank you for your many contributions to our industry!

HIMSS has updated their social media guide and list of hashtags. Before, during and after the conference these hashtags are helpful as you focus on what you want to learn about and follow. The HIMSS social media ambassadors are already busy posting on Twitter and LinkedIn as are many others. They can help you prepare, keep up while there, and stay connected afterwards. Below are some of the threads that we will be following:

My picks:

• #WomenInHIT – Women in Health IT – empowering women in health IT through recognition, resources, and access
• #HITventure – Health IT Startups & New Ventures – Nurturing new opportunities in health tech innovation.
• #Connect2Health – Connected Health – uncovering the impact and future of anytime, anywhere health management and care delivery

David’s picks:

• #HITsecurity – Cybersecurity – progressing the conversation around health IT security to strengthen training, preparation and response techniques
• #GovHIT – Government Health IT – bringing the public policy conversation to the forefront and showcasing legislative interests
• #EmpowerHIT – Interoperability – discussing opportunities in achieving healthcare interoperability to advance effective delivery of care

Russ’s picks:

• #Aim2Innovate Health IT Innovation – inspire innovation for better health IT solutions, care, and quality
• #HITworks – Health IT Value – establishing a structure and vocabulary to discover and communicate the value of health IT – for all stakeholders
• #HealthyMargins – Healthcare Finance Strategy – Creating a patient-centered revenue cycle to increase payments, reduce collections, and boost customer loyalty.

See you in Vegas! Pack your comfy walking shoes, pace yourself and stay hydrated.