“To get the most benefit from the exhibit hall, attendees should view the list of exhibitors prior to their visit—which is available in the meeting app or online,” Ms. Chandler says. “You can search for exhibitors by product and service.”
Maximize Your Time
The meeting is designed in a way that attendees can select which sessions and events to attend with ease. All sessions have been assigned to one of four primary tracks: clinical practice, clinical science, basic science and business/administration. These tracks give attendees a general idea as to whether the information will be of interest based on their area of practice. Sub-tracks, such as fellows-in-training, educators, practice management, pediatrics and TechMed, can help filter a search even further.
ACR staff member Lindsey Hunter helps an attendee at the ACR Discovery Center during a previous ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting.
In mid-October, attendees can download the meeting app and begin browsing session overviews, learning objectives, talk titles and speakers. You can tag a session as a “favorite,” so later on you can easily pick and choose from your favorites to build an itinerary that provides two options, in case a session becomes full. In most cases, you can use SessionSelect after the meeting to view recordings of sessions that you designated as a favorite but couldn’t attend.
The ACR recommends determining your strategy. If networking and making connections are important, participate in lunchtime events, such as study groups or ARHP networking events. These options feature small- to medium-sized groups (20–200 people) that are designed to foster informal and interpersonal exchanges of ideas and information. Both offer great ways to learn through conversation and discussion.
If you’re interested in a particular topic, disease or skill, browse the Meet the Professor or Workshop offerings. In these sessions, participants get personalized education or training directly from experts in the field. The sessions have 35 or fewer attendees and provide opportunities to network with professionals who share your interests.
Try doing something you have never done. For example, if you are not technology or social media savvy, make it a point to attend at least one of the TechMed session offerings or attend an Innovation Theater session in the exhibit hall. Consider using your lunchtime to attend a study group or ARHP networking event. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
Karen Appold is a medical writer in Lehigh Valley, Pa.
Attendees of the Annual Meeting should have some downtime while in Washington, D.C., to visit the city’s iconic monuments, memorials & museums.
First-Time Attendees: Find Your Place & Navigate the Space
Mr. David Haag
