In 2006 it was possible for attendees to see a coherent review of the year’s clinical and basic science publications, view hundreds of posters, learn correct billing procedures, have lunch with an esteemed professor, hear presentations from the leadership of NIAMS and NIH, participate in a presentation related to the emerging approaches in the pharmacologic management of hyperuricemia and gout, listen to experts discuss the controversies in the management of antiphospholipid syndrome patients, gain practical training during a musculoskeletal ultrasonography workshop, and network with like-minded colleagues during a study group session—all on the same day.
Busy Holiday for Meeting Planers
Planning such a comprehensive annual meeting that encompasses so much is no small feat. It is both humbling and exhilarating to participate in the planning process. Last month, I was privileged to participate. More than 50 ACR volunteers representing the varying needs and constituents of the ACR membership came prepared to develop and schedule more than 200 educational sessions and reach a consensus on approximately 400 speakers.
Prior to arriving in Atlanta the majority of the volunteers had already invested at least 10 to 20 hours in the planning process. Each volunteer had reviewed the suggestions received through the formal call-for-proposals process, read each comment submitted on the 2006 meeting evaluation, scanned numerous literature reviews, and gathered data on legislative and regulatory changes. It quickly became apparent that this group of volunteers took their charge and the proposals from the membership seriously; they did not deviate from their task.
As the committee systematically worked through each proposal, some were accepted without modifications, others were grouped to complement each other, and still others were held for consideration in 2008. If a topic had been discussed at a recent meeting, or no new information was available, or no needs assessment to support the proposal was apparent, the committee eliminated the suggestion. The entire process was extremely intense and involved hours of debate and negotiation. Miraculously, within 15 hours these remarkable volunteers had planned an innovative meeting.
Without a doubt each volunteer will spend countless additional hours in the upcoming months confirming speakers and refining topics. Knowing how much effort each planning committee volunteer puts forth, I was compelled to ask several of them individually what motivated them to dedicate so much effort and time to the annual meeting. Each gave the same unassuming answer: for the opportunity to work and learn from the experts and for the satisfaction of knowing that they are part of something extraordinary.
Attendees of the 2007 ACR Annual Scientific Meeting will find much that is familiar, but this year’s meeting will also include a few surprises.
Join Us in Boston in November
When you consider the exchange of information that will take place and the topics we will discuss during the 2007 annual meeting, you realize that the educational component of the meeting will have effects for years to come as new information and treatments find their way to patients. That is definitely inspiring and extraordinary.
