As the 2010 ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting continues to draw an increasing number of rheumatology physicians and health professionals, it has become vital to create forums that encourage a sense of community and bring value to the networking aspects of the meeting. The ACR and ARHP Annual Meeting Planning Committees continue to strive to provide more venues for meet-and-greets and improved opportunities for both professional and casual interaction among attendees.
This year, annual meeting attendees can expect improved opportunities for personal interaction and networking throughout the meeting, beginning with the Opening Event at the Georgia Aquarium. The Opening Event is the official start of the 2010 ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting and will be the main networking event of the meeting. Attendees seeking an opportunity to socialize with colleagues or make new acquaintances should definitely attend the Opening Event, where they can relax and explore more than 60 breathtaking aquatic exhibits while enjoying the exclusive company of their colleagues. This ticketed event is open to all attendees, but space is limited, so be sure to purchase your ticket in advance.
Networking lounges throughout the Exhibit Hall also offer an environment that facilitates conversation and collaboration. The Exhibit Hall will be open from Monday, November 8–Wednesday, November 10 and will offer opportunities to network, relax, and watch replays of scientific sessions. Plan to leave Tuesday evening open for the Wine and Cheese Reception, hosted in the Exhibit Hall.
Many attendees find that Study Groups are perfect networking opportunities for people with common interests in a particular disease, related disorder, or specialized field of study. These sessions are designed to help facilitate opportunities for attendees to not only learn from each other through discussion and the exchange of information but also make connections with colleagues. Study Groups will be offered in two timeslots: Tuesday evening and Wednesday during the lunch hour. Visit the Itinerary Builder at www.rheumatology.org/education to view the Study Groups that are being offered this year.
For nonphysician attendees, the ARHP offers several opportunities to network with other nonphysicians as well as rheumatologists.
Expand Your Network
Networking is not limited to face-to-face connections. There are other ways to build your network, including joining an ACR or ARHP list serve. List serves are automated e-mail discussion forums designed to improve communication among members. These forums foster an exchange of ideas and allow you to benefit from the experience, knowledge, and wisdom of your colleagues. Members with e-mail and Web access can participate in a variety of ACR and ARHP list serve communities. Visit the ACR website at www.rheumatology.org/membership for more information on how to join.
The ARHP First Time Attendee Orientation is a one-hour orientation providing tips for maneuvering through the busy conference week and will give new attendees plenty of time to establish camaraderie with each other. The ARHP Networking Forum breakfast (immediately following the First Time Attendee Orientation) includes a personal welcome from the ARHP President, Linda S. Ehrlich-Jones, PhD, RN, complimentary hot breakfast, and 80 minutes of guided networking. Tables are labeled with particular rheumatology disciplines, and participants are welcome to sit at the table that elicits the most interest.
Networking at Noon is the single most popular ARHP networking event. This event provides a forum for informal discussions on designated topics of interest while enjoying lunch. Over 30 topic tables have been established on topics ranging from office manager/practice administrator issues to qualitative research. Attendees are also encouraged to bring their lunch to one of three additional lunchtime networking events on Monday, November 8. Two of the three informal networking events this year are for research coordinators and pediatric health professionals. The third is new this year and is a geographical networking event for Georgia rheumatologists and rheumatology health professionals. All three will allow time to meet and exchange ideas and contact information in hopes of building a stronger multidiscipline network.
In addition, two networking opportunities also have been specifically developed for occupational/physical therapists and office nurses. These discipline-specific networking events are scheduled during lunchtime hours and were well received last year.
Finally, everyone is invited to follow the ACR annual meeting on Twitter to easily find ACR news and updates before, during, and after the meeting. Follow the ACR on Twitter by visiting www.twitter.com/ACRheum, and be sure to use the official conference hashtag for our annual meeting, #ACR2010. (If you’re new to Twitter, see “ACR Announces New Social Networking Opportunities”, p. 16).
The ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting continues to be the premier educational and networking meeting in rheumatology and now offers more networking opportunities than ever. Broaden your annual meeting experience by including networking opportunities on your itinerary. Visit www.rheumatology.org/education for more information.
