Back in January, we told you why it is important to attend state rheumatology society meetings. As we move toward summer, it is a perfect time to look at some of the upcoming rheumatology meetings to plan travel and continuing medical education (CME) through the end of the year. It is also a perfect time to suggest a new approach to planning your CME. Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your CME travel in the coming year.
A Few Tips
Tip 1: Try attending meetings in other states. Remember that you can attend state society meetings in other states. It is easy to get locked into attending events in your own state, but venturing out to other state meetings is a perfect way to build and broaden your professional network. It also has the added benefit of allowing you to explore destinations you have not been to before.
Tip 2: Mix business with leisure. Attending a meeting in another state also offers the opportunity for what many refer to as “bleisure” travel, mixing leisure time into business travel. Maybe you are looking for some relaxing time at the beach or to hit the slopes somewhere. State rheumatology conferences have you covered, with some great destinations that enable you to get CME while enjoying some downtime.
Tip 3: Plan ahead. Rheumatologists already know the importance of planning ahead, but it is not just because of the logistics of taking a few days out of the office. Planning ahead helps you make the most of your travel experience. You can add an extra day or two at a destination you want to explore, or bring family or friends along on the trip. With extra time, you can schedule activities, special meals or excursions you might not otherwise be able to do. A little planning can turn a rheumatology conference into a memorable adventure.
Tip 4: Just do it. Having been to many state society meetings, I can tell you from experience that they are welcoming and enriching experiences. Much more than CME, they are about the people you meet and the relationships you forge while you are there. You might attend for the first time for CME, but the people you meet will keep you coming back.
Calendar of Events
For your convenience we have included a list of rheumatology events through the rest of the year.
| Dates | Society | Location |
|
April 26–27
|
Rheumatology Association of Nevada | Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, Nev. |
|
April 26–28
|
South Carolina Rheumatism Society | Hyatt Place Hotel, Charleston, S.C. |
|
May 16
|
New Jersey Rheumatology Association | Delta Hotel, Iselin, N.J. |
|
May 17–18
|
New York State Rheumatology Society | InterContinental New York Times Square, New York, N.Y. |
|
May 18–19
|
California Rheumatology Alliance | Marriott Marquis, San Francisco, Calif. |
|
May 31–June 2
|
Arizona United Rheumatology Alliance | Enchantment Resort, Sedona, Ariz. |
| Georgia Society of Rheumatology | Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. | |
|
June 21–23
|
Michigan Rheumatism Society | Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Mich. |
|
June 22
|
Kentuckiana Rheumatology Alliance | Marriott, Lexington, Ken. |
|
July 12–14
|
Florida Society of Rheumatology | Loews Sapphire Falls Universal, Orlando, Fla. |
|
July 17–20
|
Rheumatology Nurses Society | JW Marriott Grande Lakes, Orlando, Fla. |
|
July 25–27
|
Association of Women in Rheumatology | Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center, Orlando, Fla. |
|
August 2–4
|
West Virginia State Rheumatology Society | Stonewall Resort, Roanoke, W. Va. |
|
August 23–24
|
Ohio Association of Rheumatology | Nationwide Hotel and Convention Center, Lewis Center, Ohio |
|
September 12–14
|
NORM Annual Meeting | Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center, Grapevine, Texas |
|
September 13
|
Rheumatology Society of New Mexico | Hyatt Regency Tamaya, Santa Ana Pueblo, N. Mex. |
|
September 13–15
|
Washington Rheumatology Alliance | Sleeping Lady Resort, Leavenworth, Wash. |
|
September 20–22
|
CSRO Advocacy Conference | Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown, Nashville, Tenn. |
|
September 26–28
|
Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers Annual Conference | Omni Nashville Hotel, Nashville, Tenn. |
| September 27–29 | New York State Rheumatology Society | The Courtyard by Marriott, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. |
| Virginia Society of Rheumatology | Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, McLean, Va. | |
|
September 28
|
State of Oklahoma Association of Rheumatology | Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown, Oklahoma City, Okla. |
|
October 4–5
|
Rheumatology Association of Minnesota and the Dakotas | Radisson Blu Mall of America, Bloomington, Minn. |
|
October 5
|
Mississippi Arthritis and Rheumatism Society | Sheraton Flowood the Refuge Hotel and Conference Center, Flowood, Miss. |
|
October 18–20
|
Rheumatology Private Practice Alliance | Houston, Texas |
|
November 14–19
|
ACR Convergence | Washington, D.C. |
|
December 6–8
|
Rheumatology Alliance of Louisiana | The Westin New Orleans Canal Place, New Orleans, La. |
|
January 26–30, 2025
|
Winter Rheumatology Symposium | Snowmass, Colo. |
Joseph Cantrell, JD, is the director of state affairs and community relations for the ACR.