Over 125 Ideas, Tips & Practices for Before, During & After the 2016 HIMSS Conference

Here's a list of ideas, tips, how-to's and other considerations regarding preparing for and attending conference events like the 2016 HIMSS Conference. While I'm unable to acknowledge who came up with each of these items, many were provided by fellow health information technology people and social media ambassadors.

Before the Conference

Category	Hack
Packing	Assign every outfit to a day you’ll wear it, then remove at least 2 outfits. Also cut down on shoes!
Packing	Bring some medicine for headaches, stomach aches, cramps, etc.
Packing	Consider some Doctor Scholl's shoe inserts. They can really help your feet last longer during long conference days.
Packing	Foot roller massage, healthy snacks, oat meal packets and soup packets to use w/ room coffee maker in the morning.
Packing	Foot spray, sore muscle cream, and heavy duty lotion help protect your feet from the floor and your skin from the dry air!
Packing	If you’re worried about what you can’t see in your hotel room, bring disinfecting spray to remove germs + air spray to make it smell pretty.
Packing	Pack an extra charger/battery for your phone! Don't want to run out while traveling...
Packing	Pack Clorox wipes for the oft-touch objects in the room.
Packing	Pack snacks & tea, chargers, dollar bills for tipping, & backups of any materials/files I'll need access to at the show.
Packing	Pick a color palette for the trip... makes it more efficient + provides mix-mix - and - match options on the fly.
Packing	Print a packing list for each trip and check things off as you pack.
Packing	Roll your clothes...you can fit more in you bag and will eliminate creasing. Also pack a travel iron!
Packing	When you get to hotel , unpack & iron everything immediately - unplug the alarm clock, make sure you have lots of water and charge your phone
Packing	Wrap each shoe in a plastic grocery bag so you can squeeze them into the corners of your suitcase.
Physical Aspects	Make sure to have healthy food in the freezer and house clean for your return.
Physical Aspects	Make sure to pack snacks, mints, reading materials...and compartmentalize your packing.
Physical Aspects	Other than charging all your batteries, pack a tasty lunch/snack for the plane
Planning	Attend as many events, including your local chapter’s event, as possible. Don’t be shy and introduce yourself to someone who is standing alone.
Planning	Before the event, try to spend as much time as possible with family and significant others.
Planning	Check at the front desk for spare chargers, people leave them in the room all the time.
Planning	Create a clothing calendar for that trip to help minimize shoes/attire but maximize usage w/o obvious overlap.
Planning	Create To-Do lists for week before leaving office; the last day in office and indexed packing lists.
Planning	Don’t forget about LinkedIn. It’s a great social channel for sharing updates like special events, contests or even just telling people where to find you at the show.
Planning	Have a “rally point”. Meeting someone? Identify a location that’s easy to find,
Planning	Locate a nearby CVS or Walgreens, because you’ll always forget something
Planning	Make sure you’ve got everyone’s number. Phone calls and texting will
Planning	Making sure all your devices are fully charged, that you’ve figured out the shortest route between the airport, hotel and the venue.
Planning	Map out the nearest Starbucks, pharmacy and 24-hour place to get any type of food.
Planning	Promote teaser blogs or videos before your demos on all social channels.
Planning	Take business cards and the sales collateral and other material you collect each day, and take a few moments back at your hotel (before you start the evening), to make a few notes about who you met, any follow-up you might want to do, etc. Don’t count on just “remembering” everything.
Planning	With a show as large as HIMSS, it is important to keep in mind that the person sitting next to you on the plane, in a coffee shop, or at the gym could be a prospect, so maintain a friendly demeanor and professionalism at all times.
Pre-planning & Travel	Announce that your company will be there. You can even start a countdown to the conference to build the excitement.
Pre-planning & Travel	Bring a sweater or jacket to every session. So many of those big conference rooms are FREEZING. Recommend layers. You can take one off and put it in your backpack or bag.
Pre-planning & Travel	Consider investing in a nice looking backpack or messenger bag. You’ll need it for chargers, snacks, water bottles, jackets, etc. And all those conference materials and vendor handouts.
Pre-planning & Travel	Don’t be fooled by maps. Get clear directions to where you are going. This applies to buildings and vendor booths.
Pre-planning & Travel	Don’t forget space for the freebies. Only pack your bag half fill with clothes to make room for them. And be choosy about what you take. If there’ something really good, take as many as they’ll let you get away with.
Pre-planning & Travel	Maximize conference benefits: pick up new skills, learn about trends in your field, and make networking contacts
Pre-planning & Travel	Plan ahead for quick trips to charge your phone/device charge and get a snack.
Pre-planning & Travel	Set aside a “vendor block”. HIMSS conferences have LOTS of vendors which means lots to discover as well as specific vendors you'll want to see. Pick a 2+ hour block out of your schedule to do nothing but walk the vendor hall. And make sure you have some downtime after that block too. This is easier than trying to sneak in vendor visits between sessions.
Pre-planning & Travel	Start following the keynote speakers and listening to what they have to say about the conference.
Pre-planning & Travel	Start following the press that will be attending and start commenting on their work – when appropriate.
Pre-planning & Travel	Wear comfortable shoes and dress in comfortable, wear nice-looking clothes!

During the Conference

Category	Hack
At the Show	Pin the posts that are the most important during the show. For example, booth number or where to find you after the show.
At the Show	Use Twitter as home base for unique freebie contests. For example, 10th person to RT this tweet gets a free umbrella. Tip: Make sure to use a hashtag specific to your contest and brand for maximum visibility.
Conference Sessions	Always be your best bet when the going gets rough!
Conference Sessions	Consider occasionally splitting your sessions. If the first speaker of one session is interesting, and the third speaker of another, get up and go to the other session. Make sure you sit at the back of the room so you can leave unobtrusively between sessions. Do not do this all the time, because you want to end the session in a room with people you want to talk with.
Conference Sessions	Don’t be afraid to leave a bad session. If it is clear that a session is not what you thought it would be, leave. Go to one of your second choice sessions and do not spend 30-60 minutes sitting in an unproductive session.
Conference Sessions	Don’t tweet about how bad a session is; but if the speaker doesn’t show or something similarly disastrous happens, alert others to that so they do not waste their time walking down there.
Conference Sessions	Find booth numbers and plan your route (it’s a big floor).
Conference Sessions	Focus. Is there something specific you’re hoping to see on the vendor floor?
Conference Sessions	Go to a session that has a subject you know little or nothing about; you just might learn something and find a new passion.
Conference Sessions	Pick out alternative sessions to attend if your first choice doesn’t work out, and plan your route to get there quickly. Sometimes the room is full. Sometimes presenters don’t show. Sometimes the session just plain sucks and is nothing like the description. So have backup plan.
Conference Sessions	Skip the Keynote! Unless you have a good way to pass the time, skip the keynote. You’ll spend more time waiting around than listening to the keynote. You can listen to the keynote online later on. Or catch the highlights on Twitter.
Conference Sessions	When you’re in an awesome session, tweet about it. People stuck in bad sessions will see your tweet and can move to your room to see a great speaker they would have otherwise missed.
Conference Sessions	You can attend an event with a drink in hand, but you don't have to keep refreshing it!
Networking	Always remember the first law of socializing: act like a host. This means taking the initiative and introducing yourself to others. Be sure to remember the people you do know and that you’ve met before – including those in your online social circles.
Networking	Be as “socially generous” as possible. It almost never "costs" anything to invite someone along, bring them into a conversation, introduce them to a colleague, connect them to someone of common interests, etc.. People always remember these kinds of things and what goes around comes around
Networking	Be nice and introduce others to other folks you know.
Networking	Buddy Up with a “Wing-Person” Hunters and gatherers often roam in packs to maximize opportunity; and they join and leave groups as specific needs evolve. Be a hunter or a gatherer at the conference: consider hooking up – for 10 minutes or 2 hours - with one or more people you meet as you roam the conference.
Networking	Consider making a list of all those you want to keep an eye out for. It’s easy to forget while being overwhelmed with all that’s going on.
Networking	Consider reaching out to those you know you want to meet in advance. Ask them about a recent publication or their interest in your area of expertise. Sometimes they'll ask to meet you at the conference
Networking	Deal with Lines When You Must You can’t get away from lines. So you may as well embrace them. Chat it up with those around you. Consider this: Out of the hundreds of sessions at this conference, you and your “line-mates” have chosen what’s at the end of this particular conference line you’re waiting in. There’s your ice-breaker.
Networking	Don’t be afraid to approach strangers.
Networking	Don't forget your business cards. And bring waaaaay more than u think u need!
Networking	Give More Than You Take When meeting new people, listen to understand and not just to respond. Ask questions to help yourself remember your new contact. It’s not enough to just learn how someone can help you out but also how you can help them.
Networking	Have a System for Organizing New Contacts As you walk the booths, wander the conference center and attend sessions you’ll be collecting a lot of business cards. Develop a system so you know which contacts you want to follow up with. Consider sending off a quick email or text to potentially high value contacts at the end of the day.
Networking	Keep in mind that schmoozing is important and okay. Check out other people's nametags so you know who they're. Be sure to wear your nametag in a prominent spot so others can identify you.
Networking	Look for semi-professional social gatherings like user group meetings, meetups, sub-discipline meetings, etc. There are many unofficial and official tweetups in various public areas and restaurants near the conference and they're a good way to force yourself out of room service and into meeting more people
Networking	Make a point of asking everyone (in elevators, crossing the street between hotels, waiting in lobbies, airport shuttles, etc.), “Are you here for the HIMSS conference?" Most likely they will be and it's fascinating to learn why they're attending. Perhaps you have something in common and it'll be a face to smile at if you meet later on in the conference. Even if they're not affiliated with the conference, you'll probably have a chance to explain why you're in town and it will make it that much easier when you do talk to someone at the conference.
Networking	Make time to socialize outside your pack. If there’s a luncheon, let them know you are going to sit with others to spread your wonderfulness.
Networking	Network to Expand Your Mind Make an effort to meet people outside of your own circle. By putting yourself in unknown spaces with unfamiliar people you’ll enjoy a different perspective and expand your thinking.
Networking	Never pass up an opportunity to go out with a group to eat or have a drink.
Networking	Prepare a question ahead for someone important that you know will be at the conference. Most people encourage questions related to their presentations--even a couple of days later in the hall.
Networking	Reach Out to Speakers and Presenters Make even the smallest effort to connect with the speakers and presenters. If you arrive early and see someone milling around at the front of a room, it’s probably a speaker or support person. Go ahead and introduce yourself. During the session, tweet a question or comment at the presenter. Thank them afterwards.
Networking	Recognize and celebrate the fact that the most important and enjoyable part of the annual meeting is the stuff that occurs OUTSIDE of the sessions
Networking	Remember that it's OK to engage people in serious conversations about what they do, what they think about, etc.
Networking	Talk to the celebrities of your profession. Those hot shot people who do keynotes, lightning talks, etc? They’re normal people too. And most of them are very excited about what they do and want to share with others, so they can give you some great conference advice.
Networking	Want an easy excuse to talk to industry celebrities? Do a photo safari. Set a goal to collect as many pictures as you can of yourself with those industry celebrities. Feel free to even tell them that you are doing a photo safari, it makes a good ice-breaker. It will also help you plan out how to meet these people.
Networking	When you meet someone new, even if your interests are a far apart, you can always say "Have you met so and so? You should. I'll introduce you when I see you together." And then, when you do, they'll possibly be grateful for the intro, and they’ll definitely remember your service.
Networking	While listening to presenters, try to look wise--frown, nod, take notes. :)
Physical Aspects	Comfortable Shoes Conferences are usually synonymous with huge hotels or convention halls. You may have to walk close to a mile just to get to the location. Then there are the 1000’s and 1000’s of step around the exhibit floor and to/from the sessions. Comfortable shoes are a must, otherwise your feet will be crying by the end of the day. If you have to wear heels, slip some flats or flip-flops in your bag for the commute.
Physical Aspects	Dress for success. Dress smart. Look Mahvelous too! Does anyone really need to be told how to dress for a HIMSS conference? Who’d be so presumptuous to suggest how someone should dress? Billy Crystal summed it up pretty good with his: “It’s always better to look good than to feel good,” you may want to just worry about how you look from the ankles up.
Physical Aspects	Keep Your Heart Warm  and Your Feet Cool Conference halls are always either freezing cold or boiling hot, never much in the middle. Thus, wearing layers are probably the best way to stay comfortable. Make sure your underlayer is appropriate in case you have to lose your sweater. Ladies – and guys very comfortable with their masculinity - can keep a pashmina in their bag in case a room is cold.
Physical Aspects	Know Your Limits Most who’ve gone before will agree: one day at HIMSS is much more physically intense than an average day at your regular job. Getting the most benefit from the conference dictates that you treat it as a marathon not a sprint. Be sure not to ruin the next day by cramming too much into the day before.
Physical Aspects	Make sure to eat breakfast and carry some protein bars or energy bars on/near your person.
Physical Aspects	Pace themselves in ALL ways - especially the opening reception – avoid too much alcohol
Physical Aspects	Plan for Feeling Lousy No one ever expects to feel under the weather but it may happen. Make sure you have a few medicinal items handy so you can avoid wasting time trying to find them and hasten your return to feeling better. Some ibuprofen and antacid like Tums can work miracles on a headache, minor aches and pains from walking and/or that side dish you should have left on the side. Some swear by Emergen-C to get them through that post lunch slump. Consider bringing a supply of those few medicines we all know work for us.
Physical Aspects	Sleep, easy on the alcohol, coffee, lots of water, redbull repeat
Physical Aspects	Snacks and Water Plan ahead and bring a few good snacks with you. If you have the capacity, consider bringing a couple bottles of water with you. You’ll have it when you want it and save time and money too. Lines will be long – especially around the noon hour – so consider eating “off cycle” which should be easier if your from a different time zone. Keep snacks like nuts, a protein bar, and maybe even a few candy bars to slap that 2:30 feeling with when it comes along.
Physical Aspects	Take the time to eat meals as close to your regular at-home schedule as possible
Physical Aspects	Treat the day as "business" not a "party."
Planning	There’s No Place Like Home Establish a home base at the conference center to which you can retreat at any given time. A centralized spot or a random seating area off on the perimeter can be a much-needed refuge from the madness.
Post-show followup	Make that connection on LinkedIn with a personalized note or unique follow-up. Follow the same people on Twitter and like their Facebook pages.
Post-show followup	Now that you and your PR company have scored some excellent coverage, it’s time to share it on your social media channels.
Post-show followup	Now that you’ve had a week of non-stop learning you can pull all of that information together. Tip: Instead of writing a round-up blog, try a unique SlideShare summary that you can share on your social channels.
Post-show followup	Pull together a quick 1-minute video of the highlights from the conference and showcase it on your social channels.
Pre-planning & Travel	Emergen C, probiotics, fiber drinks, cough crops, cold medicine. Pack stays in the suitcase always.
Scheduling	Be Open to Serendipity Since you’ve left a little time in your schedule, walk around the conference center. Hang around the entrance to meeting rooms and exhibit halls. There's a lot going on in the hallways, lobbies, meeting areas and eating areas. Underestimating the occurrence and power of serendipity can be a mistake
Scheduling	Leave Some Wiggle Room in Your Schedule It’s common for most people to make a conference schedule that lists all the presentations, sessions and vendor booths you want to attend. But adhering to a rigid schedule may not be the best option. So don't overschedule yourself with meetings and parties. Meetings shouldn’t last more than 10 to 30 minutes. Up to half of you time should be unscheduled. You’ll likely get more out of the conference by deviating from your original plan a bit.
Social Media	Follow the conference back channel on Twitter where you can found out about neat things on and off the agenda. Sometimes there is a Tweet Up before the conference, a gathering where people can put faces to handles for conference twitter users.
Social Media	Tweet. If you don’t use Twitter, start learning, because a conference is one of the most useful professional situations for twitter.
Social Media	Use Twitter socially. You can find out about networking opportunities and where people are going for dinner or early evening drinks. This is especially a great tool for the introverted, as you can gather good information and focus your social time to be as effective as possible before you start to tire out.
Warning…Warning!	When you hear yourself say the words "I'll just have one more" stop and say "never mind, I'll take the check"

At The End of Each Day

Category	Hack
Planning	End each working day by reviewing your notes, the panels you attended, the people you talked to, etc and jotting down action items or ideas to bring back to the office.
Planning	Reviewing your notes at the end of the day nets better results than doing it at the end of the conference. Once you’re back in the office, it’s too late — the pressing matters of the delayed work waiting for you will be overwhelming.
Warning…Warning!	A late night in the bar will trash you for the whole of the following day.
Warning…Warning!	Don’t make non-work plans for the evenings.
Warning…Warning!	Don’t use a professional event as your opportunity for social justice warrioring or politicking or proselytizing.
Warning…Warning!	Take It Easy On the Booze It really is a small world. And cameras and videos are running everywhere. Don’t accidentally embarrass yourself to the point where you have to apologize to others.
Warning…Warning!	Think twice about going to the hotel bar after 9pm to talk further with conference people. This is generally when the hooking-up-at-conferences stuff starts getting kicked off

After the Conference

Category	Hack
At the Show	Sharing is caring. Make sure that you are commenting and re-tweeting and sharing posts while you are at the show.
Decompression techniques	Consider telling people that you’re coming a day or two AFTER your actual return date. So you can have some time to relax and get back in the groove.
Decompression techniques	Set an “out of the office” message the 1st day back home. Use that day to sleep, decompress, unpack, and give your brain a break.
Post-show followup	Follow up on Linkedin, Twitter, and email. Send something clever, make appointments with new leads.
Post-show followup	Follow up with those you promised to follow up with. The sooner you do that, the more respect you gain from your contact.
Post-show followup	People love seeing pictures of themselves.
Post-show followup	Share stories + pics. Follow up on conversations. Write thank u notes.  You can always send it to their company addresses & those are always online
Post-show followup	Write a blog post, share media from the show, and send thank you notes to friends and partners

For more ideas and for staying on top of what's going on at the 2016 HIMSS Conference, be sure to follow @ShimCode and the other 2016 HIMSS Social Media Ambassadors.