HIMSS 2017: A Record-Breaking Attendance and Unforgettable Experience
The 2017 Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Conference & Exhibition, held in Orlando, Florida, from February 19-23, set new records with its attendance, making it one of the most significant events in the healthcare IT industry. This article delves into the impressive attendance figures, key highlights, and the impact of HIMSS 2017 on the healthcare landscape.
Breaking Attendance Records
HIMSS 2017 attracted a record-breaking attendance of over 43,000 healthcare IT professionals, clinicians, executives, and vendors from around the globe. This figure surpassed the previous year's attendance by over 5,000, underscoring the growing importance and influence of the event in the industry.
Here's a breakdown of the attendance by category:
- Clinicians: 12,500+
- Executives: 11,500+
- IT Professionals: 10,000+
- Vendors: 8,500+
Key Highlights and Themes
With such a vast audience, HIMSS 2017 offered a wealth of insights, innovations, and networking opportunities. Some of the key themes and highlights included:
- Interoperability: The event placed a strong emphasis on improving data exchange and interoperability between healthcare systems and providers.
- Cybersecurity: With cyber threats on the rise, HIMSS 2017 featured numerous sessions and exhibits dedicated to enhancing healthcare cybersecurity.
- Value-Based Care: The transition to value-based care models was a prominent topic, with discussions on how technology can support and drive this shift.
- AI and Machine Learning: The event showcased the latest advancements in AI and machine learning, and their potential to revolutionize healthcare.
Notable Speakers and Sessions
HIMSS 2017 boasted an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, including:
- Dr. Karen DeSalvo, National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- Bruce Broussard, President and CEO, Humana
- Dr. John Halamka, CIO, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
These speakers, along with countless other experts, led insightful sessions and discussions on the most pressing topics in healthcare IT.
Exhibit Hall: A Showcase of Innovation
The expansive exhibit hall at HIMSS 2017 featured over 1,300 vendors showcasing the latest healthcare technology solutions. Attendees had the opportunity to explore and compare products and services, from EHR systems to AI-powered tools and everything in between.
Here's a snapshot of the exhibit hall statistics:
| Category | Number of Exhibitors |
|---|---|
| Health IT Software & Services | 650+ |
| Hardware & Infrastructure | 300+ |
| Consulting & Professional Services | 200+ |
The Impact of HIMSS 2017
The record-breaking attendance and engaging content at HIMSS 2017 underscored the event's significance in driving progress and innovation in healthcare IT. The connections forged, ideas exchanged, and lessons learned at the conference will continue to shape the industry in the months and years to come.
