By John Wallace, Editor
Music City USA hosted the 2018 OR Today Live Surgical Conference with wild success. More than 100 people were on hand for the fifth annual OR Today Live Surgical Conference as its continues to grow each year.
The 2018 version welcomed perioperative professionals from around the nation including attendees from South Dakota, Nevada, Iowa and more! The exhibit hall included leading companies with perioperative solutions from near and far, including California, New York, Chicago, Florida, the Washington, D.C. area to name just a few.
The Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI) provided a reason to arrive early with a pre-conference prep course. The CSSM Exam Prep Course delivered educational sessions for those seeking the certification.
Top-notch education continued throughout the conference with an opportunity to earn up to 11 CEUs by attending sessions on Monday and Tuesday. An informative keynote address and luncheon as well as CE Super Sessions provided even more educational opportunities to those in attendance. The keynote address by Ken Perez, vice president of healthcare policy for Omnicell, explored the nation’s health policy and what can be expected in the future.
Informal education as also available during the entire conference thanks to OR Today Live’s signature networking events, including a Welcome Reception that packed the exhibit hall on Sunday night. Attendees and exhibitors were able to share their insights in a relaxed atmosphere. OR Today magazine was excited to sponsor the welcome reception and provide complimentary gourmet food and beverages to all.
MD Publishing Vice President Kristin Leavoy explained how the 2018 conference offered attendees a unique experience.
“This year’s OR Today Live conference had an energy about it that was unlike any other in years past. Attendees we abuzz about the incredible speaker line-up and the opportunity to be able to follow-up with the presenters after classes to get more information on the topics discussed – something they are rarely, if ever, able to do at other conferences,” Leavoy said. “Not to mention the ability to network one-on-one with fellow colleagues and industry peers! OR Today Live sets a pace for the conference that allows for networking time so that it’s not constantly go, go, go for attendees.”
Bob Gaw from Physicians Resource Network Inc. (PRN) travelled from Boston, Massachusetts to exhibit at OR Today Live and was impressed with the very beginning.
“I thought the welcome reception was excellent,” Gaw said. “Everybody stopped by our booth. I thought it was real good. (OR Today Live) is a smaller conference and you get a chance to meet everyone. You also have time to talk to everyone. I would definitely say it’s a good show.”
Jeff Taltavull from AIV also enjoyed being able to make a connection with attendees in the exhibit hall.
“Intimacy” is the word Taltavull used to describe the atmosphere at OR Today Live.
“In this crowd and environment, I get more one-on-one time. It is easy to engage,” he added. “Everyone says it’s a great learning environment and very intimate. I’ve heard it referred to as a smaller AORN (conference).”
Following another day of top-flight education, exhibit hall access and a fun door prize drawing, attendees were treated to another signature event thanks to another generous sponsor. AIV Inc. backed a rooftop party in the heart of music city with live music, delicious food and craft beer and signature cocktails at Rock Bottom Brewery on Broadway in downtown Nashville.
Jon Frey, who came all the way from Alaska, said he decided to attend OR Today Live for the CSSM Exam Prep Course and was impressed by the presenters at the conference. His colleague Kara Moore echoed his thoughts.
“I feel like I’m leaving well informed,” Moore said.
Tanya Joyce from Coteau des Prairies Health Care System said this was her first time to attend the OR Today Live Surgical Conference.
“I think it is really good. It is really informative,” Joyce said. “I think it’s the perfect size. The classrooms are small so you can ask questions and bounce ideas off each other.”
One of the benefits Joyce liked was being able to talk with perioperative professionals from much larger health care systems who are experiencing the same problems her staff is having to overcome and share ideas and approaches to find solutions.
For information about the next OR Today Live Surgical Conference, including dates, location and special discounts, visit ORTodayLive.com and sign up for the e’newsletter at the bottom of the page.
