Best of HIMSS 2024

Another week, another conference. And this one is the granddaddy of them all (for Health IT, not like the Rose Bowl in College Football).

After making a red-eye flight from Bozeman to Orlando (by way of San Diego), I arrived for some interesting and well attended pre-conference forums (A.I., Cybersecurity, Interoperability, Virtual Care, etc...)

I also got my picture with Captain! Thanks to Rackspace Technology , we all raised over $5000 for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation by taking photos with the most patient of HIMSS Attendees.

The HIMSS Show Floor did not disappoint! Almost 1100 vendor booths spread out over what felt like 100 Acres. Everything from very large and established Health IT partners ( 思科 , 惠普企业服务 , CrowdStrike ) to the Cybersecurity Pavilion and Startup Alley.

With the caveat that it is physically impossible to see every booth and talk to every person, here are my 2024 Best of HIMSS Awards!

Best Tabletop: FFW

Very engaging and fun to place a 'bet' and spin the roulette wheel! The prize is nice and I would guess this booth managed to keep their cost low while also causing people to want to stop to talk.

I bet it all on black, but the wheel came up red...

Best Carpet: Epic

It was a noticeable difference every time I was fortunate to walk through the Epic booth, so plush and comfy! Their booth was so large, it seemed like I had to walk through it often to get somewhere. Which I did not mind!

Best Test of Skill: Fortinet

It was pretty fun to stop at this booth and see how steady my hand was at a childhood game we all know and love! Very creative, great association with healthcare, and easy to understand for those who stopped in.

Best DIY: Connection

I seriously loved this approach, where people took time to fill a care package that was donated to the local American Red Cross chapter. I filled a drawstring bag with essential hygiene items.

I only wish I could have also included a handwritten note of encouragement for whomever received my bag.

Best Stress Reliever: Carahsoft 's Puppy Park

In partnership with local pet rescue, these adorable puppies brought a smile to everyones face! While no special powers were observed, I'm sure all the play and human socialization will help them be ready to join the Paw Patrol soon.

We had to drag Landon, one of This Week Health's Producers, away!

Booth with Most Old Friends: Claroty for Healthcare

My first Israeli Cybersecurity startup! Good to see familiar faces and meet many of their new team members. Congrats to Kelley Rayborn (best in the business!) on a great booth design as well!

Best Food Item: Notable

C'mon, seriously? Handmade crepes? Get out of here!

They had savory and sweet options and you got to choose your fillings! I chose the savory crepe and thoroughly enjoyed it! Additionally, they had some amazing looking donuts.

As I told my wife, one thing I am proud of from the week at HIMSS was being able to admire the donuts without eating one! #OnePoundAtATime

Most Confusing Booth Placement: Altera Digital Health & Atera

Seriously, right next to each other. I'm sure the HIMSS team will be hearing from both marketing organizations about this one...

Both booths looked great and were very welcoming, only problem is being separated by one letter and about 5 feet.

Best Community: 229 Project

I am privileged to work with some of the most amazing Health IT leaders. The 229 Project seeks to ensure every leader has what they need to thrive in one of the most challenging roles. Thanks to Bill Russell and Drex DeFord for hosting a great meetup of people committed to transforming healthcare one connection at a time.

Most Unique Booth: Stoltenberg Consulting

On a floor filled with sleek and modern designs, this geodesic dome really stood out! It reminded me of camping (somehow?) and felt very welcoming. They also were giving away two of the most practical items... travel silverware and a screwdriver set. These type of items always come in handy! In fact, I found myself wishing I had grabbed the silverware later in the week!

Congrats to Shana T. for executing one of the most unique booths on the entire floor!

Most Stuffed Animals: Pilotfish

Kinda makes you want to just dive in, huh?

In reality, I did not notice as many stuffed animals at this show. It could be that I just didn't see them... In my opinion, it's usually a good idea to have a giveaway that attendees can bring home to their kids or practically use.

And now, for the final two awards of this show

Best Booth: Best Buy Health

Their story was very clear in their uniquely shaped booth, they help support care at home. On one side is a hospital and on the other is a patients home, with the iconic Geek Squad car connecting them. It's clear what they do and the triangular layout really worked for them.

Congrats to Lauren Levinsky and the whole team for some great execution at both ViVE & HIMSS!

Best Giveaway: Cynerio

A custom cartoon caricature of people! This is a fun and very personal way to engage people who come to the booth and it provides them a unique and digital memento to take home from the conference. While I did not sit for a caricature, I could see using it across every app or service that you can put a headshot in!

Congrats to Chad Holmes and the Cynerio team for thinking outside of the box!

If you saw some exceptional marketing at HIMSS, let me know!

That's all for now.