In the Periop Networking and Innovation Hall at Periop Leader Week, vendors and attendees were trading stories and enjoying complimentary headshots for their LinkedIn profiles. During lunch, the space was busy with lectures, meet and greets, roundtables discussions and hands-on learning.
A crowd of ASC leaders gathered to test their knowledge of legal, regulatory and compliance issues during a live game show hosted by Periop Leader Network Content Manager Joe Paone, content manager. The competitive multiple-choice style game allowed leaders to use their phones to answer anonymously as results appeared on a big screen. After each correct answer was revealed, ASC subject matter experts and veteran leaders Beverly Kirchner, vice president of compliance at TriasMD, and Nyleen Flores, administrator with Lake Oconee Orthopedics, explain in detail why the answer was correct.
Nearby, vendors talked about how their own solutions fit into the perioperative space. Laina Marble, a clinical field trainer with Meta Dynamic, a surgical navigation support provider, said getting in front of this specific audience of perioperative leaders has generated a lot more interest in her company’s solutions. When Ms. Marble wasn’t at her booth, she was enjoying the Paws and Relax area with rescue dogs up for adoption. She made some contacts there talking with fellow pup lovers, and said that being able to engage with people who work directly in OR and surgical management is a huge get. Being face to face, she said, is a game changer.
Many vendors I spoke with echoed Ms. Marble, saying that the in-person experience is a nicer, more personable reprieve from webinars and video calls. Given the relaxed vibe of the room, it tracks that potential clients and vendors both seem to appreciate connecting in a no-pressure environment. Everyone who chatted with me mentioned that the biggest benefit of attending this conference is being able to create connections with some people for the first time, as well as seeing old friends again.
