The HIMSS Annual Conference promises to be the must attend event for Health IT in 2012.  It is loaded with 300+ education sessions focused on the industry's hottest topics being talked about and experienced today (Meaningful Use, HITECH, HIE, standards, interoperability).  Also, at the event you can connect with the most innovative healthcare IT vendors showcasing at the world's largest and most respected healthcare IT exhibition.  Finally, all of the HIMSS12 attendees can engage with HIMSS and get connected with industry colleagues before, during and after conference through Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.  So this year’s event is all encompassing.  These exciting venues can all support a health IT career path.

We will also acknowledge successful health IT careers at the event.  Career acknowledgment sometimes goes unrecognized.  But, lack of winning an award should not diminish the importance of someone’s contributions to their field of expertise.  It is always gratifying to receive an award for career accomplishments.  HIMSS takes pride in supporting our member’s accomplishments.  We utilize our awards program to recognize the special contributions of individuals, groups and organizations in support of the advancement of the healthcare professions that support the HIMSS mission. These special contributions may vary widely due to our diverse membership and the broad definition of the healthcare professions represented. And sponsorship of the HIMSS awards and nomination of recipients come from components within HIMSS often with collaboration from other allied professional societies, academia, and businesses.

The HIMSS Awards Banquet of 2012 will again recognize some of our members for their significant contributions to the Society, their organizations and the health IT profession. Whether it’s a lifetime achievement award, a scholarship or recognition for specific activities or publications, HIMSS honors individuals, groups, and organizations that have made outstanding contributions. So, consider celebrating at this year’s award program entitled:  “Glitz and Glam” - a “must see" and "be seen" gala celebration at HIMSS12!

The category of awards being presented is diverse with such awards as Industry Service Awards (e.g. CHIME-HIMSS John E. Gall, Jr. CIO of the Year Award), HIMSS Service Awards (e.g. The Evelyn Award), Publications (e.g. Book of the Year Award) or the various Chapter Awards.  The competition was fierce this year with final selection awarded through various HIMSS committees.  So not only can you register for the HIMSS Annual Event 2012 in Las Vegas at http://www.himssconference.org/ but also you can attend the awards event for 2012!  Here are the specifics:

The event will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2012 from 6:30 – 9:00 pm at the Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV.  This event is one of the first to sell out so reserve your tickets now! Black tie optional.  Our Master of Ceremonies will be Board Chair, Charlene Underwood with assistance from Dr. Holly Miller, Co-Chair and presenter at the event.

And remember...Be passionate about your career path and strive to make a difference and learn, learn...learn.  Technology is only the enabler; individuals will be the “transformers” of health IT in the years to come!

Helen Figge is Senior Director of Career Services at HIMSS.