First Time at NextGen User Group 2011 in Las Vegas?

Chastity Werner, Senior Health Care Consultant

This is a great conference; here are some tips for first time (and returning) attendees:

1. Determine whether the pre-conference is of value.  Remember you will already be sitting through two and half days of sessions.  If it is not a topic of interest, it will be better to save your energy and brain space for the other days.
2. Ask veteran attendees which presenters are the best or most knowledgeable of NextGen.   NextGen UGM is like any other event in that there are interesting speakers who are great at presenting and some that are not.  This is especially important on day two and three.
3. Focus on the “Track” and the “Level” that fits you when determining which session you would like to attend remember to always  If this is your first year using NextGen ideally you should attend a 100 level session. 
4. Visit the vendor area.  Talk to them about their services and how it might fit your organization.  Some of the vendors are NextGen specific.  Write notes on their business cards so when you return you will remember why they were of interest.
5. Visit the NextGen booths in the Vendor area.  NextGen has all of the different products on display and available to demo.
6. Visit the Hands on Area as much as possible.   The Hands on Area allows you to work with an experienced NextGen Representative (commonly trainers).  So the question(s) that you have had as to why the system will or will not do something or better yet you know it will but cannot figure out how…you have them right there and they cannot put you on hold!
7. Network- this is a prime time to get contacts from across the country of other users.  Make sure to reach out afterwards by sending a card or giving them a call after UGM.  If you have an issue it is always nice to be able to call someone that also uses the software to see if they have had the same situation. 
8. Bring your laptop or iPad to take notes. This makes it easier to organize notes from all the sessions.
9. Pack so that you can dress in layers.  Wear comfortable shoes-you will be doing a lot of walking! 
10. Allow yourself time each morning to grab something to drink and eat.  There are typically stands throughout the facility that are provided.
11. If in doubt about anything, ask. There will usually be 2000-3000 people at the event, so you won’t be the first.
12. Don’t miss the “client event” it’s always a great time!