HIMSS Goes High Tech for 2014 Space Draw
April 24, 2013
At the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society’s Annual Conference and Exhibition, held March 3-7 in New Orleans, show organizers used several high-tech tools that allowed their onsite space draw to not only book more space, but also be a more efficient process.
Using iPads for the first time at the front door as people checked in was just one way things went much smoother this year, according to Elli Riley, HIMSS director of exhibits and meeting services.
Once exhibitors were in the room, they were directed to a table where, based on a point system, they were able to choose their spot for the next year and then, to make the process even more seamless using a2z, Inc.’s online contract process, they could sign and pay at nearby kiosks.
“This system significantly eased the space draw process,” Riley said. “It was the first year we were never behind.”
She added that 30 companies entered the room every 15 minutes and everything was “streamlined all day long.”
Riley said, “The flow of the room went much better. There was ease of paying deposits and ease of choosing space.”
At this year’s show, there was 409,000 net square feet of exhibit space at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
During the space draw, there was 368,000 net sq. ft. of space resigned on the spot for next year’s show Feb. 23-27 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.
Riley said they already are looking into the future to make the space draw process even easier by allowing people to sign up right at their booths on iPads.
HIMSS12 was ranked No. 31 on the 2012 TSNN Top 250 Trade Show list, snagging the top spot for a medical show.
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