HIMSS: Its Time Has Come and Gone

Anne Zieger | Hospital EMR and EHR | February 15, 2012

Now, don’t get me wrong: I love big trade shows. So you can be certain that I enjoy the heck out of HIMSS, which I’ve attended off and on since it took place in Phoenix in the early 90s. In fact (and yes, this does reveal what a geek I am) it’s one of the highlights of my year.

But just because something’s fun doesn’t mean it’s on target, and I think it’s worth asking whether all of this blood, sweat and tears would be better invested elsewhere. Is HIMSS really worth our time and energy anymore?

Just consider what goes into a HIMSS event. After all, you could power a small city with the wattage used to keep the exhibitor hall lit up.  Forests of trees are killed to make sales slicks. You can’t throw a rock without hitting a booth babe, a magicians or a professional actor/hawker (oh, and don’t forget the Elvises).

And don’t forget the attendees. I can’t imagine how you’d calculate the human energy involved, but it’s gigantic — 35,000 attendees, 300+ education sessions, a quadrillion exhibitors and a maybe a few mimes in clown costumes for good measure. HIMSS12 will out-Vegas Vegas...