The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society drew a record 31,000 people to its conference and exhibition February 20 through 24 at the Orange County Convention Center. Billed as the largest event in the health information technology field in the United States, the conference included more than 400 education sessions and more than 1,000 exhibiting companies—from Fortune 500 to start-ups—showcasing their latest health care innovations and new product launches in more than 456,000 square feet of exhibit space. Here are eleven exhibitors that stood out on the trade show floor.
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Philips Healthcare set up three makeshift hospital rooms to demonstrate its newest equipment.
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Ribbon gymnasts and contortionists attracted crowds to the Lawson booth with performances every hour.
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At the NextGen Healthcare exhibit, a duo of high-energy "splatter" artists created 13 paintings each day of the show, spending about eight minutes on each one. While they worked, a host spoke about the company's products and then drew the name of an attendee who received the painting as a prize.
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MedQuist invited attendees to stop at its booth to charge their iPods and cell phones. While the devices charged, the company's staff talked to attendees about its products.
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For the past 11 years, Hyland Software has used the same makeshift sports bar as its exhibit to promote its OnBase product. The 30-seat bar, staffed by Hyland employees, served soft drinks and water during the day and beer in the evening.
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A.C.S. served fruit smoothies at its exhibit during the day and cocktails in the evening. A spokesperson said the company created a less elaborate exhibit this year and opted to put the money toward the smoothie machine and supplies.
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At the S.C.C. Soft Computer booth, attendees could win pens, golf towels, and golf balls by hitting a hole-in-one on a small putting green.
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MEDecision contracted with Starbucks to bring the beverage company's staff and equipment to its booth. Organizers estimated they served about 400 drinks per hour during the show.
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Merge Healthcare invited attendees to play arcade games such as "Big Buck Hunter." A spokesperson said the games were intended to highlight the company's focus on developing products that deliver a superior user experience.
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At 9,500 square feet, Epic had one of the largest exhibits on the show floor. The company created several small family-room style seating areas that included artwork from its Wisconsin headquarters and video of fire playing in a faux fireplace.
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Agfa Healthcare served made-to-order coffee and tea.
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