Social Media at #HIMSS14
By Michelle Rebecca
Excitement is building as the 2014 HIMSS conference approaches. Social media is stirring, and it won’t be long before it will be absolutely buzzing with talk about the conference that’s so important to the growing HIT industry.
Based on past years and the increasing levels of social media conversation growth, tweets regarding the conference are expected to bust the 50,000 mark this year, and may even reach 60,000 before it’s over with.
What’s New With HIMSS14
Social media has been a huge part of the HIMSS conference for years, but each year it seems to be more important than the last. This year’s conference will bring with it a new opportunity with its “Your Turn at HIMSS14” initiative.
This initiative is opening the doors for attendees of the conference to have a say in the topics of some of the discussions. Six time slots are allotted on February 25 for this interactive approach to the conference, although, conference leaders are asking attendees to refrain from throwing promotional topics and slideshows into the mix.
Getting Involved With HIMSS14 Through Social Media
Our followers can get in on the “Your Turn at HIMSS14” initiative by tweeting with the #HIMSS14 hashtag. We feel the existence of such an initiative is quite revealing when it comes to how large a part social media plays in the future of the HIT industry, and we want you to be a part of it.
Social Media Use During the Conference
Numbers don’t lie. Perhaps the “why” of it all is more important than the statistics. However, what does it mean when so many people –HIT influencers and patients themselves – are tweeting about the conference and its topics so heavily?
We think it’s indicative of what the future of healthcare will look like. Healthcare isn’t just about tests and diagnoses; it’s about every aspect of successfully and efficiently promoting and maintaining health in our society. It’s every bit as much about EHRs and patient portals as it is about the latest medical research and pharmaceutical breakthroughs.
What’s more, it’s about all of these different players working together synergistically to create a complete package for better healthcare. What other way outside of social media could you accomplish such a task? Is there a more efficient way to spark conversation and raise awareness? Has there ever before been a platform that brings together people from every level on the totem pole and put them in a place where they can voice their questions, concerns and insights?
This is the beauty of social media and why it has taken discussions surrounding the HIMSS14 by storm. Personally, we feel it’s a wonderful thing. We also know there’s no going back to the old ways at this point, so anyone who may be the slightest bit involved with the conference should be working on the social media strategy they are going to use sooner rather than later.
Getting Involved With HIMSS14 Through Social Media
Recent surveys show 79 percent of conference attendees will be using social media to discuss the event during and leading up to it. Twitter is by and large the medium of choice, but plenty of homage will be paid to LinkedIn, Facebook and Google+ as well – and we want you to be a part of the social media action.
Our followers can get stay up to date with the latest happenings involving the HIMSS conference by using the hasthag #HIMSS14 on Twitter. In addition, you can join the HIMSS tweetup by using the Twitter hashtag #HITsm. During the tweetup, you’ll have the opportunity to socialize and even play a game of #HITsm BINGO.
Michelle is a blogger and freelancer, who’s written about everything from bed bug detection tactics for your apartment to how you can find jobs using social media. She loves learning about new subjects and industries while she’s writing. When she’s not working, she enjoys hiking with her dogs. Follow her on Twitter and Google+.