With more than 350 exhibitors on the show floor, including many for the first time, MGMA's exhibit hall is expected to be abuzz with activity and fresh ideas.
"The exhibit hall is a place to connect, explore and find the solutions practices need to effectively manage time, staff and operations," said Susan Paulin Schubert, MGMA's senior manager, corporate relations and business development.
The hall will be open throughout the conference. The hours are: 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Sunday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday.
Besides a place to exchange ideas, the exhibit hall is also a venue for exploring the new technology and meet first-time exhibitors – identified by a special floor cling throughout the hall.
Robert Tennant, senior policy advisor at MGMA, expects an increased number of both vendor products and surging attendee interest on identifying technology solutions for practices.
"These will range from mobile options that include leveraging smart phones, tablets and other highly portable devices, to comprehensive PM and EHR software alternatives-all aimed at improving both the clinical and administrative sides of the organization," he said. "At the same time, however, attendees will be exposed to numerous vendor security solutions-a reminder that they must also pay strict attention to ensuring the security of their patient’s data while using these new technologies."
[See also: On tap at MGMA? 3 big ones.]
Can't get enough of Twitter? Tweet Street, sponsored by Cerner, is not as much a street as it is a lounge, filled with comfy chairs and social media resources where attendees can take a break, snap a photo (using the hashtags #mgma14 and #mgma14selfie) and share their conference experience on social media.
"They can spend time connecting, tweeting and Instagramming with other conference attendees, and share their experience with colleagues back home," said Schubert. "Tweet Street is also a great place to learn helpful tips and best practices for using social media in practices and get expert advice on how to get started or optimize efforts."
Just in case you need a map, MGMA is offering free guided tours to visit the companies on the exhibit floor. The hour-long tour, with five-minute stops at each participating exhibitor booth, is designed to educate attendees on the highlights and benefits of each denial management/collections and profit recovery products and services. solution. The tour starts at 9:15 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 27. Attendees must preregister to attend.
[See also: MGMA 2013 in photos.]
There are many themes on the show floor, Schubert noted.
One example is the AdminiServe Showcase, which will connect an exclusive group of vendors in the AdminiServe Partner Network to attendees.
"These vendors are chosen through a member-driven selection and evaluation process," she said. "AdminiServe Partners will also present at sessions scheduled in the Healthcare Innovations Pavilion."
