Education Rules the Show at Rheumatology-focused ACR/ARHP 2013 Annual Meeting

October 31, 2013

The theme of knowledge sharing and networking around the discipline of rheumatology at this year’s ACR/ARHP meeting was evident, both on and off the showfloor. 

The 15,000 attendees, comprised of physicians, the scientific community and health care professionals, were able to enjoy the week-long meeting Oct 25-30 at the San Diego Convention Center and the 80,000 square feet of exhibitor space.

“We look at the overall experience and want every aspect of the meeting to be of the highest quality, from when they step off the plane to when the get back on,” said ACR Exhibits Director Stacey Chandler. 

She added, “We take our position as one of the leaders in medical education very seriously.  And with the ACR/ARHP annual meetings, we are able to provide both networking and educational opportunities for those in the field of rheumatology.”

Attendee, speaker and poster presenter Dr. Mary Vera, PhD, from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, agreed.

“I have been presenting with ACR since 2009, and I am very excited to be back this year with my PhD completed,” she added.  “The educational sessions at the ACR/ARHP annual meeting are great for the scientific community to present our latest research.”

The poster sessions provided great traffic for the exhibitors. “We have been exhibiting for 10 years, and we have a great position with our booth near the poster sessions.  This meeting always has fantastic networking and business opportunities for us,” said Ranit Shriky, director of the Peter D. Seligman Center for Advanced Therapeutics at NYU Langone Medical Center.  “We have also noticed this year a noticeable amount of international attendees coming through our booth, which is a great trend to see.”

The relocation of the Discovery Center, which provides information and assistance to the attendee, to the middle of the exhibit hall added to the engagement on the showfloor.

“It has been great to have the Discovery Center right on the showfloor, and the energy from the attendees has been phenomenal,” said exhibitor Tammy McMahon, Marketing Coordinator with Actelion Pharmaceuticals.

Attendee Nilsa Cruz with the Milwaukee Rheumatology Center also has been happy with the sessions around the changes in health care. “Involvement by the rheumatology community is key to being advocates for our patients.  ACR membership helps with disseminating new information such as new coding requirements.  The ACR keeps us involved and educated as a community.”

“With nearly 275 educational sessions and more technology-related exhibits this year, we believe there is so much more to discover with rheumatology and ACR/ARHP,” added Stacey Chandler.

The 2014 meeting will take place Nov. 14-19, 2014, in Boston.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.