One of the largest annual EMS conferences is taking place in Atlanta this week and I’m excited to be there. I always enjoy this show and usually have a few specific goals each year. I’ve taken on some new ventures and responsibilities since last fall, so my to-do list looks a little different this year, but I can’t wait to tackle it. Here’s a glimpse at my plan, in no particular order, to make the most of EMS Expo 2009. Do you have a plan?…
- Spend quality time with the great people of EMS
As is typical with annual conferences, it’s a time to catch up with acquaintances and meet some new people. This year, my list of people to track down is longer than ever. In addition to the many folks I want to catch up with, I’ve met a ton of people via social media and other networking over the past several months that I’m planning to meet face-to-face for the first time this week. That personal connection is important to me, so this is firmly planted at the top of my list. Do you have a short list of people to meet? - Help introduce EMS Expo to social media
I’m thrilled to meet Chris Montera (@geekymedic), Greg Friese (@gfriese), Thaddeus Setla (@setla), Jamie Davis (@podmedic) and the entire social media team for EMS Expo, and to work with them on live podcasting from the show floor. I dove deep into social media several months ago and never looked back. Having connected with these guys on Twitter for so long, I’m really looking forward to meeting in-person and teaming up to share the valuable content from the show with folks across the globe. Watch for us at http://www.emsexpolive.com. - Introduce my new baby, seek input and prepare for big changes
I couldn’t be more excited to “launch” my new blog for EMS this week. I say “launch” only because it’s really more of a gentle nudge off the shore, than a full-fledged launch into the open waters, but it’s the start of something I’m determined to make great. I plan to use this week to ask questions and listen a LOT. I want to know what EMS wants in a new blog, how I can uniquely help provide it and, as Gary Vaynerchuk (@garyvee) says in his new book, “Crush It!,” what makes “me authentically me.” Meet Baseline Vitals. I’d love to hear what you think. - Make new connections for the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation
Among my client work, I’m really pleased to be directing media relations and social media for the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation. I’ve been working for close to ten years, in various capacities, on SCA awareness programs, something that has a very personal connection for me, so this client work is highly rewarding. I’m looking forward to spreading the word about our campaigns and making new connections to help further that cause. Are non-profits on your radar? - Tackle the exhibit floor and seek out the best and brightest new stuff
It wouldn’t be a tradeshow without the manufacturers and organizations exhibiting their products and services. Honestly, I love this part. It’s a unique opportunity to explore and find some of the hottest new solutions and trends in EMS, all in one place. I’ve earmarked a few booths that I want to be sure to visit, and I know there will be others that will catch my eye once I’m walking the floor. And, of course, there are the standards that always get my visit. I know I’ll meet some fascinating people with interesting ideas. What are you looking forward to checking out? - Have some fun already
We work hard in EMS, but we sure know how to party hard too. I’ve found Tweetups (link def) are a great way to bridge the two. They often provide an opportunity for some great networking in a more casual environment. I’m thrilled to be hosting a Tweetup on Thursday, October 29 at 7:00pm at STATS. They’ll have a food & drink special for us #EMSExpo folks, the social media crew from the show will be there, and you’re invited to join us. You coming? Let me know on Twitter, or email me at carissao AT carissao.com so I can prepare STATS for our crowd. If you want to sponsor the Tweetup, please call me at 978-875-2020.
Atlanta, here I come…
