Summer greetings VHMA -
We are well into the ‘Dog Days of Summer’ and for some of you on the Atlantic coast, you have been having record high temperatures. If you're like me, you are loving the hot weather and sunshine. As everyone is relaxing on summer vacation or enjoying the slower family pace that comes with summer break from school, VHMA is looking ahead and focused on our next big event: VHMA’s 2019 Annual Meeting and Conference! This meeting happens each year in September or October and is our largest event of the year. For many members this is the primary meeting for earning those precious continuing education hours.
Guided by the VHMA’s mission of providing education, resources, and relationships to help managers advance and grow and transform their practices, I can tell you that our Education Advisory Panel has been working tirelessly for the past year to bring you cutting edge content and even more opportunities to learn and connect at this year’s meeting.
I must confess, as excited as I am about the content, I am always most excited about seeing friends and colleagues. As well as meeting some new ones! For me, the networking part of our mission is what keeps me engaged and coming back. When I meet a first time attendee or serve as a conference buddy, I always tell them that the best resource that VHMA has is our members. Reach out and get to know them. They are, hands down, the most inclusive, helpful and selfless people you will meet.
So, for those who may be reluctant to jump into the networking ring, here is my Conference Networking Survival Guide:
Particpate
Listen, you won’t learn anything or meet anyone if you don’t show up. I know we can be distracted with the ‘crisis du jour’ happening back at the practice. Let it go, it will be there next week. Engage in learning with your colleagues. Get out of your room, have dinner with a group, share at the round tables.
Be genuine
Every VHMA member has had successes and failures. There is no judgement. Be real and authentic. Believe me, you can learn a lot more from my failures than my triumphs. I am certain everyone has something to contribute, regardless of how much experience they have.
Be prepared
Being prepared is more than having a stack of business cards (which you definitely should). This is a time for self assessment. Think about areas in the practice you are struggling with. Yes, it is great to have a plan for which sessions you will attend. However, it is even better to get advice or input from others at the conference. I assure you that if they are not an expert in that area, they know someone who is!
Be flexible
Plans change. Don’t miss the journey to follow your plan. Be ready to try something new. Sit with new people. Talk to the vendors. Try a new restaurant. Share a new idea. Stay up late.
Have fun!
Hey, I know these long days can be tiring. We start first thing in the morning and learn all day. That alone takes a lot of energy. Don’t miss out on the fun that comes with all that. We are all in this together. Laugh a lot. Learn a lot. Share a lot. Squeeze as much in as you can. I know I am totally exhausted when I travel home on Saturday. By Sunday, I am missing my friends and wishing I had more time with them.
Live the VHMA Life
The real magic of VHMA happens between these meetings. During the time we feel most alone, away from the comraderie, learning and laughter of the conference. The magic happens when we remember all of that connection is a phone call, email or MemberConnect post away. Those friends who left the conference feeling as exhausted as we did are right there willing to help. That is The VHMA Life!
I will tell you that I have never been let down. The time I spent networking and connecting has paid off 100 fold. So, please take a chance. Come to the conference and play all in, be yourself and enjoy the journey. If you are still having trouble, find me. I will gladly try something new with you and feel thankful on Sunday.
I hope to see you at the VHMA's 2019 Annual Meeting and Conference, Sept. 26-28 in Arizona. See you soon!
Regards,
Jim Nash, MHA, CVPM
VHMA President