Orlando greeted the 2006 DI Users Conference attendees
with glorious blue skies and temperatures that most considered a bit steamy for
mid-October, even in Florida. Inside our conference host hotel, the Rosen
Center, the atmosphere was lively and full of excitement. It was time for the
12th annual DI Users Conference to begin.
Throughout the 2006 event, Digital Innovation's continuing
growth was evident. The number of pre-conference training sessions offered for
new users was doubled this year to train basic user groups on four products.
Plus several new training workshops and topics were also added to the full
conference agenda. Nearly 75 users attended the pre-conference, and a record
number of 200 users registered for the two-day conference! Attendees
represented 36 states and 3 countries!
The enthusiasm of the audience in the main hall Thursday
morning was contagious. Digital Innovation President & CEO, Dr. John
Kutcher opened the program with a warm welcome and then introduced the DI
staff. After a few quick notes, the group dispersed to the first of many
informative training sessions.
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Just before lunch on Thursday, Dr. Kutcher addressed
the group and introduced the DI Trauma Roadmap- an outline of new products and
services planned for the near future. DI was delighted to welcome a special
guest on Friday, Dr. John Fildes, Chair of the ACS Committee on Trauma. Dr.
Fildes treated the audience with a look into his vision of the trauma registry
future. |
 Dr. John Fildes (L) and Dr. John Kutcher
(R)
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 Dr. Steve Bowman (L)
and Dr. John Kutcher
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To complement the extensive training opportunities
at the conference, several guest speaker presentations are included each year.
Presentations provide the opportunity to learn from peer experiences and to
gain insight to new trends from industry leaders. Peer presentations for 2006
were given by Dr. Steve Bowman, WA State (left);
Melanie Gertner, MIEMSS; and Kathi Ayers, Sharp
Memorial Hospital. DI greatly appreciates their contributions to the
conference. |
Melanie Gertner, (L) Dr. John Kutcher
(C), Kathi Ayers (R)
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The DI staff felt energized by the opportunity to meet so
many of our software clients. Because the daytime schedule is quite full,
finding time to talk casually can be difficult. Precisely why "Thursday Night
Networking" (TNN) was initiated several years ago. This year's networking night
was originally planned as an outdoor event on the patio overlooking the pool
and the palm trees. Unfortunately, the sultry tropical weather enjoyed just a
day earlier gave way to warm, summery rain. TNN was moved indoors where,
despite the lack of sunshine, those who attended enjoyed some great
conversation and a chance to relax before heading out for evening
activities.
By Friday afternoon a familiar buzz was felt among the
crowd. "Where will we be next year?" This question is commonly asked before the
group adjourns, and normally the location is not revealed until the winter
issue of The DIfference is published. This year, however, DI sent the
crowd home making plans to buy cowboy boots and tour the Alamo. Get ready
Texas, because DI's 2007 is being planned for San
Antonio! We look forward to another record-breaking year and our
13th exciting conference!