Users Conference 2006
Sunny, Warm and Wonderful!

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.

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)
Dr. Steve Bowman (L) and Dr. John Kutcher	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)

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!

	The DI conference staff is joined by Susan Kennedy as they cool off at the end of another sizzling conference.
Andy Copes has a few laughs before heading back to Maryland.		Tim Evans relaxes after a busy week.