As it is each year, the 2024 Annual Educational Conference schedule will be packed with intellectually and professionally stimulating, informative, inspiring presentations. But opportunities to find or elevate your Meaning in Medicine are also available outside of sessions, including, of course, in the Exhibit Hall. With numerous vendors and organizations sharing information and products relevant to graduate medical education (GME), there will be plenty of people to talk to and connect with. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Below we’ll highlight other opportunities attendees will be able to take advantage of in the Exhibit Hall, including channels for networking, professional development, and activities and events.
The Marvin R. Dunn Welcome Reception and Exhibitor Kick-Off
After Full-Day Courses conclude on the afternoon, we’ll officially jump-start the conference with friends and colleagues over drinks and appetizers in the Exhibit Hall at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 7! This annual reception allows attendees to connect, chat with exhibitors, explore the Exhibit Hall, and browse posters and speak with poster presenters on timely and important topics in GME.
Need to loosen up or release some tension after a long day of learning? Massage chairs will be available for a wellness boost! Need an updated headshot? A professional headshot booth will be available in the Career Resources area!
Additionally, conference attendees will help put together a thousand meals for Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida (SHFBCF) during the reception. The ACGME is excited to partner with SHFBCF, a non-profit organization that works to distribute food and grocery products to more than 625 local non-profit feeding partners throughout Central Florida. Through the help of food and financial donors, volunteers, and a caring, committed community, the food bank distributes 300,000 meals every day to a seven-county service area. Feeding neighbors facing hunger is only the beginning. By investing in job training programs, advocating for access to nutritious foods, and inspiring the community to get involved, SHFBCF is leaning into the root causes of hunger and helping its neighbors thrive.
Exhibit Hall Golden Ticket Game
Take part in the Exhibit Hall Golden Ticket game each day of the conference! The game is all about creating connections with exhibitors and gives attendees the opportunity to win prizes. Exhibitors have a limited number of golden tickets to hand out to attendees who they felt were most engaged in product discussions. Once attendees earn a ticket, they need to fill out their contact information on the back of the ticket and place it in the raffle bin in the Exhibit Hall. A drawing will take place each day, and winners will be announced on the Conference Mobile App.
Career Resources
An area in the Exhibit Hall this year will be dedicated to career resources, including a recruiter section – which has already sold out – and the opportunity to connect with professional resume writer and editor, Bonnie Darves. Ms. Darves has an extensive background in health care writing, editing, and corporate communications. She has reported on both the clinical and business sectors for numerous magazines and newspapers—writing primarily to a physician and/or health care leadership audience. Her corporate clients have included the Advisory Board, California Health Care Foundation, Glaxo SmithKline, Microsoft, the New England Journal of Medicine, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Providence Health System, and Swedish Health. She produces marketing communications, white papers, press releases, and education/training materials, and offers writing coaching services to executives. A longtime contributor to the New England Journal of Medicine Career Center, Ms. Darves provides CV and cover letter consultation and editing services for physicians and other health professionals. The annual Mentor/Mentee Program will also be based out of the Career Resources area this year. One of the great opportunities at the Annual Educational Conference is the chance to connect and network with other members of the GME community from all over the world. Take it a step further and find a mentor and/or mentee! Be sure to pick up a “Happy to Be Your Mentor” or “Will You Be My Mentor?” badge ribbon at Registration!
The ACGME Hub
The ACGME Hub is a wonderful resource for attendees who want to meet and ask questions of ACGME staff members. Staff members from various ACGME departments and representing different ACGME initiatives will be available throughout the conference for drop-in consultations, informal meetings, and to share information and resources.
Get Creative!
Zebra Youth Coloring Wall
Zebra Youth advances its mission by providing high quality, culturally appropriate programs designed to meet the unique needs of homeless and at-risk LGBTQIA+ youth, and also strives to meet the community’s needs for affordable youth housing, mental health services, proactive youth support, and community education. Stop by the Zebra Youth table in the Exhibit Hall during the Thursday evening reception and learn more about the organization’s efforts! And be sure to add to a coloring display piece that will be donated to the Zebra Youth Center after the conference! The coloring wall will be available during all open Exhibit Hall hours.
Nate Baranowski Interactive Chalk Art Display
Artist Nate Baranowski is bringing his talents to #ACGME2024! When attendees arrive at the conference, they will be greeted with an interactive 3D chalk art mural in the making! Follow along daily as his work continues to evolve.
Visit the conference website and browse the different pages with additional information on planned activities and events, as well as about all of the exceptional learning opportunities being offered throughout the conference. And make sure to register soon! The Early Bird discounted registration fee ends December 20!