Well here we are, five days and counting before HIMSS. If you’re like me, you’re starting to think about the last minute details – checking the Atlanta weather report, making an “I cannot, under any circumstances, forget to bring this” checklist, trying to figure out what shoes will be comfortable but chic as you traverse the miles and miles and miles of Exhibit Hall floor space (Answer? None.) At this point, you’ve made your arrangements, scheduled your appointments, and are armed and ready with your newly-honed networking skills. So what’s left to blog about?

Follow up. Even if you handle each and every facet of this conference with skill, grace, and good humor, how you choose to follow up with the contacts you make at HIMSS10 can, no, will decide whether or not you make a lasting favorable impression upon a potential employer, colleague, or mentor. I cannot stress the importance of proper follow up strongly enough. In fact, I felt the very same way last year after HIMSS, and wrote a blog post about it. And if I’m fortunate enough to still be blogging for HCI next year, I’ll still feel the same way – so without further ado, please take a moment or two to re(read) the final post in our Job Seeker’s Guide to HIMSS – “Hoping To Land A New Job As A Result of HIMSS? Do This One Thing - NOW!” Note: “NOW” refers to the minute you return home. Not now.

I’m excited about the prospect of meeting many of you next week – safe travels! And for those of you who aren’t able to make it, no worries - I plan on blogging a bit every day to bring HIMSS10 to you – so stay tuned!