Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone, Making New Connections: Lessons From My First Year on the Annual Meeting Design Team

During my time as an AHRA member, the 2024 Annual Meeting was the third one I’ve attended, but the first time I’ve been part of the on-site Annual Meeting Design Team (AMDT). Before I signed up to volunteer for the AMDT, I wasn't sure what I was getting into. At past events, I noticed the team in well-themed shirts, but never interacted with them much.

Having been on the other side now — as someone sporting one of those well-themed shirts — I want to share four takeaways from my time at the event.

1. It’s good to get out of your comfort zone. 

When I signed up to help at the annual conference, I thought I was just signing up to scan attendees in and out of sessions for continuing education (CE) credit. My goal was to help ensure a smooth conference and make sure all attendees had everything they needed to get their CE and learn from the amazing sessions. What I did not necessarily think about was getting up and introducing each speaker during their session. Or, even more frightening, getting on stage and lip syncing “You’re the One That I Want” in front of 700+ people with a bunch of people dressed in blow-up flamingos. (Yes, that really happened!)

If you knew me prior to the Annual Meeting, you would know that I do not enjoy being in front of large crowds. If you asked any of the other AMDT members, they knew I was dreading getting up on stage.

Monday morning’s opening session came quickly, and the AMDT had their flamingos ready to go. Before I knew it, my background lip-syncing debut was over without any falls or issues.

As I reflected on getting up there on stage, I found that dreading that moment wasted my time and energy. Stepping out of my comfort zone led me to a stronger connection with everyone at the Annual Meeting. No one was there to judge me; rather everyone was there to support me! What a great first lesson that I learned. 

2. We are all looking for a better way to support our patients. 

I sat through several well-attended sessions, learning about CT dose and image quality measures, how to grow your leaders, leveraging kindness, and so much more. As I sat in each room, I reflected on how I operate in my current role. As the sessions ended, attendees asked thoughtful questions I also had on my mind.

In talking to others afterward, it occurred to me that many of us face similar issues and we were attending this conference to find better solutions. The presenters’ knowledge, combined with attendees’ shared interest in learning, shows the progress we’re making in this field, all for the benefit of our patients. 

3. Take the time to network with vendors.

It's time to be honest. In the past, I didn’t spend much time in the exhibit hall with vendors. Sure, I would swing through, grab some goodies, and speak to the vendors from my local area, but that was pretty much the extent of it. I didn’t take the time to stop and learn. But this year was different.

This year I spent time learning from each vendor about what they offer and how it can help me — or more importantly, how it can help the patients my team serves in Southern Ohio. I made great connections and learned about products that my team and I can implement in the future.

When you make the trip to Vegas next year, I encourage each of you to take time to talk with our vendors partners. Learn what they have to offer and make sure to thank them for their support of AHRA. Their support makes the conference possible.

4. Don’t miss out on networking with your colleagues. 

This one is probably a no-brainer for most, but for my introverted self? Not so much. At past AHRA Annual Meetings, I didn't spend much time connecting. I went to sessions, received credit, and made my way back to the room. This year was different. This year my role was to make sure I connected with my colleagues, and it really changed how much fun the conference was.

I spent time learning everything from how other facilities operated to which football teams my fellow AHRA members cheered for. (While I’m a huge Cincinnati Bengals fan, I learned about a lot of your favorite football teams — or in the case of speaker Robert Junk, a huge Kansas City Chiefs fan!)

This year I also attended many of the after-hours receptions and award get togethers. These events are made specifically for connecting with our peers. We can learn about each other, discuss work topics, and my personal favorite — build lasting friendships through these times at AHRA. 

I had a great time at the 2024 Annual Meeting in Orlando! If you have any interest in volunteering with AHRA, please visit their website to see current openings and watch for the 2025 call for volunteers in the first few months of the year. Next year when we make our way to Vegas, make sure you come and find me so we can connect. 

Editor’s Note: Save the date! The 2025 Annual Meeting will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, August 3-6 at the Paris Las Vegas. Learn more and catch up on recordings and photos from the 2024 Annual Meeting here on our website.