The importance of networking cannot be overstated. A good network keeps you informed, professionally well-connected, and opens doors. Which is why the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) - a medical coding and certification association - says networking is one of the most important objectives, according to its director of member experience, David Blackmer.
With that in mind, it comes as no surprise that the AAPC is always trying new things to get attendees to interact.
"We primarily serve those who are involved in healthcare reimbursement - office/administrative staff. We created a separate event, connected to our main annual conference, for presidents, CEOs, and the higher tier of healthcare management," said Blackmer. "They attend different educational sessions, but most of the meals, exhibit hall time, and general sessions are shared which offers this group of high-level influencers the chance to network."
One way the AAPC facilitates this interaction is offering attendees a mobile app. This tool streamlines the process of networking and makes it easier for everyone involved.
"When attendees get to chatting, and want to share contact information, having a mobile app that enables this is a million times easier than maintaining a stack of business cards," said Blackmer. "The best mobile apps will let attendees scan each other's badges or quickly search for a name or identifier from a large list, add that person to their contact list, and then have the possibility of adding a note with that person's information as well. I've come back from events, exported my contact lists to my email from the app, and now I have a digital reference for everybody I spoke with."
In addition to the contacts lists, mobile app features like discussion boards and group chats are elements that encourage engagement and networking.
"The event organizers have to participate as well, to show an example of what the app could be used for," said Blackmer. "It's fantastic to send a message out into the ether that you're going to check out X or Y tourist attraction nearby, and if anybody wants to join you, to meet at a certain place and time. I've had great interactions with a lot of random attendees at various events this way, and it definitely helps bolster the networking and attendee intercommunication."
He has seen physical versions of this - actual message boards in high traffic areas - but maintains digital concepts are the way to go.
"Digital won't interrupt traffic flow as people slow down or stop to read/post messages in high traffic areas, and the physical version can only accommodate so many users at once," said Blackmer.
At future events, AAPC plans to have starter questions to serve as icebreakers so people can be nudged to network. Blackmer said these "conversation starters" would posted in places where individuals will likely be. Possible locations will include on tables during meals, intro slides before sessions, or on the back of badges.
The organization also hosts focus groups during its conference with attendees that represent a broad spectrum of the entire event's attendee demographic.
"Those who attend the focus groups have one shared interest, offering their opinion," said Blackmer. "Throughout the discussion, attendees will form a bond with each other and be more enticed to openly interact with each other after the focus group."