Slay and Network: A Woman's Guide to Conquering HLTH Event 2024

Hey, Boss Ladies of Health IT! 👋

It's your girl, Reese, and I’m coming to you with the ultimate guide to rocking the HLTH Event in Las Vegas next week. Buckle up because I’m about to turn this conference into your personal runway and networking goldmine!

Pack Like a Pro: Your 3-Day HLTH Event Survival Kit

First things first, let's talk about what to bring on the plane. Here are my three must-haves for the plane:

Moisturizer or facial spray. Flying is horrible for your skin. I use Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist or Naturium’s Barrier Bounce. Both hydrate well, smell amazing, and are perfect for your personal item or carry-on.
A deep-moisturizing hand cream. This will keep your hands from becoming too dry as you change climates, but it can also be therapeutic if you’re a nervous flier. I recommend Caudalie Vinotherapist Hand & Nail Cream.
A good book. Plane time is dedicated time to sit still and read. I’ve been really enjoying books about books lately, but you do you.
A comfortable neck pillow. These are pretty standard, but treat yourself to a good one. I recommend Cabeau’s Travel Neck Pillow.
Noise-canceling earbuds.
Cough drops or lozenges.

You want to look fierce and feel comfy, all while being ready for anything Vegas throws your way! Here are the items you need to conquer it all:

Comfy yet stylish shoes (trust me, your feet will thank you)
Power blazer for those "I mean business" moments
Portable charger (because a dead phone is a networking nightmare)
LinkedIn QR code (In-app): stop using business cards.
Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated to stay sharp)
Notebook and pen (old school, but always in style)
Breath mints (for those close-talking convos)
Portable snacks (hangry is not a good look)
Hand sanitizer (because, duh)
A killer attitude (your most important accessory!)

To Party or Not to Party: The Industry Night Dilemma

Now, let's talk about Industry Night. Busta Rhymes is headlining, and you're wondering if you should bust a move or catch some z's. Here's the deal:

Pro: It's a chance to see people in a more relaxed setting
Con: Late night might make the next day tough
Pro: Dancing to Busta? Epic networking story!
Con: You might miss out on early morning sessions

My take? Go, but pace yourself. Make an appearance, chat with some folks, enjoy a song or two, and bounce before it gets too late. Remember, we're here to slay, not to stay up all night!

Can't-Miss Sessions: Where the Magic Happens

Alright, time to talk about the meat and potatoes of the HLTH Event. You'll get the good stuff in these sessions, so don't sleep on them!

Halle Berry on the Main Stage: Hello? It's Halle freaking Berry! She's not just a pretty face; she's got some serious health tech insights. Don't miss it!
The Fight for Reproductive Rights (Main Stage): This is huge, ladies. It's not just about health; it's about our rights. Be there, be loud, be proud.
AI in Healthcare: Hype or Hope? Because let's face it, AI is everywhere. It's time to figure out whether it's our new BFF or another fad.
C-sweetener Event: Be a mentor or gain a mentor; this event is a must-attend.
Now, I know what you’re here for the after-party list. I’m not releasing a list this time, but I can only say Komodo Health and Innovaccer. Stay tuned for my after-party IGs to know where the action is in real time.

Visibility Queen: How to Stand Out and Make Connections

Okay, here's the tea on how to get noticed and build those million-dollar connections:

Rock Your Brand: Wear something that makes you feel like a boss. Confidence is key! For me, it’s my lipstick. If you know, you know.
Elevator Pitch Perfect: Practice introducing yourself in 30 seconds or less. Make it snappy and memorable. Don’t be afraid to own your awesomeness. Here’s how I introduce myself: “Hi, I’m Shereese Maynard, a Health IT Strategist and a Remarkable Woman in Health IT.”
Social Media Savvy: Live tweet interesting points from sessions. Use the event hashtag and tag speakers. Hello, visibility!
Question Queen: Don't be shy in Q&A sessions. Ask intelligent questions and get noticed.
Network Like a Netflix Series: Make it binge-worthy! Talk to everyone, but make each conversation count.
LinkedIn Love: Connect with people you meet right away. Send a personalized message mentioning where you met.
Be a Groupie (in a good way): Attend speaker meet-and-greets. It's your chance to chat with the big names!
Host a Mini-Meetup: Organize a small get-together for women in your specific niche. Coffee, anyone? Trust me, it works.
Volunteer Vibes: If possible, volunteer at the event. It's a great way to meet organizers and speakers.
Follow-Up Finesse: After the event, send follow-up emails and social media connection requests to your new contacts. Keep the conversation going!

Wrap It Up: Your HLTH Event Game Plan

Alright, ladies, let's recap our domination strategy:

Pack smart: Comfort meets style
Industry Night: Make an appearance, but don't overdo it
Hit those key sessions: Halle Berry, Reproductive Rights, and more
Network like a boss: Be visible, be memorable, be you

Remember, you're not just attending the HLTH Event; you're conquering it. You've got the skills, the smarts, and now the inside scoop. Go out there and show the health IT world what you're made of!

And hey, if you see me there, come say hi! We can take a selfie for the gram and maybe even plan world domination over coffee. ☕️

Now go get 'em, Sis! The HLTH Event won't know what hit it! 💥