Making the Most of CHIME17 – Tips from an Experienced Foundation Representative

10.10.17
By Arika Lycan, Specialist, CHIME Foundation

As our annual Fall CIO Forum approaches, we know that you and your teams are busy planning your time at CHIME17. No doubt you are determining what events you’ll participate in, who you’d like to meet with at CHIME, planning your focus group and making sure that you will be able to maximize your time and exposure in San Antonio.

In an effort to assist with your planning efforts, we’re sharing thoughts from a long-time CHIME Foundation member representative, Holly Rakovan. Rakovan is the senior director of business development for Enterprise Imaging at Novarad, and has attended the CHIME Fall CIO Forum for three years. She shares some advice for new Foundation representatives who might be planning their first CHIME Fall CIO Forum experience. 

“Be prepared to network,” says Rakovan. The Fall Forum is a great event, full of many scheduled networking events and social opportunities, as well as informative educational sessions. 
When looking at the agenda and trying to determine which sessions are best to attend, Rakovan recommends planning for “the sessions you think your target group would most likely attend for maximum benefit.” This is something you could strategize with your team, working together to have a presence at the most meaningful sessions. 

Rakovan most looks forward to all the networking events at CHIME Fall CIO Forums, and really enjoys the keynote speakers as well. While there are many opportunities to connect with CHIME CIOs, Rakovan sees a particular value in focus groups. She has advice for those Premier and Standard firms whose membership comes with a focus group opportunity, or for those who can make space in their budgets in the future: “I would absolutely encourage them to do this – it’s worth it for the value of the knowledge shared.” 

Rakovan has a suggestion on maximizing your time at CHIME17. “Network with both vendors and CIOs. Learn everything you can from all your sessions you attend and broaden your understanding of all the challenges CIOs are facing even outside of your specific business area. It helps build relationships and makes the most of your networking time and conversations.” Wise words from a veteran CHIME Forum attendee.  

Thanks, Holly, for your thoughts and insight on how to approach and gain value from attending CHIME17. Following her suggestions will increase the value of your CHIME 17 San Antonio experience. 

More Foundation Insight Volume 1, No. 3: