By John Wallace
MMA fighters and an “atmospheric river” were no match for the annual Imaging Conference & Expo!
ICE 2024 stands out as one of the largest in the 10-year history of the event. The 10-year anniversary celebration added to the continuing education sessions, networking opportunities and a packed exhibit hall. In addition, the ICE18 Leadership Summit and Reverse Expo provided an extra boost to an already fun and exciting event.
Imaging leaders from throughout the nation checked into Hyatt Regency Irvine as some of the top MMA fighters checked out on Sunday before the signature Leadership Dinner. The dinner was a knockout as imaging thought leaders connected over common issues and personal stories.
The arrival of an atmospheric river did little to dampen the spirits of attendees and exhibitors with close to 400 people on hand for the first full day of the conference on Monday. Imaging leaders and service professionals took part in a special CRES Prep session as well as a variety of continuing education presentations.
The exhibit hall was the place to be later in the day with more than 60 companies on hand to share products and solutions that facilitate the many duties and responsibilities of the attendees.
Add an “amazing” keynote address and there is no doubt as to why everyone had positive feedback regarding ICE 2024.
ICE Magazine Group Publisher Megan Cabot was elated with the conference.
“Our annual ICE conference is always such a great event, but our 2024 event felt extra special this year,” she said. “The attendees and exhibitors that came to our show are top notch and I feel lucky to have them as colleagues and friends. If you’re a professional in the imaging industry make sure to put ICE on your schedule for conferences to attend in the years to come. The education and lifelong connections are worth it!”
“In speaking with an attendee after the event she said that she attends the ICE conference each year for the continuing education and vendor resources, but even more so for the connections she makes with colleagues that often become lifelong friendships,” said MD Publishing Vice President Kristin Leavoy, CMP. “Hearing these words truly spoke to the uniqueness of the Imaging Conference & Expo and what sets our conference apart from others in the industry. We strive to help our attendees and exhibitors make connections that will serve them for years to come.”
Jessica Chambers, MHA, RT(R)(CT), Regional Service Line Director of Imaging with SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital-Lake St. Louis echoed Leavoy’s comments.
“I know I say this every time I’m asked about ICE, but the networking is most valuable thing for me,” Chambers said. “I forged genuine friendships with other great leaders that will continue to help me grow within my career. I also prefer this conference over others as it’s not so large that it becomes overwhelming, and you never have time to converse with people. While it’s great to see this continue to grow, it’s still sizable to be beneficial for me to get personal one on one time with the individuals I want to speak with.”
George Rozelle from GE HealthCare praised the quality of the attendees at the conference.
“Great attendees, I like the conference in particular because it is highly imaging focused which is right in our wheelhouse,” Rozelle said. “You have some of the key decision makers from the radiology department and the imaging departments. You have directors, you have administrators, and some of the technologists staff. It covers the gambit of administration down to who works on the machine.”
Phil Englert, vice president of medical device security with Health-ISAC Inc., shared his description of the conference.
“I would describe the ICE conference as insightful, educational and inspiring,” Englert said.
Shelby McCarty, an imaging supervisor from Trimedx, volunteered positive feedback after just one day at his first ever ICE.
“The vendor expo was great for me to be able to have points of contact and interface with those vendors that I can turn to and have different options for parts and service,” he said.
The next Imaging Conference & Expo is set for Orlando, Florida in February 2025. For more information, visit AttendICE.com.
