Learn, Discover, Share – another hallmark INS Annual meeting completed this year and this time in a new condensed format. Down to 4 days from the usual 6 days, each day was packed with new learning opportunities from experts and providers in the infusion therapy and vascular access world while offering the same amount of contact hours and/or recertification units.

Photo from INS Website – ins1.org

This year’s meeting was held at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We were warmly welcomed by the warm sunny weather and by 3M, since their headquarters is located in the city.

Photo by @infusionnurse

Each day of the 4 days was packed from early morning till evening with a variety of educational sessions that allowed you to obtain the needed contact hours or required recertification units. Expert speakers provided quality and substantial contents while allowing time for Q&A.  The eposters and infusion grand rounds were excellent resources for learning and sharing information.

Each year, I look forward to the exhibit hall hours and I consider it as another great learning opportunity. I am very grateful to all the vendors who were there and were always willing to educate us on their products. This helps us contribute greatly to patient care and safety.

Photo by @infusionnurse

At conventions like this, everyone should take advantage of the great networking opportunities. Meet up with old friends and new colleagues, especially those who are first time attendees and those we’ve meet via social media. Congratulations to INS President, Richelle Hamblin, the scholarship award winners, to the INS Member of the Year and the CRNI of the year, Linda Smith. Technology allows us to connect making the world smaller. Even if you were not able to attend, you didn’t miss out as there were opportunities for living streaming virtual conference and podcasts.

Minneapolis is a good place for “Marys” – yes, like Mary Richards (Mary Tyler Moore) who had a successful TV show based in this city and our very own, Mary Alexander, INS CEO, who celebrated her 20th year as CEO for INS. Surprised by her staff and colleagues (and her family), Mary was presented with an award during the opening session. As a past president of INS, I had the great opportunity to have Mary as a mentor, a colleague and a long time friend. Thank you Mary A. and congratulations, you’ve made it to 20 years, wishing you more success in the coming years!

Mary Tyler Moore statue at the  Minneapolis Visitors Center. Photo by @infusionnurse