HIMSS 2017

This year, GDEcD and the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, along with 13 Georgia-based health IT companies traveled to Orlando, FL to attend the annual Health Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) conference. HIMSS brings together the brightest minds in HIT to optimize health engagements and care outcomes using information technology. We were met with much enthusiasm for the week ahead!
To kick off the conference, Georgia sponsored the opening keynote speaker, CEO of IBM Ginni Rometty. Rometty gave an incredible speech on how the IT industry has the power to transform healthcare. She highlighted that we are at 'profoundly hopeful moment' and the beginning of a 'cognitive era' in healthcare. During her speech, she also referenced Georgia-lensed, Golden Globe winning film, 'Hidden Figures.' An incredible moment for the states successful film industry!

Once the keynote address came to a close, we made our way down to the exhibit hall to the Georgia pavilion, booth 3015. Because Georgia is the only state that hosts a booth at HIMSS, many people were interested in why we were there. Our representatives answered many questions including: 'Why is Georgia here?' The answer was simple: Georgia is a HIT capital and we offer the best resources to help HIT companies thrive. With more than 225, HIT companies in the state and a robust logistics infrastructure, companies find it easy to grow their business in Georgia.

Representatives from the companies who joined us at HIMSS this year had the opportunity to give in-booth presentations, tell us the story of what their company, and how they have an impact on the HIT industry. We heard incredible testimonials of how these Georgia-based companies are having an impact on the HIT field and advancing the industry. We were excited to be able to host such a wide range of talented speakers!

On Tuesday evening, we hosted a Georgia HIMSS reception where we invited attendees to stop by and visit our booth. We welcome more than 150 people to the booth who had the opportunity to network with our HIT companies.

Overall, it was another incredible year at HIMSS. We are energized by the opportunity to show major HIT companies all that our state has to offer. It is our hope that more HIT companies will find a home in Georgia, and help solidify our status as the No. 1 state in the nation in which to do business.