How to Prep for the 2016 Practice Managers Conference

Now in its eleventh year, the NORM Conference is an annual opportunity designed to help managers, administrators, and physician managers take their Rheumatology management to the next level. As we gear up for this year’s conference, which will take place September 16th and 17th in Mobile, Alabama, we put together this list of three things to do before you head to the conference. By preparing ahead of time, you’ll get more out of your time at the conference—and have more fun, too!

Download the Conference App  

If you’re smartphone savvy, the 216 NORM Conference App is a must-have! Download it to your phone for free and enjoy immediate access to the conference’s schedules, speakers, maps, and more. The app isn’t just a planning tool, though—it’s also an opportunity to connect with fellow conference-goers. Make sure to upload a photo of yourself and make your profile public. This will help you connect with your colleagues before, during, and after the big event. There will even be a Click Game that will open on Tuesday, September 13, which will be full of fun items to help you get ready for the conference. Download the app today or check out this post for a few helpful tutorials.

Use the Hashtag

The official hashtag for this year’s event is #2016NORM. By using this hashtag on your social media postings (including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram) you’ll be able to contribute to a larger conversation and network more widely. Share your thoughts about various presentations, ask the experts questions, and find a fun group to grab dinner with—the hashtag is a great way to connect on many levels! And don’t forget to follow NORM on Facebook and Twitter for up-to-date information about the conference.

Plan Out Your Session

There will be a lot going on during the NORM conference, and it will be easy to miss out on something amazing if you aren’t prepared. We highly recommend reading the brochure and downloading the app ahead of time and creating a plan! There will be Breakout Sessions and Product Theaters on Friday, September 16th at 11:30AM and 2PM, and Saturday, September 17th at 11AM. During these sessions you’ll have to choose which topics are most important to you, so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the options ahead of time. You’ll also want to decide which Circle of Knowledge you want to attend at 2PM on Saturday—check the app for details! Reading through the brochure is also a great way to get yourself excited for the things you’ll learn, the opportunities you’ll have, and the connections you’ll make.

If you follow our advice and do these three things before you arrive in Mobile, Alabama, we’re certain that 2016 will be your best NORM Conference yet. See you soon!

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  • As a speaker at the first ad hoc meeting of rheumatology practice managers gathered in a single small room at its infancy a decade ago, I’m amazed to see how NORM has blossomed into a high energy organization of depth and professional meetings with parallel break-out symposia between plenary sessions. NORM has truly come of age. This is where the “business” of rheumatology gets learned. The ”guildmanship” for rheumatology practice management is now strong.- Paul H. Caldron, DO, FACP, FACR, MBA, Arizona Arthritis and Rheumatology Associates
  • In a time of demanding changes in the management of medical practices in the US, NORM has been a lifesaver to the community of Rheumatology practices.  NORM has allowed our practice to stay ahead of the many demands of CMS and others payors and has ensured that our practice remains cognizant of new issues that arise in HIPPA compliance, human resources and medical billing to name a few. Sending our Practice Manager to NORM's conferences has been cost-effective and beneficial to our practice because she returns to our office with an abundance of information that otherwise would have taken months to compile. Every Rheumatology practice that wishes to stay on top of emerging issues in practice management should consider sending a member of their staff to NORM's conference.- Michael S. Rosen M.D., Chester County Rheumatology PC
  • Thanks to all those wonderful people in the NORM Network who respond to emails, offering their advice, experience, time, and support ... I haven't even been a member a full year yet and I am amazed at the dedication of everyone who responds to helping via emails and the NORM Organization itself! I have barely had a chance to explore the resources and I have yet to really dive into requests for help still I am silently learning so much and do occasionally offer what I can! Thank you all!- Cheryl Piambino, Kenneth E. Bresky, DO

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