I don’t want to wish a minute of summer away, but I am getting excited for August 17 to 20 when I’ll be at AADE18! It will be here before we know it, so here are 10 recommendations I’d like to share in preparation for Baltimore.
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Attend the state Coordinating Body (CB) and Community of Interest (COI) Networking Reception
Try to plan your arrival in time to attend the CB/COI Networking Reception on Thursday, August 16 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.at the Hilton Baltimore Hotel. This is a great kick-off to the conference that is open to all attendees! You can visit the table of your state’s CB to meet local members face-to-face, stop by other states’ tables to expand your network, and go to the various COI tables to learn more about specialized interest groups in the AADE network. You can sign up for any COIs with your AADE membership, so think about doing this in advance or after you return home.
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Catch the keynote presentations
I am always impressed by the quality of the speakers at AADE, especially the keynote speakers. On Thursday, August 17, Donna Ryan will bring you up to speed on the exciting happenings at your AADE during the AADE18 Presidential Address. The General Sessions begin at 7:30 a.m. so be sure to plan on an early start to the day to experience these great presentations.
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Bring comfortable shoes
I monitor my steps each day and find that I am about 10,000 steps above my normal when I go to the conference. This is great for fitness — but tough if you don’t have the right shoes. Pack the right pair to keep your feet happy! Put them to use on Saturday and Monday morning, when Zumba classes will be offered at 6 a.m. Fun exercise is the energizing start to the day you need!
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Attend educational sessions and poster presentations
There are so many great presentations to attend, so plan ahead using the online planner to make sure you fit in your top choices. Make time to meet the poster authors on Friday, Saturday or Sunday from 12 to 1 p.m. Wander through, view the posters, converse with the authors, and start thinking about a proposal you may want to submit for AADE19.
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Pack layers for comfort
As I sit here in air conditioning with little goose bumps on my arms, I see that it is 96 degrees with a heat index of 106 degrees outside. This may be pretty similar to the situation in Baltimore. So, I will be making sure to pack summer clothes along with layers of a sweater/jacket/wrap for the climate-controlled convention center and hotels.
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Meet DANA
AADE’s Diabetes Advanced Network Access (DANA), a new members-only diabetes technology training and education site, will be launched at AADE18. This new platform will give you access to information about the latest wearable diabetes devices, reviews of diabetes mobile apps, and research that focuses on technology.
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Wander through the exhibit hall
There will be hundreds of exhibitors with the latest devices, medications and services for diabetes educators and people with diabetes. Many of the exhibit hall hours are unopposed, so if you plan ahead, you can get all of the educational credits you need and still spend time in the exhibit hall. The hall closes Sunday, August 19 at 2 p.m. so don’t wait until the last minute to visit.
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Learn more at the product theaters and corporate symposia
Plan ahead for these special events. Arrive early since they can fill up. Watch your email and register early for the events so you don’t miss out.
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Engage at the annual business meeting
All are invited to attend and participate in the AADE Annual Business Meeting. I know that might not sound super exciting, but it is actually a great way to engage with your organization. It will be held on Sunday from 1 to 2 p.m. Please plan to attend.
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Get ready to boogie!
The social activities at AADE annual meetings are always a highlight for me. Plan to attend the evenings’ social events to connect with old friends and make new ones. The AADE Celebration on Sunday from 8 to 10 p.m. at the Hilton Baltimore has a 70s disco theme and should be dyn-o-mite! So, get your disco outfit, get your dancin’ shoes, and get ready to boogie! Discounted tickets are available onsite or in advance through registration.
Many of you have been to the annual meeting several times and probably have your own great hints to share. Please do so in the comments below! For those attending this year, I hope these tips are helpful: for those aren’t this year, I really look forward to seeing you August 9 to 12, 2019 at AADE19 in Houston, Texas!