Local chapter update: Use a checklist to make sure events go off without a hitch

Chapter events can get complicated quickly—from finding a venue, to finding speakers, to setting up the educational space, to applying for continuing education credits (CEU). ACDIS suggests chapter leaders employ an event planning checklist to help keep track of all the to-dos leading up to your next event.

For an example, take a look at some of what the North Carolina local chapter includes on their list:

1. Select a location
   
   1. Venue should accommodate approximately 40-50 people, depending on the size of your chapter/networking group
   2. Room should be equipped with microphone, stand, screen, projector, and laptop
2. Select a date
   
   1. Date should first fit the needs/availability of the host facility, then the needs/desires of the local membership
3. Tables
   
   1. Seating arrangement for attendees: Determine whether the group will have classroom style, auditorium, circular table settings
   2. Registration requires a table with two chairs near electrical outlet and WiFi or internet connection if possible for online registration (using the online membership roster)
   3. Table for food drive/other donations if applicable
   4. Table for raffle items
   5. Lunch information/table for buffet if applicable
4. Local recommended hotels (for interested participants)
5. Venue is responsible for all signs and physical address as well as providing directions and additional instructions
6. Hosting facility, if possible, will provide water and coffee for breakfast, and water throughout the event

Additionally, the North Carolina chapter includes a list of other responsibilities for their leadership team, including speaker recruitment, speaker evaluations, creating save-the-date flyers, communicating with chapter membership, applying for CCDS CEUs, and coordinating with the host facility or vendor for meals.

While this has been a successful list for this particular chapter, you may want to modify it for your particular chapter’s needs (for example, if your chapter works with vendors, it’ll need to outline those steps as well). You can download the checklist in the Leadership Toolkit on the local chapter homepage.

If you need additional help planning your next event, email Associate Editorial Director Melissa Varnavas (mvarnavas@acdis.org) and Editor Linnea Archibald (larchibald@acdis.org).

The following is a list of upcoming events for ACDIS local chapters. If you have an upcoming event you would like to include, please email Varnavas and Archibald.

June:

• The Connecticut ACDIS chapter meets on Thursday, June 14, 1:30-3 p.m., at the Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain. For information, contact Nancy Napolitano (napolitanonancy@hotmail.com).
• The Maryland ACDIS chapter meets on Friday, June 15, 12-2 p.m., at the Maryland Hospital Association in Elkridge. The topic will be CCDS exam preparation. For information, contact Candace Blankenship (evalani3@msn.com).
• The Massachusetts ACDIS chapter meets Thursday, June 21, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. Agenda to follow. For information, contact Lara Faustino (lara.faustino@bmc.org).
• The CDI Educator ACDIS networking group meets Friday, June 22, 12-1 p.m., via webinar. For information, contact M.E. VanGelder (me.vangelder@honorhealth.com).
• The Arizona ACDIS chapter meets Saturday, June 23, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Brady Conference Center, HonorHealth-Scottsdale Shea Campus. Click here to download the save-the-date flyer. Please RSVP by Monday, June 18. For information and to RSVP, contact the chapter leadership team (azacdischapter@gmail.com) and Debra Beisel Denton (debra.beiseldenton@mihs.org).

July:

• The Kansas City Missouri ACDIS chapter meets Wednesday, July 11, 2-3 p.m. CST, via webinar. For information, contact Angelica Naylor (angelica.naylor@nkch.org).
• The Westchester/Hudson Valley ACDIS chapter meets Thursday, July 12, 2-4 p.m., at Greater Hudson Valley Health System at the Orange Regional Medical Center Campus, with special guest ACDIS Director Brian Murphy. For information, contact Kerry Seekircher (kseekircher@northwell.edu).
• The Washington Evergreen ACDIS chapter meets on Friday, July 20, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., via webinar. Click here to download the save-the-date. For information, contact the chapter leadership team (evergreenacdis@gmail.com).

August:

• The Massachusetts ACDIS chapter, along with the New England components of AHIMA, meet Friday, August 3, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Baystate Health Educational Center in Springfield. More details to follow. For information, contact Aimee Van Balen (avanbalen@lifespan.org).
• The CDI Educator ACDIS networking group meets Friday, August 10, 12-1 p.m. PST, via webinar. For information, contact M.E. VanGelder (me.vangelder@honorhealth.com).
• The North Carolina ACDIS chapter meets Friday, August 24, for their summer conference at Mission Health in Asheville. For information, contact the leadership team (ncacdis@gmail.com).

Save-the-date:

• The Maryland ACDIS chapter meets on Friday, September 14, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Towson. Click here to download the save-the-date flyer. For information, contact Candace Blankenship (evalani3@msn.com).
• The Washington Evergreen ACDIS chapter meets on Friday, September 28, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Trios Women's and Children's Hospital in Kennewick. Click here to download the save-the-date. For information, contact the leadership team (evergreenacdis@gmail.com).
• The Massachusetts ACDIS chapter meets Wednesday, October 17, 1-4 p.m., at Kent Hospital in Warwick, Rhode Island. For information, contact Joyce Williams (JWilliams@Lifespan.org).
• Missouri's three ACDIS chapters meet Saturday, October 20, for the third annual Show Me State conference at SSM DePaul in St. Louis. For information, contact Mariann Dinello (mariann.dinello@ssmhealth.com) or 314-344-6286.