Local chapter update: Sneak peek at conference networking plans

Day 2 of the ACDIS annual conference is devoted to local chapters and networking groups. Attendees are encouraged to wear sports gear or other state-themed garb to make it easier to identify each other and network. Volunteer leaders often go out of their way to decorate tables in the exhibit hall lunch room with state or network-focused themes.

This year, for example, the folks from Indiana will be encouraged to dress in Indianapolis 500 garb—we’re hoping to see someone in a NASCAR suit. The folks from Hudson Valley New York will decorate a table with a balloon apple tree in honor of the scenic tourist season the area is best known for. The folks from Oregon have planned an umbrella theme and the folks from Washington will wear green and decorate the tables with evergreen trees.

Those attending the conference should watch for an email from ACDIS Editorial Director Melissa Varnavas about more specific activities as well as check the local chapter/networking group discussion board in the conference app for additional information.

Those unable to attend this year’s event needn’t fret—volunteer leaders work diligently all year round to bring educational and networking events to those closer to home.

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 Melissa Varnavas (mvarnavas@acdis.org) and Linnea Archibald (larchibald@acdis.org).

May:

• The California ACDIS chapter meets Thursday, May 17, 12-1 p.m., via webinar. For information, contact Emily Emmons (emily.l. emmons@kp.org).
• The CDI Educator ACDIS networking group meets on Friday, May 18, 12-1 p.m., PST, via webinar to discuss the topic of auditing your CDI program. For information, contact M.E. VanGelder (me.vangelder@honorhealth.com).
• The New Jersey (Philadelphia/Delaware) ACDIS chapter meets Wednesday, May 30, 8-10 a.m., at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. For information, contact Gina Stewart (gstewart@e4-services.com).
• The Minnesota ACDIS chapter meets Wednesday, May 30, 1-2 p.m., via conference call. Click here to download the agenda. For information, contact Sue Taylor (sue.taylor@northmemorial.com).

June:

• The South Carolina ACDIS chapter tentatively plans to meet Friday, June 8, at MUSC in Charleston. For information, contact Mary Hopkins (mary.hopkins@hcahealthcare.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. For information, contact the chapter leadership team (azacdischapter@gmail.com).

Save-the-date:

• 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. For information, contact Kerry Seekircher (kseekircher@northwell.edu).
• 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).
• 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).
• 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.