Ten things you might have missed at the ACDIS 2017 welcome reception

Last night, the 10^th annual ACDIS conference got off to a roaring start with the welcome reception. Every year, the welcome reception serves as a celebration of the beginning of the conference and a time to meet and mingle with CDI friends old and new.

If you missed the welcome reception or didn’t stay long, here’s a few things you may have missed:

1. Live aerialists: The MGM Grand helped us out with live entertainment in the form of four aerialists twirling and flipping through the air, suspended from the ceiling by fabric. In all the 10 years of ACDIS conference, nothing quite this extravagant has been performed.
2. Advisory Board meet and greet: The advisory board members gathered together to meet and chat with the conference attendees. Bystanders may have overheard snippets of CDI and nursing horror stories as the board members caught up with each other in between attendee meetings. Sepsis was definitely a topic of discussion
3. MedPartners’ costumes: Every year, the MedPartners crew comes dressed with a theme in mind. This year, all the MedPartners staff came in full superhero costumes. Attendees may have noticed Captain America roaming around the Exhibit Hall posing for pictures and dutifully setting out flower pot pens at the booth as giveaways. Make sure to check it out today!
4. Optum360’s photo booth: Optum360 sponsored a photo booth this year in honor of the ACDIS 10^th anniversary. Attendees stopped by their booth, grabbed some silly props, and said “cheese” throughout the welcome reception. If you didn’t already, make sure to stop by today for a picture.
5. Poster presentation section: The poster presentations were on display last night for all to see. While the official viewing time with the presenters won’t happen till tomorrow, attendees can peruse the posters now and think of any presenters they may want to chat with later.
6. Food and cocktails: CDI specialists have a great time together whenever they have a chance. The MGM Grand provided some great food and cocktails to all attendees to enjoy.
7. Registration DJ: Throughout the registration period, attendees were treated to a live DJ and slide show featuring some of the famous (and infamous) moments from past conferences.
8. Exhibitor raffle items: From jewelry, to purses, to technology, the exhibitors showed the items they plan to raffle off to attendees this week. If you haven’t entered the raffles yet, make sure to peruse the booths today and put your name it. You never know what you may win!
9. Us!: One of the best reasons to come to the welcome reception is spending time catching up with folks you only get to see during these brief three-and-a-half days at conference. It was wonderful to chat with folks so invested in the future of this amazing profession.

Though the welcome reception has come and gone, there are so many other great activities happening over the next two days. Stay tuned to all the goings on, enjoy the sessions, and have fun!