The Medical Group Management Association is holding its annual conference October 21 to 24 and this year it's in the big state of Texas. Here is our top 10 list (in no particular order) for making your conference a memorable one.
1. The Art of Vision - Join graffiti artist and motivational speaker Erik Wahl from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 21 for a general session that offers more theater than flip charts on how to make your organization more productive and profitable.
2. Preconference workshops (Oct. 20 and 21) offer in-depth discussion into specialty-specific topics and more general ones, like revenue cycle and patient flow.
3. Texas-style tailgating. Hit the exhibit hall from 3 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 21 for socializing, football and traditional tailgating fare (and cocktails).
4. The State of Healthcare - An 8 a.m. panel discussion on Oct. 22 with industry leaders will tackle how the results of the presidential election may impact the industry, how the industry is continuing to change under healthcare reform and more.
5. Fright Fest at Six Flags. If the State of Healthcare panel doesn't frighten you enough, head over to Six Flags where you can scare yourself silly on heart-stopping rollercoasters and take it up a notch by exploring the park's Halloween event, complete with a haunted mansion, high school and canyon.
6. Explore the River Walk. The San Antonio River Walk is actually a network of walkways along the San Antonio River. Walk it (or take a boat ride on the river) and check out the shops, restaurants, museums and historic sites (such as the Alamo and La Villita, one of the oldest sections of the city) that the River Walk embraces.
7. See the city from 750-feet up at the Tower of the Americas. Get a 360-degree view from the observation deck or the revolving restaurant.
8. Get your organization healthy. Patrick Lencioni, author a several best-selling business books, including, "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" and "Death by Meeting," will talk about how to maximize your organization's potential at 8:15 a.m. on Oct. 22. A book signing follows his presentation.
9. Get your cowboy on. Where else is better than Texas to fulfill your fantasy of being a cowboy (or cowgirl)? Get yourself outfitted at local shops selling cowboy shirts and belt buckles. And don't forget the boots. The famous Lucchese Boot Company was established in San Antonio in 1883 and still operates today.
10. Wrap up your conference experience with some laughs. Join comedian David Glickman at 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 24 for a funny (and refreshing) look at practice management.