Robin’s column this month referenced the important role coaching and mentoring played in her career and personal development. I was also fortunate to have many wonderful peer coaches during my nursing career and I am forever grateful for the relationships I was able to build and cultivate over that time. AMSN feels connection is a critical component of the value we bring to medical-surgical nurses. It’s so important to us that we’ve made it part of our tagline and work continuously to provide opportunities for our members to make connections with other medical-surgical nurses to build a strong and dynamic community. Given that it is September (where has the year gone?!) and our annual convention is literally only weeks away, what better time to talk about building connections?

AMSN’s annual convention is the largest event we host, and the best in-person networking opportunity we offer. We do our best to balance your need and desire for education with the ability to network with your peers. This year we’re bringing some new and improved opportunities for you to connect with other attendees.

Each year we do an orientation session to help first-time attendees plan for their convention experience. This year we’re also hosting a networking reception in advance of our orientation session so you can meet other attendees, board members, volunteers and staff prior to the convention. The event is Thursday September 26th from 2:30 to 3:15, so we hope to see you there!

This year we’re doing even more with our convention app to foster conversation and engagement. In fact, people have already begun chatting and connecting on the app so be sure to download it and join the conversation! We look forward to getting to know you before we connect in Chicago in a few weeks.

We’ve expanded our exhibit hall booth space and have some networking couches and chairs so you can connect with friends or make new ones. We’ll have a strong staff and volunteer presence in the booth to answer any questions you might have. Stop by and visit us during the exhibit hall hours. We’ll have some great giveaways and materials for you.

We’ve significantly expanded our store onsite at convention. Last year was the first time we sold AMSN branded items at convention and it was an overwhelming success. We’ve decided that you all need more med-surg nursing gear and products, so be sure to stop and see us at the store. We have apparel, notebooks, tumblers, and other goodies for you to proudly display your love for your med-surg specialty.

We are so excited to connect with you in Chicago. There is so much to see and do! Local restaurants are looking forward to serving you and there are several tours you can participate in with your new friends. We know you’ll enjoy the education we have planned for you, and we are equally as confident that you’ll make many connections over the course of your time at convention. I look forward to seeing you there!