Tradeshow pulled out of city while industry was in flux, returns because of reforms
CHICAGO – Chicago’s first convention signing of the New Year is a monumental one. After pulling out of Chicago for its 2012 convention, the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) will return to Chicago for its Annual Conference & Exhibition in 2015 and 2019.
“Chicago is a leader in medical technology and for HIMSS, our attendees and exhibitors, an excellent, and accessible place to do business,” said H. Stephen Lieber, HIMSS President and CEO. Lieber explained that HIMSS received positive feedback from company representatives who have exhibited at McCormick Place since initial reforms were put in place last year. “We are pleased to be back in Chicago, now one of the cities and the Midwest location in our conference rotation. With the changes now in place, we look forward to HIMSS15 and HIMSS19 here in Chicago.”
HIMSS made headlines in late 2009 when it moved its 2012 convention from Chicago citing high costs. The move was a catalyst for the groundbreaking laws enacted by the Illinois General Assembly last spring. HIMSS is now the first show to recommit to Chicago after previously pulling out of the city citing reforms as key to its decision to return.
“HIMSS is a highly-regarded convention, and we are happy to welcome the show and its visitors from all over the world back to the City of Chicago,” said Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. “Our city is a leader in both the medical and technology fields, and we are honored to play host to this important event that stands at the intersection of the two disciplines.”
“This signing is a great way to propel our convention industry into another year of progress,” said Jim Reilly, Trustee of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority. “2010 was a groundbreaking year and the reforms made it all possible. We are moving the momentum forward, as we focus on ensuring our customers’ continued success in the New Year and beyond.”
HIMSS is the industry’s premier gathering for healthcare IT solutions. The show attracts 30,000 attendees from around the world and is expected to generate $33.6 million in direct expenditures during each convention it holds in the city.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome HIMSS back to Chicago and we are grateful for its role in driving reforms to bring about a new era in our visitor industry,” said Bruce V. Rauner, Chairman of the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau. “HIMSS’ return is a true testament to the success of the reforms approved last spring and proves that we are well positioned for continued growth and vitality.”
More than a dozen shows have signed with Chicago in recent months, including the American Society of Nephrology, Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), International Housewares Association, Association for Manufacturing Technology and the National Restaurant Association.
“Bringing this major medical convention back is a huge win for Illinois and will strengthen one of our most important economic engines — the visitor industry,” said Governor Pat Quinn. “A strong visitor industry is critical to driving more business and economic growth benefitting our city, state and Illinois taxpayers.”
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The Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority is the municipal agency that owns and operates McCormick Place, regarded as the premier convention center in North America, and seeks to promote and operate conventions, fairs and expositions in Chicago, in an effort to strengthen the local economy. The Authority is also charged with carrying out the recreational, commercial and cultural redevelopment and operation of historic Navy Pier, which has become the Midwest’s most popular tourist and leisure attraction. For more information, visit our web site at www.mpea.com.
The Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau is the premier sales and marketing organization that promotes Chicago’s world-class assets to a global audience to ensure the economic vitality of the city and its member business community. For more information, visit our web site at www.choosechicago.com/.
HIMSS is a cause-based, not-for-profit organization exclusively focused on providing global leadership for the optimal use of information technology (IT) and management systems for the betterment of healthcare. Founded 50 years ago, HIMSS and its related organizations have offices in Chicago, Washington, DC, Brussels, Singapore, Leipzig, and other locations across the United States. HIMSS represents more than 30,000 individual members, of which two thirds work in healthcare provider, governmental and not-for-profit organizations. HIMSS also includes over 470 corporate members and more than 85 not-for-profit organizations that share our mission of transforming healthcare through the effective use of information technology and management systems. HIMSS frames and leads healthcare practices and public policy through its content expertise, professional development, and research initiatives designed to promote information and management systems’ contributions to improving the quality, safety, access, and cost-effectiveness of patient care. To learn more about HIMSS and to find out how to join us and our members in advancing our cause, please visit our website at www.himss.org.
