Connecting Health IT, also known as conhIT, is the leading health IT industry event in Europe. And on April 19-21 all health IT professionals will enjoy a new meeting at Berlin Exhibition Grounds to discover the latest innovations in software for hospitals, IT solutions or medical engineering among other topics. Ursula Baumann, Senior Project Manager for conhIT, talks about all the novelties for 2016's edition and offers us some tips to make the best on our exhibition.
conhIT has become Europe‘s leading event for health IT. What sets conhIT apart from other similar fairs?
conhIT has now attained a unique standing in the European market. All the leading market players are represented in Berlin and from year to year the Industrial Fair is not only expanding, it is also becoming more wide-ranging. conhIT also attracts more and more trade visitors. With 450 exhibitors in its ninth year, the fair has grown to an extent that it is able to provide a concentrated overview of the entire market. Word has also got around abroad and we look forward to increasing numbers of international trade visitors.
conhIT’s popularity is the result of an increasing number of event formats which are in tune with industry developments and succeed in gathering all the healthcare players involved. With regard to digitalization in this sector conhIT’s focus is also on the growing demand for specialists. By offering career services conhIT actively supports companies in their search for new talent.
The show has a high standing within the European industry. How important is conhIT on the calendar of events in this field?
The ongoing process of digitalization goes hand in hand with increasing data security demands and ever-closer networking among all the relevant players. Thus, it is all the more important to maintain an overview of market products and services. At the Congress and Networking Events, all the relevant industry topics will be discussed.
conhIT also offers exhibitors an ideal environment for finding out information, establishing new contacts and doing business. They can put their budget to extremely efficient use by focusing their marketing activities once a year on this event.
What is new in the 2016 edition?
As an example, for the first time at conhIT 2016, the combined stand of leading Estonian companies will be showing how forward-looking IT solutions make it possible to network with their neighbours across borders.
This year, for the first time there will be a partnership with Germany and Invest (GTAI). At conhIT, GTAI is organising an International Networking Lounge which in particular caters to the needs of foreign delegations. This is where they can present their region to an interested audience of experts and where they can obtain expert information about the German health IT market.
Following its introduction in 2015, the mobile health ZONE will be expanding this year. In this section established companies and startups will be displaying mobile solutions that target both trade visitors and the consumer.
Numerous companies are presenting their new products at conhIT. For example, Philips is showing its first Smart Voice Recorder which features a completely new technological approach, one which combines the advantages of a smartphone with the functions of a professional dictation machine. All the Trade Fair.
An exhibition such as conhIT attracts numerous national and international companies. Do you have any tips for first-time exhibitors in Berlin? (venue regulations, customs, protocol...)
Many exhibitors focus on taking part in the show but neglect their preparations and a subsequent evaluation of the results. This includes networking in the run-up to the event, for example through the conhIT Virtual Marketplace, sending out invitations, or making use of social media which discuss trade fair topics.
Exhibitors should also download the conhIT app to their mobile phone, which makes it easier to find one’s way around the grounds. They should also take part in evening receptions, attend the convention and make use of other networking opportunities, such as discussions and presentations in the International Networking Lounge.
Besides the exhibition and wide-ranging Congress programme, what events can you especially recommend?
Key topics at the congress will include IT in nursing, mobility and apps, IT strategies, IT management and inter-sectoral communication and naturally IT security. For international trade visitors, we recommend a visit to the session on ’International Markets – Cracking the European Code“ on 20 April 2016. It focuses on the European market and highlights individual levels of digitalization and networking among these countries. European regulations are already impacting on the healthcare markets of individual countries and this influence is likely to increase. At this session, we want to examine ways in which cooperation across borders could function and what will happen when tablet PCs meet notepads. Simultaneous interpreting into English is provided at all the sessions.
Give us some reasons why we should not miss conhIT.
- conhIT provides trade visitors with an outstanding platform for exchanging expert views, not just with one another, but also with representatives of politics and science.
- At the Industrial, Fair exhibitors will be showcasing their innovative products and solutions to users and decision-makers and highlight the potential of IT in healthcare.
- Users can find out about solutions and assess the potential benefits for their own facilities and institutions.
Finally, can you give us some attendance figures for last year’s event?
Last year 388 exhibitors from 14 countries showcased the role of IT in the healthcare system and the innovative solutions that systems can provide to help improve safety, efficiency and quality. Covering a display area of 15,000 square metres across the halls and adjacent conference rooms, conhIT provided opportunities for advanced training, exchanging information and networking.
Around 150 events took place at the Congress, the Academy and on numerous display areas. Approximately 7,500 trade visitors from Germany and abroad came to find out the latest information in Berlin.
