The Exhibit Hall Is the Place to Be!

It’s been a long and lonely two years of virtual meetings and online learning since the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020. Now it’s time to step away from your computer, close your Zoom program, and gather with old and new colleagues to learn in person and mingle at APA’s 2022 Annual Meeting in New Orleans.

After this two-year hiatus, exhibitors are looking forward to interacting with attendees and sharing information about their newest products and services related to psychiatry. Exhibitors will be listed in the “Scheduler” available at Registration and on the APA Meetings App. The “Scheduler” is replacing the large, unwieldy Annual Meeting Program Guide.

APA’s plans for this year’s meeting began by putting safety first—all APA staff, attendees, exhibitors, and vendors must upload proof of full vaccination and follow all health and safety guidelines. In addition to safety planning, APA has given the Exhibit Hall—an integral part of the meeting—a shot in the arm this year by special scheduling and new features. Blocks of free time—for a total of 3.5 hours a day—have been reserved between sessions so attendees don’t have to choose between visiting the Exhibit Hall and attending sessions.

A number of non-CME presentations will be offered in the Exhibit Hall: 60-minute Product Showcases, 20-minute Huddles, and 30-minute Coffee & Conversations sessions. Huddles and Coffee & Conversations are new to the in-person meeting; Huddles debuted at the virtual Annual Meeting and were very well received, so they are expected to be a strong draw at the live meeting. Coffee & Conversations are designed to promote engagement among attendees.

In addition to the theaters, an area designated as The Stage will serve as the main hub for attendees to meet up with colleagues, charge personal devices, listen to lively presentations, or just take a few moments to rest between sessions in a casual, relaxed setting. There will also be sessions on CV preparation and poster award presentations. The Stage will host APA thought leaders, who will present timely talks while attendees enjoy a cup of coffee. The following presenters have been confirmed, with more expected to join:

Therapeutic Updates are an extension of the Exhibit Hall. They will be held at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside and Loews New Orleans Hotel on Saturday and Sunday, May 21 and 22, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Don’t forget to drop by APA Central and learn more about the benefits of membership. Check out the PsychPRO booth, APA’s mental health registry, and sign up to participate if you haven’t already (see Psychiatric News). Purchase your new DSM-5-TR at the APA Publishing Bookstore (see Psychiatric News) at a discount. You can show your pride in your Association by purchasing APA memorabilia at the bookstore. The Career Expo offers recruitment possibilities for those searching for employment opportunities.

Before you think about leaving the convention center and facing the heat of New Orleans to get lunch, head to the Exhibit Hall for Product Showcases and lunch/snacks or visit designated areas offering light fare during the Mid-Day Mingles. When sessions resume, just go up one level to the session rooms, with no worries about being late!

This is going to be an exciting meeting, so plan now to take part in all facets of the Exhibit Hall offerings and the Annual Meeting as a whole. ■