I’m happy to report that ACEP14 in Chicago broke our all-time attendance record. The total four-day registration number was an astounding 6,590, easily surpassing the mark of 6,224 at ACEP13 in Seattle. What’s more important is the positive feedback we received from members who attended the conference and reported that the experience was top-notch, from the educational sessions to the Exhibit Hall to the networking to the closing and opening parties.

Besides setting a record for attendance, we also set new records for our exhibits. Last year, we had 370 companies that offered a look at their latest emergency medicine products and services. This year, we had 406. innovatED, part of the Exhibit Hall experience, continues to be very popular. When we launched this interactive emergency department space, we had 35 companies that participated. This year, we had 55.

Something new this year was having a ticketless course entry system. Registering for specific courses was not required this year, and seating was on a first-come, first-served basis. Many other organizations do it this way, and we believe the vast majority of our members found it more convenient. We welcome your feedback.

Long-Time Staffers Retire, Emergency Physician Joins National Office

Although I’m happy for them, I am sad to report that two of our great staff veterans have retired. Cal Chaney and Marilyn Bromley have each spent 22 years at the College. While in one sense they are irreplaceable, we have found incredibly well-qualified people to pick up their responsibilities. For the first time ever, ACEP has hired an emergency physician to be on our staff. Past President Sandy Schneider, MD, FACEP, has agreed to become our Director of Emergency Medicine Practice to succeed Marilyn.

Dr. Schneider will start with us this month in our Dallas office. Obviously, it is a huge asset having someone with her experience and expertise who has practiced emergency medicine and who plans to continue to work some shifts to be available to counsel you and your groups.

“We had another strong year for NEMPAC and remain very pleased with the work the NEMPAC Board and staff have done to get input from a consultant and develop innovative new approaches for making NEMPAC successful.”
–Dean Wilkerson

Craig Price, who had previously been our State Legislative Director, has been promoted to take Cal’s position as our Associate Executive Director. Leslie Moore is our new General Counsel, and Harry Monroe is our new State Legislative Director.

Keep EMF and NEMPAC in Your Donation Plans

It has been exciting to see the Emergency Medicine Foundation (EMF) move to a higher level over the past few years in terms of its donations, establishing an endowment, and increasing the amount of money it is able to give out to grantees and for other activities. A lot of people have worked very hard, and I want to say thank you. As we approach the end of this calendar year, please consider making a generous tax-deductible gift to EMF to support the future of our specialty.