Do you know what makes a great event? At AIUM’s Annual Convention, it’s the combination of awesome content (attendees were sent a link to all the presentations), great speakers, and fun activities. Last week more than 1,200 physicians, sonographers, scientists, and educators from across the country and around the world gathered in Orlando to network, share, and learn.

The AIUM Annual Convention is the culmination of a lot of hard work by a lot of dedicated individuals. Past President Beryl Benacerraf, MD, worked tirelessly to create a President’s Program that brought in speakers from around the world to discuss cutting-edge topics. AIUM’s community leaders created program content that was reflective of the needs, expertise, and research being done across 19 ultrasound specialties. The AIUM Annual Convention Committee worked to ensure that the event had something for everyone. And last, but not least, the AIUM staff spent thousands of hours working to make the event run as smoothly as possible.

If you were in Orlando last week, we hope you returned home armed with the resources, contacts, and information you need to improve patient care. We also hope you filled out your evaluations. If you were unable to join us this year, here are a few of the highlights:

First-Time Content—This year was the first time the AIUM hosted a preconvention workshop on Dermatologic Ultrasound. Nearly 50 attendees heard tips, tricks, and insights from an international faculty. The AIUM is planning even more for 2018.

SonoSlam—In its second year, SonoSlam had 26 teams (10 more than last year) compete for the coveted Peter Arger Cup. This year’s winning team, “Rolling Sonograms,” hails from The Ohio State University. AIUM is looking to expand this event next year to 30 teams so mark your calendars!

Awesome Plenary—AIUM President Beryl Benacerraf, MD, hosted the Opening Plenary session that featured a video presentation on Zika from Anthony S. Fauci, MD, Director of NIAID. This was followed by Stephanie Wilson, MD, who presented the William J. Fry Memorial Lecture. The morning session was rounded out by Alfred Abuhamad, MD, who shared details on the OB/GYN Ultrasound Curriculum and lecture series that will be released soon.

Social Media—This year was the most active social media convention ever for the AIUM. From streaming videos on Twitter and Facebook to more than 500 individuals participating and sharing through their personal accounts, the social media scene was active and engaging.

Fun Activities—Attendees had multiple opportunities to network, including during the New Member reception; earn prizes at AIUM’s booth; show their creative side on the coloring walls; play ultrasound Jeopardy; and enjoy the wonderful Florida weather.

Sold-out Exhibit Hall—From new companies to new technology to incredible offers, this year’s exhibit hall featured a one-stop shopping opportunity for all attendees.

Award Winners—AIUM was proud to recognize the following award winners (look for upcoming blog posts and videos from some of these individuals):

Alfred B. Kurtz, MD, FAIUM—Joseph H. Holmes Clinical Pioneer Award

Levon N. Nazarian, MD, FAIUM, FACR—Joseph H. Holmes Clinical Pioneer Award

Kai E. Thomenius, PhD, FAIUM—Joseph H. Holmes Basic Science Pioneer Award

Charlotte Henningsen, MS, RT(R), RDMS, RVT, FSDMS, FAIUM—Distinguished Sonographer Award

John S. Pellerito, MD, FACR, FAIUM, FSRU—Peter H. Arger, MD Excellence in Medical Student Education Award

Caterina Exacoustos, MD—AIUM Honorary Fellow

Gustavo Malinger, MD—AIUM Honorary Fellow

Carlo Martinoli, MD—AIUM Honorary Fellow

E-poster winners—Every year, the AIUM supports an e-poster program. This year, nearly 500 e-posters were submitted and the AIUM recognized the following winners:

• First place: Ultrasound-Stimulated Drug Delivery of Reconstituted High-Density Lipoprotein Nanoparticles Loaded With an Optical Reporter, presented by Kenneth Hoyt from Richardson, Texas
• Second place: First-Trimester Echocardiographic Findings in Women With Chronic Hypertension and Superimposed Preeclampsia, presented by Jennifer Barr from Amherst, New York
• Third place: Ultrasound Evaluation of Bursae: Anatomy and Pathologic Appearances, presented by Thumanoon Ruangchaijatuporn from Yasothon, Thailand
• Honorable Mention: Implementation of an Ultrasound Interest Group Research Initiative to Improve Productivity of Student Involvement in Research, presented by Malik Sams from Columbus, Ohio

Up and Comers—During its annual Leadership Banquet, the AIUM recognized 4 outstanding papers in its New Investigator Program.

Basic Science

Winner—Tommaso Di Ianni, MSc, for “In Vivo Vector Flow Imaging for a Portable Ultrasound Scanner”

Honorable Mention—Carolina Amador, PhD, for “Work-Related Repetitive-Use Injuries in Ultrasound Fellow”

Clinical Ultrasound

Winner—Lourdes Hereter, MD, for “Ultrasound Assessment of Changes in the Pelvic Hiatal Area Before and After Childbirth”

Honorable Mention—Kristine Robinson, MD, for “Renal Transplant Viscoelasticity as a Predictor of Allograft Rejection: A Feasibility Study With a Clinical Ultrasound Scanner”

More Winners—At AIUM’s booth, Merry Sebelik, MD, won a free registration to next year’s convention, and Sue Ann Boris, RDMS and MaryBeth Anderson, MD, won discounts off their AIUM practice accreditation application fees. Congratulations to these winners!

The AIUM would like to thank all the attendees, speakers, and exhibitors who helped make this an incredible event. Look for videos and presentations to be uploaded into the members-only communities in the near future.

Save the Date: March 24–28, 2018, in New York City!

Did you attend this year’s event? If so, share your thoughts and feedback. Going next year? Let us know what you want to learn! Comment below or let us know on Twitter: @AIUM_Ultrasound.

Peter Magnuson is AIUM’s Director of Communications and Member Services.