Dear AuntMinnie Member,
CHICAGO - Well, the curtain is closing on RSNA 2013, and trying to get a feel for this year's meeting is a lot like the proverbial blind men trying to describe an elephant: Everyone seems to have a different perspective.
On the downside, many of the folks we spoke with in McCormick Place were disappointed at what they perceived to be a lower energy level at the show. While the RSNA is reporting preliminary numbers that indicate attendance was the same as last year (right around 53,000), many exhibitors complained of lighter traffic, and hallways seemed noticeably less crowded, even after the technical exhibit was consolidated from three buildings last year to two halls this year.
But in positive news, a number of vendors were pleased with the traffic they experienced -- in particular, developers of imaging informatics software -- and green shoots of growth in capital equipment purchasing are beginning to appear as hospitals seem to be slowly loosening their purse strings.
It's unlikely, though, that the halcyon days of yore will ever return. As the RSNA conference approaches its 100th anniversary in 2014, a picture is emerging for the meeting that might differ from what many veterans remember. Crowds will probably be smaller. Exhibit booths will take up less space. And you may end up getting more sleep with fewer corporate parties.
But when seen through the eyes of a newcomer, the RSNA meeting still offers an unmatched spectacle demonstrating the awesome power of medical imaging. There's still a lot to love about RSNA.
We spoke with a number of radiology thought leaders about the direction of radiology in a video series you'll find in our RADCast @ RSNA media gallery. You'll hear from Dr. Bruce Hillman, Dr. Paul Chang, Dr. Lawrence Muroff, and others about the challenges and opportunities facing both the RSNA and radiology. Give it a look.
Finally, we'd like to close out this year's coverage with the return of an old friend: the one and only PACSman, PACS consultant Mike Cannavo. After a two-year hiatus, Mike is back with his PACSman Awards, a light-hearted look at the winners and losers at this year's meeting. Check it out by clicking here, or visit the RADCast at rsna.auntminnie.com.
We hope you enjoyed our coverage of RSNA 2013, and we'll see you next year in the Windy City for RSNA 100!
