ICT Conference on Professional Development Attracts 131 Professionals

For Immediate Release
January 31, 2007

Contact: Amy Sharman
Marketing Manager, Health & Nutrition Division, Virgo Publishing
(480) 990-1101 ext. 1543; asharman@vpico.com

LAS VEGAS – Infection prevention and control nurses, managers and directors attended three days of seminars, networking events and exhibits at the first ICT Conference on Professional Development held at the Hampton Inn in Las Vegas, January 24-26. The conference was produced by Virgo Publishing, publisher of ICT magazine and producer of the Infection Control Education Institute. The conference platinum sponsor was Bullard.

“For more than 10 years ICT has delivered information and resources with the print publication and online education," said Bill Eikost, publisher of ICT magazine. "The conference allows us to offer additional content in person and offer the opportunity for attendees to earn more than 25 continuing education hours."

The conference began with exhibits the morning of Wednesday, January 24. After checking in and receiving a tote bag, sponsored by BD, attendees had the opportunity to meet a variety of exhibitors offering myriad products and services. To view a list of companies that exhibited, visit http://www.ictconference.com/exhibitor.html.

A special keynote presentation “The Evolving Roles of the ICP and What’s Ahead,” sponsored by STERIS and presented by Libby Chinnes, RN, BSN, CIC, kicked off the education program on January 24. The sessions, “Mandatory Reporting and Emerging Infectious Threats” and “How to Make Your Department Indispensable” rounded out the morning’s program. Nurse humorist Karyn Buxman, RN, MSN, CSP, CPAE, presented the luncheon keynote address, “This Won't Hurt A Bit! (And Other Fractured Truths in Healthcare).” The final seminars for the day were “Media Relations and Crisis Communications for ICPs” and the ““Doing More With Less Workshop.” After the education program wrapped for the first day, attendees enjoyed cocktails and appetizers during a networking event. The reception rolled into the first-ever “Gripe Night,” where participants shared problems and solutions with fellow practitioners. Best solutions were awarded with stuffed animals donated by Ruhof Corporation.

“It was important to us that we provide attendees with a conference experience that was accessible and intimate, where they could network and problem-solve with their peers, as well as laugh and learn in a motivational atmosphere,” said Kelly M. Pyrek, group editor of Virgo Publishing’s medical division and chair of the ICT Conference on Professional Development. “Gripe Night was a perfect opportunity for ICPs to come with their problems and leave with concrete solutions for the betterment of their infection prevention programs.”

"I was very pleased with the conference,” commented Cheryl L. Rogers, RN, BSN, from Kaiser Permanente. “I found it challenging and thought-provoking. The speakers were outstanding and the blend of attendees was a good mix of seasoned veterans and newer practitioners. I liked the encouragement to mentor newer practitioners and the recognition that, while our jobs are important, we need to make sure we are taking the time to laugh and take care of ourselves."