Everyone knows that trade shows provide opportunities to attend productive educational sessions, find out about the latest products, and network with old friends while making new ones. Sometimes, trade shows are also launching pads for books and opportunities that benefit the community. At the AAMI show in May, Leslie R. Atles, CCE, CBET, presented the Medical Equipment & Technology Association (META) with a check to start a scholarship fund to benefit biomedical students (see October 21 Weekly Jolt). Now, META has finalized the details and has posted the application and guidelines on its Web site (www.mymeta.org).

Two winners will each receive a check for $500 and a copy of Atles’ book, A Practicum for Biomedical Engineering & Management Issues. Among other requirements, those interested in applying must show enrollment in an accredited BMET program and submit an essay on why they want to be a biomed. Applications must be received before December 1.

On upcoming trade show fronts, the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) plans to welcome more than 60,000 medical and science professionals from all over the world for its 94th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 30 through December 5, at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Attendees can choose from more than 300 refresher courses and hundreds of scientific presentations. Those in attendance can walk through the three separate halls to view more than 700 technical exhibitors displaying the most modern technology and the latest radiology products and services. The RSNA show will also feature demonstrations by the Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise (IHE) program.

Coming December 1 through 3, the North Carolina Biomedical Association (NCBA) will celebrate its 30th Annual Symposium at Pinehurst, NC. According to the organization, its board of directors has worked hard to offer a diverse mix of classes and speakers, and it says its vendor exhibit should be the best in its history.

Avid golfers can arrive early on November 30 and play the renowned links by participating in NCBA’s classic golf tournament before jumping into the educational programs. Training sessions will cover such topics as the effective acquisition of refurbished biomedical equipment, how to start an in-house imaging program, medical lasers, and how to transition from a tech to a manager. Attendees will also enjoy a vendor’s social and special dinner. Log on to the NCBA Web site (www.ncbiomedassoc.com) for complete event details and to register.

24×7 will be on hand for the NCBA show, so look for us at our booth and say hello.

I’d also like to remind you that we now have a Biomeds’ Best Practices Blog on our Web site. Thanks to those of you who have sent in your “best practices” and to those of you who have commented on the postings. I hope those of you who haven’t had a look at it yet will log on and read what tips and ideas your colleagues have shared that have helped them streamline their work.

Julie Kirst