2011 ICT Virtual Event Draws More Than 5,100 Professionals to Network and Learn Online

PHOENIX The fifth annual ICT Virtual Event, an online conference on professional development for infection preventionists, developed by Virgo Publishing, LLC, and Infection Control Today magazine, is the industrys first 100 percent virtual gathering for infection prevention and control professionals. More than 5,100 professionals registered for the event, with more than 2,400 attending live from their office or home computers throughout the unique two-day online conference.

This is 3M Health Care's third year participating in the ICT Virtual Conference and second year as the platinum sponsor for the event, says Kurt Biedermann, business communications supervisor at 3M Health Cares Infection Preventions Division. We are very pleased with the education program and the level of interaction that took place in our exhibit during this unique event. We received many positive comments from the attendees that they enjoyed participating. This is the perfect venue for reaching out to key audiences in the infection prevention space with our messages and solutions.

Held Feb. 15-16, 2011, the conference featured eight educational presentations from leading infection preventionists as well as a virtual exhibit floor hosted by 15 exhibitors. Attendees were able to interact with representatives from companies such as 3M Health Care, STERIS Corporation, BD, and others from the convenience of their computers, as well as network with colleagues across the country and from around the world.

ICT Virtual Event attendees were able to explore the tradeshow floor, view first-run presentations, win prizes, network, chat with their peers and exchange v-cards free of charge during the event.

"The ICT Virtual Event gives infection control practitioners an opportunity to earn continuing education, learn from industry experts, network with their peers and visit with vendors about new products and services all from the comfort of their home or office," says Katherine Clements, group publisher of Virgo's Medical Network.

"For a third consecutive year, the ICT Virtual Event has helped connect healthcare professionals and manufactures through an ever-expanding technology platform," says ICT publisher Bill Eikost. "We have listened to the wants and needs of our audience and provided an educational and viable solution. Looking at the response from both sides, it appears to be another successful event."

 The Exhibit Hall was excellent, as I enjoyed being able to review the vendor products, literature and videos without the normal chaos of a live exhibit hall," says Cindy E. Paget, MA, SPHR, CHESP, a healthcare consultant who attended the Virtual Event. "The downloads were super and all of the vendor interaction sessions were great. Your idea of a virtual convention is way ahead of the times and I commend you for your creativeness! I typically attend four to six conventions per year and definitely need a more convention and less expensive method to learn about new products, achieve learning goals and network with peers.

Another attendee, SPD supervisor Shawn Ricketts, notes, "I was very impressed with the vast amount of information provided in the event and at the ease of accessing everything. My overall experience was an A+. I look forward to attending this event in the future and I will be sure to spread the word to others that could benefit from attending. Kudos to all involved.

This was an excellent opportunity to advance my knowledge," says attendee Lori A. Majeske, RN, CNOR. "The webinar venue was easy for me to attend, while financially feasible for my facility.

"Some of the community's best and brightest minds in infection prevention and control serve as our speakers for each year's event, and we are excited to share their perspectives and expertise with our attendees," says Kelly Pyrek, editor in chief of Infection Control Today magazine. "This year, attendees spent an average of more than 250 minutes within the show environment and they downloaded more than 18,000 documents from the Virtual Event's resource center. The event continues to be a valuable source of information for infection preventionists."

I enjoyed the expertise of the speakers, says attendee Karen Hilmy, BSN, RN, infection preventionist at Greater Binghamton Health Center. The accompanying slides were a tremendous help. I also appreciate receiving the CEs immediately when offered. The exhibitors kept their key products out to view and it was, in most cases, my first introduction to these products and it was helpful to know what kind of newer products are out there. Thanks for keeping us informed and connected.

All registered attendees will have the chance to access the archived event for the next six months. Individuals wishing to see these presentations on-demand 24/7 may still do so by visiting www.ictconference.com.

For information about a future conference, including early-bird pricing options for the multiple sponsorship levels, contact ICT publisher Bill Eikost at weikost@vpico.com or (480) 990-1101, ext. 1191.

About the ICT Virtual Event

The ICT Virtual Event, a conference on professional development for infection preventionists, is a virtual, online trade show and conference. The focus of the show is to facilitate learning, networking and professional growth opportunities for all involved in the infection prevention industry.  The conference provides all the benefits of a top tradeshow without the cost, travel or hassle normally associated with traditional events. For more information, visit www.ictconference.com.