The Clinical Engineering Association of Illinois successfully concluded its fourth annual conference late last month. The two-day conference ran August 22-23 and featured 60 vendors as well as educational sessions offering a mix of management topics for biomeds and imaging professionals.

It's hoped attendees at future CEAI conferences will be able to obtain continuing education units to help meet certification requirements. "We've talked about integrating study sessions set up for certification programs," CEAI president, Steven Vanderzee, told DOTmed News. "Right now, the sessions are more informational, but we're like to run actual training sessions at some point."

With more than 250 participants at this year's event, attendance was up 20 percent over last year. The event provided a healthy networking opportunity for attendees, with a golf-outing serving as a kick-off to set the mood. Next year, a formal pre-conference mixer will be held in the evening, and the golf outing will return as well.

The highpoint of the conference, according to Alan Moretti, executive trustee for CEAI, had to be the awarding of the scholarships to three deserving individuals. This is the second year CEAI has awarded scholarships. To qualify, applicants must be attending an accredited biomed engineering program. They are also required to submit a 750 word essay about their interest in their field of study and also go through an interview process. This year, five individuals applied, with three -- Aaron Balog, Kulsoom Ahmed and Ronneece Gilmore -- ultimately chosen to receive $1000 each to apply toward their program costs.

For those interested in attending CEAI 2014, planning is already underway. Early bird exhibitor registration discounts are available through September for $849 (regular rate is $999). Registration also includes a corporate membership for up to five employees and the exhibitor's logo on the show website.

For more information visit http://ceaiweb.org/.

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