ATLANTA - Jan. 25 - The Georgia World Congress Center hosts the 2002 Annual Healthcare Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Conference and Exhibition Jan. 27-30.

     The high profile event features exhibitors, education sessions, meetings, a career fair and renowned guest speakers.

     More than 600 exhibitors, displaying state-of-the-art technologies and more than 150 education sessions on government regulations, technology mandates and new system developments will be featured during the conference.

     There will also be 19 pre-conference workshop sessions held in association with the event. Each workshop offers extensive, comprehensive information on topics geared towards management.

The 2002 HIMSS Annual Conference and Exhibition will also introduce the launch of the Research, Development, and New Technology Demonstration Center. The Center will demonstrate the effectiveness of research and development of new technologies in healthcare IT from research companies and universities.

     A highlight of the 2002 HIMSS Conference and Exhibition is the scheduled guest speakers who will give insight on the current healthcare information management industry.

• Jan. 28 - former Secretary of Health and Human Services, Donna Shalala , will address Medicare, Medicaid, rising hospital costs, health care, elder care, health education and drug safety.
  
  
• Jan. 30 - former Vice President Albert Gore, Jr. will discuss his views on the healthcare industry.
  
  
• Jan. 31 - acclaimed actor Ben Vereen will serve as the closing speaker of the HIMSS Conference.