Our annual meeting is always a time to get the latest and greatest about diabetes care and education and to connect with colleagues who you’ve maybe never met in person but know from ADCES online platforms. The pandemic made us shift gears and do this in a new way – virtually! Despite some initial technical challenges that we’ve all come to take in stride during COVID-19, we got to experience an amazing virtual ADCES20. Keynote speakers addressed very relevant issues such as health disparities and inequities, the digital health revolution, the goals of Project Vision, and how to address challenges experienced by undeserved populations. Breakout sessions covered a wide range of topics from technology to cardiometabolic conditions to the business side of diabetes. Although we couldn’t ask questions of the speakers in person, we could still use the chat feature to get real-time feedback.
Knowing that I have until the end of November to watch the presentations meant that I had plenty of time to check out the vendors who had so much to offer at their booths. It doesn’t compare to the excitement of the in-person exhibit hall, but I still learned a lot and found many resources to bring back to my practice. The education theaters and hands-on training were also a creative way to engage and learn about new products and devices. I also loved the health and wellness lounge – what didn’t ADCES think of?! Although being in person has clear advantages, I’m so grateful that we all had the opportunity to connect with colleagues and to learn the latest and greatest about diabetes care and education. In some ways, it was better. All of my DCES coworkers got to attend this year. I got to watch some sessions in my pajamas. And, I continue to watch a few sessions every week when it’s convenient for me. An extra bonus – encore sessions yet to come! Leave it to ADCES to creatively find ways to advance our specialty and to support diabetes care and education specialists in a new way.
Gwen Klinkner, DNP, RN, BC-ADM, CDCES
Diabetes/ Patient & Family Education Clinical Nurse Specialist
UWHealth University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics