The study also concluded that well-orchestrated general sessions play an important role in creating shared experiences that convey great value through emotional resonance, intellectual relevance, and esprit de corps. Furthermore, the study found that people are looking to hone their leadership skills. Speakers and events around leadership development are in demand. For decades, typical association events have poured attendees into rooms and assumed they will find, introduce themselves to, and have meaningful conversations with like-minded professionals. For extroverts, the well-connected, and long-term members, this strategy can work well. But it fails for nearly everyone else, including introverts and newcomers, who are left feeling awkward, disconnected, and unsatisfied. The study recommended that AIHA create “intentional networking strategies” by connecting “like” attendees through software, “tribe-finding,” and other tactics that have a profound impact on this important driver of satisfaction and attendance. Asking participants to self-identify with certain interests and frames of mind will allow AIHA to match people by behavior (or persona) in order to deliver the kind of information they are seeking in their inbox leading up to the conference; uncover exhibitors that have the resources they seek; match them with like-minded attendees who might be valuable to their professional network; and target the education they’ll find most valuable. LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS The transformation of AIHce EXP won’t happen overnight. In fact, the findings from the study might have a very subtle effect on the upcoming conference in Atlanta (June 1–3). But to grow attendance, raise the bar on education, and increase satisfaction, we will all need committed leadership, open and creative minds, and a clear and disciplined plan to see AIHce EXP flourish in this new decade. I'll see you in Atlanta!