Ralph, HIMSS may be important for consulting folks like you but from a sales persepctive, I would say it is an event that does not offer the bang for the buck. I think the “why aren’t you here, Mr. Vendor?” thing is way over blown and that the majority of companies do not suffer from not being at HIMSS and have not lost business due to not attending. Companies have a finite number of marekting dollars to spend and for the majority of them, HIMSS does not provide the return on investment. I would rather see my company continue to invest in more important areas-product development, implmentation, customer support and more rewarding marketing activities that help me as a salesperson succeed.

I have been an exhibit manager for a very large consulting firm, And while no deals are closed and most activities are geared around exisiting customers HIMSS is a necessary event to attend as a vendor. Electing not to participate leads to many questions by current and potential customers. Smaller vendors are, as I’ve said for years, conspicuous in their absence. (I know that comment will strip me of my secret identity to those that know me well.)

I don’t know that we’ve seen confirmation that Cerner will not be at HIMSS next hear and I’ll be surprised if that is the way it really turns out.