Marissa Ritter, CMP, HMCC, is the Assistant Director, Convention Operations & Registration Services, with the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), in Oak Brook, Ill.
What does your job entail?
I am responsible for coordinating and executing a variety of logistical elements for RSNA’s Annual Meeting, such as convention center operations, transportation, meeting logistics, registration, a fun run and our tour and event program.
Describe your recent meeting in Chicago.
Almost 52,000 people attended the 2015 RSNA Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting in Chicago from Nov. 29 to Dec. 4. That includes 28,807 professionals from more than 129 countries. RSNA 2015 marked the 100th anniversary of the society’s founding, bringing an end to a year-long centennial celebration. The RSNA Annual Meeting has been held consecutively in Chicago since 1985.
What did your attendees seem to enjoy the most?
Each year we compile a list of “must-see” opportunities to encourage our attendees take advantage of their time in Chicago. We also foster attendee interaction by providing a wide variety of RSNA-sponsored tours, including sporting events, theater performances, shopping experiences and a variety of walking tours in both English and French. The walking tours are sold out year to year despite the cold temperatures.
How did you incorporate health and wellness elements into the event?
RSNA’s biggest wellness initiative is our annual 5K Fun Run. We invite attendees to enjoy a 5K run with their colleagues along Lake Michigan. Attendees and exhibitors get exercise while funding critical research to enable the best care for our patients. The entry fee benefits the RSNA R&E Foundation, and attendees also receive a commemorative t-shirt. This very successful event started in 2012 and continues to grow in popularity each year; 2014 and 2015 were our most successful years, with almost 500 runners. Again, not even the cold and windy Chicago lakeshore in November or December could keep avid runners away from their passion.
Are there any experiences you would recommend for groups meeting in Chicago?
I personally suggest sporting events. For RSNA, the most popular for attendees are the Bulls and Blackhawks, shopping at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago in Rosemont, and the amazing Broadway shows.
How does Chicago compare to other places where you have hosted meetings?
RSNA’s Annual Meeting is always in Chicago, so nothing compares to Chicago. It’s an amazing city full of opportunities for attendees from every part of the world.
Would you return/recommend Chicago to other planners?
I’ve had the pleasure of working and hosting meetings in the Chicagoland area my entire career, so it’s easy for me to recommend Chicago to other planners.