From February 29 through March 4, health IT wonks and health data geeks will descend upon Las Vegas for HIMSS16. Peyton Manning will also be there for a hot minute. Last year, 43,129 industry insiders attended the event. The conference lasts a week this year so while education and networking will no doubt be on the menu this year, attendees might also want to get away and get an experience at some point throughout the week. At Healthcare Dive, we know someone is going to suggest getting sushi at one point during the conference. To this we say, "Don't be so basic!" From off-site museums and restaurants to hipster health data conversation points, here are a few off-the-beaten path suggestions to ready yourself and enter this year's meeting like:
How to speak/tweet "hipster HIMSS"
If you're interested in sounding engaged yet disinterested, here are a few key phrases you'll need in your conversational arsenal:
- “I was into interoperability before it worked."
- "Is this data local?"
- “What vendor party are The Killers playing?”
- “You haven’t really heard Secretary Burwell’s keynote address until you’ve heard it on vinyl.”
- "Sure that Congress hearing was pretty wild but did you read Nothing or Creepoid's statement on Martin Shkreli. VICIOUS."
- "I mean an AMERICAN football star is fine and well, but the only sport I watch is real football."
The sights, the sounds....away from ALL OF THE LIGHTS! (kinda)
Pinball Hall of Fame
With machines from the 50s up to the 90s, this nonprofit museum showcases playable, wall-to-wall pinball machines from its "golden age." Open from 11am-11pm and located somewhat close to "The Strip," this place is a great fun place to meet with a client or get rid of some loose change.
Check out a 3D tour here.
The Neon Museum
Perfect for the designer in us all with a flair for the dramatic, the "Neon Boneyard," an outdoor, two-acre campus, collects more than 150 neon signs. Notable pieces include Las Vegas relics such as the old The Golden Nugget and Caeser's Palace signs. As noted on their website, the boneyard is only available through an hour-long guided tour and times are dependent on the season.
The Mob Museum
Sure, you've seen the movie Casino and were thrilled by the first season of Serial and Making a Murderer. Now you can take your armchair detective degree to the next level by exploring organized crime throughout American history. You'll also won't have to worry about waking up next to a horse's head in your bed.
Red Rock Canyon
Located 17 miles outside of the strip, this historic canyon could be a welcome outdoor desination of hiking trails, rock climbing and more.
The eats and the drinks
Touting 50 beers on tap and a bottle list of more than 150 options, Aces & Ales is a social oasis for the discerning craft beer drinker. Tuesdays are karoke nights so get your best Freddie Mercury or Bonnie Tyler impression ready.
Tuesday nights are Nickel Beer Nights ($5 cover) and one Yelp reviewer described the bar as such: "I like hipsters, some of my best friends are hipsters, but if you're not a fan then avoid this place because it can get hipster-y." So you know exactly what you'll get. Seats with old-school hair dryers.
Equipped with a jukebox stocked with the lastest and greatest Pitchfork-approved haircuts, two large fireplaces and lounge seating, this relaxed environment is perfect for a drink, a cozy envrionment, and an in-depth discussion of Guy Debord and/or The Internet of Things.
Featuring local art, vintage furniture, and seasonal cocktails sporting names such as "Falcor Flies Again" and "The Ghost Next Door," this eclectic bar offers a somber yet whimsical atmosphere. The owners' press photo says it all.
The cocktail menu at this steakhouse/cocktail bar is so serious, it's categorized by eras. That's on a High Fidelity level.