Download the APA Meetings App at psychiatry.org/app.

"I went to New York to be born again," wrote Kurt Vonnegut. I sometimes feel that Annual Meetings help me re-energize my professional life. It can feel like stepping into an exhilarating whirlwind of learning and connections.

Just like New York City, the city that never sleeps, the APA Annual Meeting can be imagined as a place buzzing with insights. Each corner offers a new opportunity to grow, and each encounter can spark a lasting collaboration. It’s thrilling, but let’s be honest: navigating an expansive event can be challenging.

That’s why the APA Meetings App is your savvy friend who knows the ins and outs of the conference and can help ensure you squeeze every bit of value out of your time.

A Digital Compass and Itinerary Rolled Into One:

Forget wrestling with hefty program booklets. Our app is your interactive planner, helping you sift through a treasure trove of sessions and activities. It lets you mark what catches your eye and craft a personalized schedule that hits all the right notes, ensuring you never miss out on the moments that matter most.

Sections in the app, including "Info & FAQ," "Sessions," and "Speakers," will help you with this. The 'My Agenda' tab, inside the "Sessions" section, will help you curate your choices into your day-to-day itinerary.

Your Inside Scoop on the Go:

With the app, you're always in the loop. Whether there’s a shift in the schedule or a must-see addition, you’ll get the news immediately. It’s like having a conference concierge in your pocket, keeping you agile and ready to dive into the next extraordinary session without skipping a beat. Keep an eye on the "Announcements" section and the "Wall". The "APA TV" button will have highlights and bite-sized interviews.

A Navigator Through the Conference Landscape:

The app makes getting around smooth and easy, from guiding you through the venue's labyrinth to simplifying your commute with shuttle details. It's like having a map that shows you where you are and where you could be, making every transition seamless. There are sections showing exhibitors, exhibit hall events, sponsors, maps, and a shuttle tracker.

A Networking Genius:

The heart of the APA Annual Meeting beats in its networking opportunities, and our app thrives here. It’s your social coordinator making introductions and helping you find your tribe among the crowd. Are you looking for a mentor, a peer, or someone to bounce ideas off? The app is your bridge to those connections, fostering interactions that could shape your career path.

Check out the feature called "Shake," where you can literally shake your phone to connect with those next to you. For example, if you are in a session and you would like to connect with the speaker or another fellow attendee, you can just pull out your phone, go to the app, and click "Shake." Then, you can either tap or shake your phone to connect with each other.

This feature has been very popular among medical students, residents, fellows, and early-career psychiatrists. In the last couple of years, I have dubbed it the "Shake it till you make it" feature, emphasizing the importance of professional networking as you start your career.

Making the Most of Your Journey:

• Before the Conference: Dive into the app, set up your profile highlighting your interests and expertise, and start piecing together your must-see list. Download the app “APA Meetings”. Ensure the developer is listed as “American Psychiatric Association.” Log in, then load the “APA Annual Meeting. New York” on the event page. Also, display your info and photographs in the “My Profile” section.
• During the Conference: Lean on the app to navigate the venue, stay alert to updates, and weave through the conference’s networking fabric. It’s your tool for transforming chance encounters into planned meet-ups. You should also be able to find a list of “attendees” and add connections from there.
• After the Curtain Falls: The connections you’ve made are just starting. Please keep the conversation going, share your session feedback through the app, and revisit the resources it offers to cement your new knowledge.

The Essence:

The APA Annual Meeting App is more than an application; it's a catalyst for enrichment, designed to make your conference journey as fulfilling and effortless as possible. By harnessing this digital ally, you're set to navigate, network, and nurture your career at the APA Annual Meeting 2024.

So, before the hustle and bustle sets in, get the app, familiarize yourself with its magic, and prepare to make the most of an experience tailored just for you. Let's embark on this adventure together, where every moment is an opportunity to grow.

Sudhakar Shenoy, M.D.