This year, AHRA was at the Gaylord hotel close to the new Denver airport.

There is talk about how shows aren't as relevant as they used to be, but I think that does not apply at AHRA. It seemed as though every major company was represented at the show and while they weren't displaying big iron like at RSNA, they were there, in force, and ready to answer questions.

There were also a lot of smaller, entrepreneurial and innovative companies. Even a few that were exhibiting for the first time.

The healthcare providers were, by and large, serious and focused on business. They were there for a reason: to learn about new products and new technology and how it could fit in to their organizations at home and help them to provide better patient outcomes.

Your typical radiology administrator is overworked with an inbox that never empties. So when they have a chance to get away and take a breath, they are a refreshing group to visit with.

We handed out a lot of magazines and had a lot of visitors to our booth. I will say that the hours are short every day and I almost wish that we had four hours on two different days rather than three hours on three days. But in fairness, AHRA encourages the attendees to spend time on the show floor and there was a lot of socializing going on at different times of the day.

The Gaylord is a Marriott property now and has a comfortable sort of resort feel but it is not in downtown Denver. And in a way, I miss that. Still, it is only about 15 minutes from the airport so it couldn't be more convenient and it is not only a beautiful facility but the views are breathtaking. There are bike paths and bikes to borrow and a lovely water park if you have children traveling with you.

All in all, it is a great show on almost every level.

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