Note from the Editorial Manager: Pack your bags for sunny Orlando and meet us at ACDIS 2025!

by Karla Kozak

In just eight days, I’ll be landing in Orlando, ready to hit the ground running for the 2025 ACDIS Conference. And, if you were hoping to join the ACDIS team and your peers at the CDI party of the year, I’ve got good news for you—It’s not too late! There’s still time, especially if you’re local to the Orlando area; and if you’ve already registered, stay tuned for my tried-and-true packing list later in the note.

Florida’s one of our largest states, so it’s hard to imagine anyone outside of it being considered “local,” but I’m here to tell you otherwise! Did you know that Orlando is less than a seven-hour car ride from the following cities?

• Georgia
  
  • Valdosta (3.5 hours)
  • Savannah (4.5 hours)
  • Macon (5.5 hours)
  • Atlanta (6.5 hours)
• South Carolina
  
  • Hilton Head (5 hours)
  • Columbia or Charleston (6.5 hours)

Live near one of these cities? Well, grab your CDI bestie and hit the road next week! As always, the ACDIS conference is bursting with value: more than 50 educational sessions to choose from; three inspirational keynotes; opportunities to earn up to 13 CEUs; endless networking with your peers and exhibitors; and breakfast, lunch, and snacks included!

Now, for those of you with flight tickets and conference registration in hand, I have a few packing tips to share. If you’re anything like me, you love a good list, especially when it comes to traveling. I’m thrilled to say Karla’s Official ACDIS Packing List to Alleviate Your Travel Stress^TM is back for 2025 and better than ever.

The must-have items on my list include:

• Purple and/or orange clothing: Monday, May 5, is purple and orange day so pack your favorite clothes in these colors and show how proud you are to be part of our ACDIS community! Bonus points if you have your ACDIS socks from a past conference!
• State attire: Whether it’s a favorite ballcap, tee-shirt, or jersey, pack something representative of your state for Tuesday, May 6! Not only will this help you meet your neighbors, but it will also make it easy to locate your state’s local chapter table at lunch!
• Layers: Conference rooms are chilly! Whether it’s a wrap, sweatshirt, or cardigan, be sure you have an extra layer handy for those cooler moments. Keep in mind convention center air is often dry, too, so grab some lotion or lip balm to stash in your purse to avoid any discomfort!
• Change of clothes: On the other hand, don’t forget we’re in Orlando! With temperatures in the 80s, you’re going to want to ditch your conference cardigan and long pants for dinner, so bring something lighter to change into. Consider a bathing suit, too—the Gaylord Palms Resort boasts multiple pools, and the sun’s still out after sessions end!
• Comfortable footwear: Ditch the heels—we’re strictly business casual at ACDIS, emphasis on the casual! Wear something comfortable to get you through our jam-packed days.
• Business cards: Call me old-fashioned on this one, but there’s something so easy about passing someone your business card instead of taking the time to write down an email or input it in your phone. ACDIS is all about networking, so it’s not a matter of if you’ll make a valuable connection, but when.
• Cell phone (and charger): With our easy-to-use app, you’ll be able access the conference agenda, speaker bios, and session slides, as well as connect with other attendees and navigate the exhibit hall. And when your phone inevitably shows the red battery of doom, you’re going to want to plug it in! Just don’t unplug any projectors in the process, please (true story, unfortunately).
• Open mind and positive attitude: With 50 breakout sessions to choose from, you’re going to hear something new, so be sure to come with a willingness to learn and listen to different perspectives. Begin each day with a smile and embrace opportunities to make new friends. 

What’s on your must-pack list for ACDIS? Let me know and email me at karla.kozak@hcpro.com—your suggestion could even make it on to my list next year! And be sure to stop by the ACDIS booth in the Exhibit Hall to say hi to the ACDIS team—we’re so excited to see you!

Editor’s note: Kozak is the editorial manager, products and events, at ACDIS. Contact her at karla.kozak@hcpro.com.