The 30th Annual SNUG Conference Recap!

“The 30th Anniversary Soft Network Users Group Conference was a great success! We fully embraced the 2024WARD theme, which highlighted education and collaboration through insightful presentations and discussions, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and networking opportunities. The SNUG Conference continues to be an excellent opportunity to meet with the SCC team, including Mr. Hakim, to ask questions and strategize opportunities with SCC software solutions. Collaborating with other SCC clients is a valuable opportunity that I always take away from the conference.” – Ryan McNulty, SNUG President

SNUG 2024 Attendance

We are beyond thankful to all of you for making 30 Years of Collaboration and Education – SNUG 2024ward possible. We had an influx of positive feedback from attendees who commented on how the conference provided extra hands-on time with the SCC staff and product experts.

SNUG 2024 Presentation Breakdown

Users had access to over 45+ educational sessions where they had the chance to learn and discuss various topics surrounding SCC’s software live. Attendees were given the opportunity to earn P.A.C.E. credits for sixteen sessions. SCC staff presented four product showcases featuring SoftLab 5.0, SoftMic 5.0, SoftBank 25.6, and SoftBI. In a brand-new dynamic session this year “SCC: The Future of Artificial Intelligence” designed for laboratory professionals, researchers, and technologists, SCC focused on the integration of artificial intelligence within laboratory settings and how AI can be utilized to enhance precision, efficiency, and innovation in scientific experiments and analyses. Platinum vendors were given the opportunity to hold sessions on Tuesday, May 7th, for attendees to enjoy and learn more about their products. We were proud to have Oracle walk-through how Oracle and SCC are working together to offer the best of SCC users. American Proficiency Institute (API) also gave an interesting presentation on API DataDirect, discussing the proficiency testing results and how to upload them to a user’s LIS in an efficient way.

Attendees were also invited to sign up for a four-hour SoftReports Workshop on Sunday and SoftLab System Design Track Monday-Wednesday led by design experts.  By participating in these specific sessions, users gained valuable knowledge on the application to help better utilize throughout their daily work tasks.

Hands-On-Lab

Throughout the week, users were able to learn how to best utilize their software, ask important questions, and get hands-on help with various functionalities when it came to specific products through our Hands-on Lab appointments. By having SCC’s product experts walk clients through the applications in-person allowed for a more in-depth opportunity to learn about the software and get answers to any product and environment questions

Keynote Speaker

The featured Keynote Speaker Dr. Joanne Lichten tapped into the audience’s energy by walking them through a “reboot” exercise. Dr. Jo Lichten, PhD, RDN is an energy expert…for people. She works with organizations to recharge their people for improved performance, productivity, and profitability. Using a fast-paced, interactive quiz show format, Dr. Jo blends the science of peak performance with a healthy dose of practical, real-life solutions. Jo has presented 1000+ programs to clients across North America and abroad. While her programs are fun, they are based on science. As an accredited health professional (RDN), she has experience working with a variety of healthcare, higher education, and corporate clients in many industries. For seven years, Jo consulted with Johnson & Johnson’s Human Performance Institute coaching-suite executives who had achieved great success in their career – at the expense of their health and personal life. Dr. Jo is the author of six books including REBOOT – how to power up your energy, focus, and productivity. Along with writing hundreds of magazine articles, Jo has also appeared in more than 300 radio and TV shows.

2024 SCC Town Hall Forum

The 30th Annual SCC Town Hall brought together users, decision-makers, and executive leadership to discuss pressing issues and opportunities when relating to SCC software. This session is intended to provide a platform welcoming open dialogue, constructive feedback, and collaborative problem-solving between SCC staff and SNUG members.

SCC’s executive management team was represented by the following:

• Leszek Rumak, VP of Genetics & AP Division
• Tomek Ocipka, VP of Research & Development
• Hadrian Newman, Executive VP of Operations & Planning
• Kenton Smith, Director of Quality Management
• Jarek Kachniarz, Senior Architect
• Robert Olko, Director of Genetics Business Unit R&D
• Yury Kornilov, Director of Software Architecture

14^th Annual SNUG Karaoke Night

The stage was set, the lights were dimmed, and the energy was palpable as the SNUG community came together to celebrate the 14th Annual SNUG Karaoke Night! The event was definitely one to remember as users warmed up their vocal cords and networked with everyone. There were too many great performances to choose our favorite! Join us next year for this wonderful, popular event that had become such a staple to the Annual SNUG Conference and Educational Summit.

SNUG Elections | SNUG Executive Board

SNUG’s Executive Board spans facilities and communities across North America and is open to SCC’s entire global client base. SNUG Board members serve for three years, and each year at our annual meeting, we elect the new Board. We had multiple open positions and as we bid a fond farewell to our departing Board members, Corbin Ellsaesser, Earle Barnes, Steve Bashynski, Lok Tse, Brenda Lenski, and Antonio Espinoza, we welcomed our new members Trudi Robinson and Kristin Tucker. You can find the contact information for the 2024/2025 SNUG Executive Board on SNUG’s website www.snuginconline.org. We have an exciting year ahead! We welcome your suggestions, questions, ideas, and comments.

SNUG President
Becky Schran, Olmsted Medical Center

SNUG Past President
Ryan McNulty, San Diego Medical Center

SNUG Vice President
Druann McGowan, Lancaster General

SNUG Secretary
Lauren Monroe, Prisma Health

SNUG Assistant Secretary & Auxiliary Board Member
Tawni Schmeling, GHC-SCW

SNUG Treasurer
Brenda Duff, Garnet Health Medical Center

SNUG Assistant Treasurer
Trudi Robinson, Christiana Care Health Service

SNUG Social Media Coordinator
Kristin Tucker, Holzer Hospital Foundation

SNUG SIG Coordinator
Donny Dila, Fairfax County Health Department

SNUG Customer Service Coordinator
Heidi Severson, Rush Copley Medical Center

Member at Large
Teresa Ethridge, Saint Francis Healthcare System

Auxiliary Board Member
Tyla Adams, Houston Methodist

Special Thanks to our 2024 Vendors

The vendors help make SNUG’s annual conference possible and give attendees an opportunity to learn more about third-party tools to help boost efficiency.

• Diamond: SCC Soft Computer
• Platinum: RCM Enterprise Services, American Proficiency Institute, Advanced Validation Solutions, Oracle
• Gold: Voicebrook, Zebra
• Silver: Bio-Rad

We hope clients enjoyed the Vendor Reception as much as our representatives did. During the reception, Vendors raffled off prizes to clients who partook in the Vendor Sticker Game hosted annually at the conference. This ranged from mascot giveaways, biker jackets, gift-cards, and bags filled with goodies. Congratulations to all of the winners and we look forward to seeing who brings home the prizes next year!

Welcome Reception Sunday

We kicked off the conference with a sunset reception held on the poolside lawn with plenty of hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and gorgeous weather, all hosted by SNUG’s Platinum Partners in Innovation. This event always provides a relaxed networking setting perfect for getting acquainted with all the new faces you will see throughout the week at the conference.

SCC Annual Client Appreciation Banquet

To wrap up the productive and educational week in Clearwater, Florida, SCC hosted the 30th Annual Client Appreciation Banquet at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Hosted along the west coast of Florida, our guests joined us as we showed our appreciation for their continuous support at this beautiful venue. Surrounded by dolphins and sea life at the famous local rehabilitation and conservation center, clients were able to attend an evening like no other and enjoy a delightful sunset off the coast during the social hour.

Save the Date for SNUG 2025

Mark your calendars from May 4th – May 8th for next year’s Annual SNUG Conference and Educational Summit as we welcome you back to the Sheraton Sand Key Resort where strong connections are made and knowledge is the forefront. Keep an eye out for more information as there are big announcements coming soon!

SNUG 2025 Venue

We’ll be returning to the Sheraton Sand Key Resort on spectacular Clearwater Beach for SNUG’s 31st Annual Conference and Educational Summit. Situated on the north end of Sand Key, a barrier island located between the Gulf of Mexico and the Clearwater mainland – the Sheraton Sand Key is an award-winning Mediterranean-style resort that offers a tropical island experience with accommodations overlooking the glittering sugar sand of Sand Key Beach and the sparkling azure waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Why stay at the conference hotel?

• It isn’t likely that you’ll find a better hotel rate on Clearwater Beach, but the special rate isn’t the only reason to stay at the conference hotel.
• Free conference space for SNUG = lower cost for you! If we book enough rooms, SNUG gets the conference space FREE. This helps control conference costs; we pass on the savings to YOU!
• Convenience! Your room is right there if you need a break, in case you forget something, or you just need to do a quick change for the next event.
• Extra beauty rest! You can sleep in and get some extra rest since you don’t have far to travel!
• No rental car needed = additional savings on your travel costs and no worries about parking or rental car return! The hotel has restaurants, shops, recreation, easy beach access … everything you need is right there, or within walking distance. (If you do drive, the Sheraton offers free hotel parking.)
• Free local transportation aboard the Jolley Trolley! Your stay at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort includes free local transportation aboard the Jolley Trolley for you and up to three friends! That’s a savings of $2.25 per trip per person (or $5.00 per person for a daily pass)!