Another similarity to TED:  every speaker is doing “cool projects”, things that don’t involve a stage of audience.  They were invited to speak or share their views on what’s next.  My guess:  they were chosen not only because of their backgrounds, but also because of their current work.

Why do you care?  Two reasons:  if you’re going to speak for free, these are the venues to do it.  Anyone can apply for the iSpot slots.  And second, this is how the marketplace defines thought leaders.  Brand yourself accordingly.

Yes, consumers will make their choices in 2014.  But many organizations are starting now to build momentum.  Expect a wide range of opportunities, from more partnerships with associations to sports sponsorships.  If you have mass market appeal (or a book with a lot of buzz), check out this market segment.

And they aren’t the only players.  Watch for hospitals, physician groups and even pharma manufacturers to get into the act to a lesser extent.

Why do we care?  Two big categories of opportunities for experts:  1) more initiatives for marketing experts to help out on, more social media efforts for the geeks among us; and, 2) sponsorships will rise both in sports / events segments as well as associations.  And even better:  we have time to plant seeds in this fertile ground.  Marketing activity will go into full swing in 2013 and 2014.

My prediction:  look for a chilling effect.  Pharma funding is big here and the last thing they want is an “AIG” incident.  There’s no evidence that conference content is bought and paid for — and that doesn’t matter.  Watch for even more scrutiny on the horizon.  The antidote:  independent content from folks like us.  Look for topics on soft skills and running a better practice.  It won’t completely replace clinical education — just a safe alternative.

Responses are due later this week. If this info goes public, watch for media reports of lavish spending. Healthcare is one of the few bright spots in the meetings industry. My prediction: hospitals are next. Get ready for the cancellations…

That puts behavior modification programs on the ropes, according to a recent study by HR consulting firm Hewitt Associates. What’s hot now? Onsite medical clinics, pharamcies and preventative services, such as flu shots.

Wellness wizards, don’t give up. Focus on employee participation and the employers will continue to find it. Focus on implementing already funded programs, and get your share of the budget.

Like most programs, lack of standards was a big obstacle.  But a couple of non-profits have developed tools that not only determine Return on Investment (ROI), but can also be used in the sales process to make a business case for your help.  Efforts are underway to standardize definitions and develop models by the National Committee of Quality Assurance and the Alliance for Wellness ROI.  Get intelligent about their efforts and watch your buyers see your programs in a new light.  Looking for a free online tool that might help?  Check out Wellness Council of America’s ROI Calculatorfor estimated savings on a variety of wellness programs.