The Illinois Chapter of AHDI has been in existence since 1978.  An annual convention is held once a year at various places throughout Illinois.  Physicians or other health care professionals speak on pertinent topics, and sometimes a nonmedical professional (i.e., lawyer, social service worker) will provide information regarding other issues of interest to medical transcriptionists. These lectures usually are enhanced by audiovisual aid supplements, and they provide continuing education credits (CECs) which CMTs, RHITs and RHIAs need to keep their certification or accreditation current. Meals are included, and of course a side benefit is the opportunity for socializing and networking with other medical transcriptionists.