NAMPI is calling — and so is St. Louis.

Think you’ve seen all St. Louis has to offer? Our team is sharing the local gems that make this city a perfect backdrop for NAMPI — whether you’re attending sessions, networking with colleagues, or squeezing in a little sightseeing.

Part 3: NAMPI Tips, Food, and Fun in St. Louis

By Dan Olson

After 26+ years of attending NAMPI, I can tell you — this conference is about more than just the sessions. Sure, the content is great (and focused entirely on Medicaid payment integrity), but the real magic happens in the hallways, during coffee breaks, and when you’re swapping stories over a St. Louis meal.

Below are my top NAMPI tips and some STL picks to make your trip memorable. 

1. Plan Your Sessions (and Don’t Be Afraid to Divide & Conquer)
NAMPI’s agenda is full of breakout sessions on topics like electronic visit verification, nursing home fraud, and dental fraud, plus plenary sessions with CMS and MFCU leaders. With multiple sessions running at once, team up with colleagues to cover more ground and share notes later. If you miss something, don’t worry — NAMPI keeps a virtual library of materials for weeks after the event.

2. Network Like It’s Your Job (Because It Is)
From state program directors to CMS officials, MFCU representatives, and data analysts, NAMPI attracts a cross-section of the Medicaid program integrity world. Everyone’s approachable — just grab a seat at a table, strike up a conversation, and make connections that will last well beyond St. Louis.

3. Explore the Vendor Hall
Between sessions, stop by the vendor hall. It’s a great chance to see innovative solutions, dashboards, and analytics tools — and set up deeper conversations off the show floor.

4. Make Time for STL Favorites

– Laclede’s Landing – Historic cobblestone charm right on the riverfront. 

– Anheuser-Busch Brewery & Clydesdales – Iconic beer and beautiful horses. 

– Busch Stadium – Catch a Cardinals game if you can. 

– Magic House – Fun and interactive exhibits for the young and young-at-heart. 

– Forest Park Evenings – Post-session walks in one of the most beautiful urban parks in the country.

5. Keep It Comfortable and Flexible
Big conferences can feel overwhelming. Check in early, wear your badge so names come easy, and be open to spontaneous conversations — those moments often turn into the most valuable takeaways from NAMPI.

Professional development at NAMPI isn’t just about what you learn in a breakout room — it’s about who you meet, the ideas you share, and the experiences you take home. If you see me in St. Louis, don’t hesitate to say hello (tea drinker here — I’ll never say no to a cup).

Want more insider NAMPI tips?
Listen to my conversation with Eric Rubenstein on the OIG Roundtable Podcast here: NAMPI Primer Episode

📍 See you in STL!

— Dan Olson