VGM Wraps up 21st Heartland Conference
The member service company’s annual event ran June 13-15 in Waterloo, Iowa, and offered attendees a packed agenda.
More than 1,000 HME professionals flew to Waterloo, Iowa this week to attend VGM & Associates’ 21st Heartland Conference, which was held in person from June 13 to 15 at the Waterloo Convention Center at Sullivan Brothers Plaza.
The 2022 edition of the member group’s annual conference and expo offered a diverse lineup of conference speakers, educational sessions, a vendor expo, and a variety of trademark social gatherings, such as its riverside hog roast.
Heartland also notched some notable firsts. Nearly 200 attendees enjoyed Heartland for the first time, and the show offered new attractions such as a trip to Hansen’s Dairy, a locally owned, farm-to-table dairy farm near VGM’s Waterloo, Iowa headquarters.
Keynote speaker magician and comedian Devin Henderson entertainingly delivered his message that “something greater is always possible” and encouraged HME professionals to adopt “the possibility mindset,” which asks, “what else is possible?” and “never stops asking,” he emphasized.
The event’s speakers presented nearly 70 sessions on topics including billing and reimbursement, respiratory, accessibility, regulatory, ad audits, rehab, operations, sales, marketing and retail.
“Heartland Conference is all about connecting our membership communities with opportunities to learn and engage with each other,” said Jeremy Stolz, interim president of VGM & Associates. “Our robust lineup of education sessions was geared toward helping our members grow and take something home to help grow their business.”
Attendees of the sessions could earn an estimated 14.75 contact hours, and could also attend pre-conference sessions and panel discussions, as well as engage with more than 80 vendors in the expanded exhibit hall.
“The HME community plays a vital role as part of the healthcare industry,” said Jill Blaser, Heartland Conference chair. “Heartland offers top-of-the-line education designed to help HMEs take care of their business and, ultimately, their patients.”
The Heartland Conference will return to Waterloo June 12-14, 2023.