Attending VGM Heartland Conference? Here's What You Need To Know

Published in Member Communities on June 07, 2023

The 2023 Heartland Conference is quickly approaching, and VGM is excited to welcome all attendees to Waterloo, Iowa, for two days of unlimited networking opportunities and industry-leading education. Here’s everything to know before beginning the journey to VGM’s hometown:

Heartland Program and Attendee Portal

Check out the official conference program, which includes Wi-Fi passwords, the education and social schedule, a list of sponsors, the layout for the education and exhibit hall, and much more.

Be sure to scroll to page 6 of the program to find step-by-step instructions on accessing the attendee portal. The portal is where attendees will complete session evaluations and download transcripts. Evaluations for each session MUST be completed in order to receive continuing education credit for those sessions.

Visit the Website

The easiest way to keep track of all things Heartland is on the VGM Heartland website —www.vgmheartland.com. From knowing which vendors to visit in the exhibit hall to where the next education session is located, the website allows attendees to map out their journey throughout the conference.

Saving an icon on the home screen of mobile devices allows for easy access to the latest Heartland happenings! Instructions are on page 4 of the program.

Monday Afternoon Activities

Golfers! Reminder that lunch is at noon and tee-off is at 1 p.m. CT. Please be prompt, as the tournment is full and we need to start on time. You also need to check-in when you arrive at golf. Check-in is outside of the clubhouse - golfcourse side. Be sure to check the transportation page to see what time buses pick up from your hotel!

Big Woods (kayaking, walking, frisbee golf) starts at 2 p.m. CT. Buses will stop at all hotels. Be sure to check the transportation page to see what time buses pick up from your hotel!

Hansen's Dairy Farm Tours will be at 2:30 p.m. CT. Pre-registration was required. Be sure to check the transportation page to see what time buses pick up from your hotel!

Checking In

After arriving at the Waterloo Convention Center, be sure to check in at the Registration Desk. There will be kiosks on site to print the attendee badges. Layouts of the venues are in the program, beginning on page 18.

Need a Lift?

Transportation to and from Heartland events, hotels, and education venues is provided while attending the conference. Designated pick-up and drop-off spots are at the venues and bus schedules are posted at conference hotels. Requests for a ride can also be done by stopping by Guest Services or going to the website (that should be saved to attendees' home screen) and using the ride scheduler.

First Time at Heartland?

As a first-time attendee, be sure to maximize the experience and attend the First-Time Attendee Social on Monday at Anton's Garden. Attendees can also sign up for a Journey Through VGM Headquarters. Registration is available at Guest Services.

Hungry?

Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner will be served at Heartland. There will be food trucks for lunch on Tuesday to showcase some of our hometown favorites. Attendees will receive a voucher for lunch. As a Heartland tradition, be sure to also check out the fresh-baked cookies after checking in at the registration desk in the lobby of the Waterloo Convention Center and throughout the entire conference.

Need More?

The Guest Services desk, located in the Waterloo Convention Center, is filled with staff who are happy to help attendees throughout the entire week. They’ll take care of everything attendees may need, whether it be a band-aid, recommendations on nearby food and drink, or conference-related questions.

Questions? Check out the Guest Services page on the Heartland site or call the Events Hotline at 877-484-6901.

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