Celebrate 25 Years of the VGM Heartland Conference

Published in Member Communities on February 18, 2026

Celebrate 25 Years of the VGM Heartland Conference

The VGM Heartland Conference is turning 25, and you’re invited to join the celebration! Mark your calendars for June 8–10, 2026, in Waterloo, Iowa, as we commemorate this significant milestone for the HME and home healthcare industries. 

Special Anniversary Registration for the 2026 Heartland Conference 

Registration opens on Feb. 25, 2026, with a special one-day anniversary rate of just $225. This is the lowest price of the year, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to secure your spot at one of the most trusted HME and home healthcare conferences, designed to help providers grow, innovate, and stay ahead of changing industry demands. 

A Gathering of HME and Home Healthcare Professionals 

For 25 years, the VGM Heartland Conference has been a hub for professionals in home medical equipment (HME), respiratory care, sleep therapy, wound care, complex rehab technology (CRT), and broader home healthcare sectors to come together for education, CEUs, networking, and industry-leading insights. The 2026 agenda promises over 60 educational sessions and panel discussions across essential learning tracks, including: 

  • Billing and compliance 
  • Leadership & people strategy 
  • Business operations 
  • Respiratory 
  • Complex rehab technology (CRT) 
  • Integrated health & policy 
  • Sales & marketing 

Continuing education units (CEUs) for HME providers will be available to attendees, as well as the chance to network with peers and discover innovative solutions from VGM’s extensive vendor partner network. 

A Nostalgic Theme: “Heartland High” 

This year’s conference will embrace a fun and nostalgic “Heartland High” theme, reminiscent of school spirit and class reunions. Expect engaging events that celebrate 25 years of connection, education, and pride in the home healthcare industry. 

“Heartland has always been about community, and our 25th anniversary felt like the perfect time to return to our roots,” said Shanon Eckhardt, Heartland Conference Chair. “This year's ‘Heartland High’ theme brings a playful twist to the experience while keeping our mission front and center: bringing people together to learn, grow, solve challenges, and celebrate what makes serving this industry so rewarding.” 

Don’t Miss Out! Register Early for the Best Rate 

After the one-day special price of $225 on Feb. 25, standard registration pricing will take effect on Feb. 26. Be sure to register early to secure your access to premier HME, respiratory, and CRT education, as well as industry networking you won’t find anywhere else. 

Stay tuned for more details, including agenda highlights and event features, at vgmheartland.com

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating 25 years of connection, education, and innovation at the VGM Heartland Conference! 


TAGS

  1. heartland
  2. vgm

From Our Experts

ROI of D.C.: Understanding the Impact of CRT and HME Advocacy thumbnail ROI of D.C.: Understanding the Impact of CRT and HME Advocacy Legislation influences patient care. Learn about the importance of voting records in sustaining the CRT and HME industries. The Future of CRT Depends on Stronger Grassroots Advocacy Now thumbnail The Future of CRT Depends on Stronger Grassroots Advocacy Now The future of CRT access depends on broader industry and grassroots advocacy to defend reimbursement, influence policy, and improve patient access to care. Unlearning Is Harder Than Learning—Especially in Billing & Reimbursement thumbnail Unlearning Is Harder Than Learning—Especially in Billing & Reimbursement Outdated billing & reimbursement habits can increase audit risk. Learn why DME suppliers must unlearn assumptions, validate guidance, & strengthen compliance. DMEPOS Accreditation in 2026: How to Stay Compliant thumbnail DMEPOS Accreditation in 2026: How to Stay Compliant CMS's new accreditation requirements are raising the stakes for DMEPOS providers. VGM's Annual Accreditation Guide helps providers simplify their accreditation journey. HME Industry Growth, Medicare Advantage, & Competitive Bidding thumbnail HME Industry Growth, Medicare Advantage, & Competitive Bidding Explore key HME industry trends, including DMEPOS growth, Medicare Advantage, competitive bidding, and what providers need to know to stay competitive. Building the Next Generation of O&P Advocates Starts Now thumbnail Building the Next Generation of O&P Advocates Starts Now The future of independent O&P depends on strong advocates. See how OPGA is helping develop future leaders through mentorship, education, and advocacy. The Friction Audit thumbnail The Friction Audit Not all friction is bad. Learn how the right balance of speed, process, and thoughtful decision-making can help healthcare organizations thrive. Turning Home Access Into a Scalable Growth Strategy thumbnail Turning Home Access Into a Scalable Growth Strategy Home accessibility is evolving into a scalable, service-driven growth opportunity for DME providers.