Final Reminders and Tips for Focus at Heartland Conference 2024

Published in Women's Health on June 05, 2024

Prepare for the Focus at Heartland Conference in a few days!

The 2024 Focus at Heartland Conference is quickly approaching, and VGM and Essentially Women are 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:

Focus at Heartland Website 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.

The Focus at Heartland Conference website is your digital home to maximize your conference experience. We recommend creating a shortcut to the site and adding it to your home screen before you head to the conference. This way, you can map out your journey throughout the conference—from knowing which vendors you’ll visit in the exhibit hall to where your next education session is located! Instructions for saving an icon on the home screen of mobile devices can be found on page 4 of the Heartland program.

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. Handouts are also available on the Heartland website for downloading prior to the conference! For some sessions, it may be recommended to bring a printed handout with you.

Monday Afternoon Activities

For those attending the Van G. Miller Golf Tournament,* remember that lunch is at 11:30 and tee-off is at 12:30 p.m. CT. Please be prompt, as the tournament 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 - golf course side. Be sure to check the transportation page to see what time buses pick up from your hotel!

For those attending yoga at Three Pines Farm,* these activities will begin at 1 p.m. CT and 2 p.m. CT. For those attending the John Deere Assembly Plant Tour, these activities will begin at 10 a.m. CT and 1 p.m. CT. The Escape to the Great Outdoors* at Greenbelt Lake activities will begin at 2 p.m. CT. Buses will stop at all hotels. Designated pick-up and drop-off spots are at the venues, and bus schedules are posted at conference hotels.

*Pre-registration was required. For more information, please log in to your portal at https://www.vgmheartland.com/portal/login.

Happy Hour for EW Members

You are invited to join fellow EW members for a Happy Hour welcome event at George’s Local from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. It’s a walkable distance from the Hampton Inn in Cedar Falls.

Focus at Heartland Kick-Off Event

The kick-off to Focus at Heartland Conference will be Monday, June 10, at the Expo Plaza for fun, networking, good food, drinks, and music! Don’t worry, transportation will get you to the right spot!

Sign Up for Partner Connections

Taking place in the exhibit hall on Wednesday, June 12 from 9-11 a.m., providers can engage in 15-minute partner connections meetings with top women’s health industry exhibitors to network and exchange valuable insights within the post-acute homecare industry.

Limited spots are available to connect with vendor partners who serve the following categories:

Women's Health
Business Operations
Home Medical Equipment
Sales & Marketing
Technology Solutions

Pack Your Dancing Clothes

Our farewell event is "Dancing Through the Decades," and we are encouraging everyone to wear gear from their favorite decade from the 1950s to the 1990s! Pack your favorite decade attire and get ready to have some fun!

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.

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 SingleSpeed Brewing. Attendees can also sign up for a Journey Through VGM Headquarters. Registration is available at Guest Services.

Need a Lift?

Transportation to and from Focus at 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.

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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