Maximize Your Heartland Experience: Tips, Tools, & Must-Knows

Published in Member Communities on June 04, 2025

The Heartland Conference is more than just an event—it’s your opportunity to connect, learn, and grow within the HME and CRT industries. Heartland 2025 is quickly approaching, and VGM is thrilled to welcome over 400 attendees, 80+ speakers, and 85+ exhibitors to Waterloo, IA, for a one-of-a-kind experience with top-notch education and unparalleled networking opportunities.

Whether you're a first-time attendee or a seasoned veteran, read on to navigate the week with ease, from planning your schedule to making the most of networking opportunities. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure a smooth, successful, and unforgettable Heartland experience.

The Heartland Program and App

Make the most of your experience by exploring the official conference program. Inside, you’ll find:

Daily schedules
Sponsor listings
Exhibit hall layout
Wi-Fi details
And more!

To enhance your experience, download the VGM Events app. It’s your go-to tool for:

Viewing the education schedule
Accessing exhibitor info
Completing session evaluations for CEUs

Scan the QR code using your mobile device or tablet to download the app or search for “VGM Events” in your app store. We recommend downloading it before you arrive so you can plan your schedule and map out your sessions and vendor visits. Instructions for downloading the app are on page 4 of the program.

App Store Google Play

Remember that evaluations for each session MUST be completed in order to receive continuing education credit for those sessions.

You can also visit events.vgm.com/heartland/agenda to view handouts and session details. Some sessions may recommend bringing printed handouts.

Pre-Conference Sessions are Back!

Our pre-conference sessions are back to provide attendees with a head start on informative insights. Taking place from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. on Monday, June 9, attendees can choose which session they’d like to complete, including:

Marketing 102: Digital Marketing Workshop
Using DMAIC Problem Solving to Drive Improved Patient Experience & Positive Financial Results
From Hire to Retire: People Trends Shaping the Employee Experience
ProCircular Cyber Escape Room

It’s not too late to sign up! All you need to do is log in here and select which session you’d like to attend.

Monday Afternoon Activities

For those attending the Van G. Miller Golf Tournament, remember that lunch is included 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.

Other Monday activities* and start times are listed below:

2–4 p.m. – Three Pines Farm
2–4 p.m. – Hansen's Dairy Farm Tour
2–4 p.m. – Pickleball
3–5 p.m. – A Journey Through VGM Headquarters
4–6 p.m. – Hansen's Dairy Farm Tour

Buses will stop at all hotels. Designated pick-up and drop-off spots are posted at hotels and venues, and bus schedules can be found at events.vgm.com/heartland/heartland-bus-schedule.

* For all activities listed above, pre-registration is required. For more information, please log in to your portal here.

Returning in 2025: Party on the Plaza and Partner Connections

The kick-off to Heartland Conference will once again be located at the Expo Plaza on Monday, June 9 from 7-10 p.m. Join us for fun, networking, good food, drinks, and music! Don’t worry, transportation will get you to the right spot!

Taking place in the exhibit hall on Wednesday, June 11, from 9-11 a.m., attendees can engage in 20-minute partner connections meetings with top HME and CRT industry exhibitors to explore collaborations, exchange insights, and build valuable relationships. To sign up for Partner Connections, please sign up here.

Pack Your Tropical Gear

Our farewell event is "WaterLuau at the Farm," and attendees are encouraged to wear their tropical gear! Prepare to see the VGM Farm transformed into the WaterLuau and have some fun while saying goodbye to another amazing Heartland Conference.

First Time?

New to Heartland? Don’t miss the First-Time Attendee Social on Monday at 6 p.m. at SingleSpeed Brewing. You can also sign up for a Journey through VGM Headquarters at Guest Services.

Need a Ride?

Transportation is provided between hotels, venues, and events. 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 made by stopping by Guest Services or going to the website and using the ride scheduler.

REAL ID Needed

Effective May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. To ensure you're ready, check if your current ID has a star in the upper right-hand corner, indicating it's REAL ID-compliant. If not, visit your state's driver’s licensing agency to upgrade your ID. Remember, you can also use a passport or other approved forms of identification for travel.

More Information

Visit the Guest Services desk at the Waterloo Convention Center for assistance with anything from directions to dining recommendations. You can also call the Events Hotline at 877-484-6901 or visit the Guest Services page on the Heartland website.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Waterloo—see you at Heartland!

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