OPGA and VGM Government Relations Attend the Inaugural Rocky Mountain Orthotics and Prosthetics Conference

Published in Orthotics & Prosthetics on September 29, 2022

The first ever Rocky Mountain Orthotics and Prosthetics Conference took place in Denver, CO, on Friday, Sept. 16, 2022. There were over 40 attendees that came from around the state of Colorado with a strong interest in forming an orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) state association.  

Tom Powers of VGM Government Relations and Denise Doyle of Orthotics & Prosthetics Group of America (OPGA) attended this event as representatives of OPGA, the orthotics, and prosthetics division of VGM & Associates, to help educate attendees on how to advocate for O&P. 

The conference featured multiple opportunities for attendees to network with the over 20 suppliers that were there. While he was there, Powers gave a presentation on advocacy and how to have conversations with members of Congress. He also gave advice on how to run congressional meetings once you have them. 

“The event went great. There was great networking, and the opportunity is there for a great O&P state association to form,” said Powers. “The first meetings with congressional members can be scary, and that is why VGM Government Relations is an important asset because we are there to help coach everyone through these meetings.” 

The conference featured Craig Towler as a keynote speaker, who spoke on his story of advocacy. Other speakers included representatives from Össur, Amparo Prosthetics, Fillauer, and many more. The conference was then wrapped up by a happy hour and display, hosted by VGM and OPGA. Overall, it was a momentous day of educating on O&P advocacy in Colorado.