Coming Home to Heartland: Celebrate 25 Years Together

Published in Complex Rehab on April 23, 2026

From June 8–10, 2026, VGM and U.S. Rehab members from across the country will gather in Waterloo, Iowa, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the VGM Heartland Conference, and we’re doing it with a nod to the memories, relationships, and shared experiences that brought us here.

Welcome to Heartland High.

A Conference Built on 25 Years of Community

For 25 years, the Heartland Conference has brought together professionals across the home medical equipment (HME), complex rehab technology (CRT), respiratory, sleep, wound care, and broader home healthcare industries to learn, connect, and move the industry forward together.

Over the years, Heartland has become a place where:

Real-world challenges are shared
Wins are celebrated
New ideas take shape
Longtime peers become trusted friends
First-time attendees become lifelong members of the community

And in 2026, this gathering will feel like an especially meaningful homecoming. Heartland’s 25th anniversary is about celebrating the people, partnerships, and shared purpose that have allowed this industry to grow and adapt through decades of change.

Introducing the 2026 Theme: “Heartland High”

This year’s Heartland High theme brings all the best parts of a class reunion.

Think:

School spirit
Pep rallies and tailgates
Shared nostalgia
And the unmistakable feeling of belonging

Special anniversary experiences will include events designed to connect colleagues and friends:

A Pep Rally on the Plaza: Join us for fun, networking, good food, drinks, and music to kick off Heartland.
A Main Street Tailgate: Explore the Cedar Valley’s local restaurants while networking.
The Heartland High Reunion: Bid Heartland 2026 farewell by making lasting memories at the VGM Farm.
And a few surprise moments worthy of a 25th celebration.

It’s playful. It’s meaningful. And it’s uniquely Heartland.

World-Class Education That Meets the Moment

The unbeatable education remains at the heart of Heartland.

VGM is committed to delivering two full days of in-person, industry-leading education, designed specifically for today’s home healthcare landscape.

With 60+ educational sessions and several CEUs offered, you can tailor your experience across critical areas, including:

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

Sessions are practical, timely, and led by experts who understand the realities you’re navigating right now.

A Sample of Heartland Sessions

CRT Jeopardy: I’ll Take “Denied Again” for $1,000 - Unpacking Daily Doubles in Complex Rehab with Dan Fedor, U.S. Rehab, and Jim Stephenson, Permobil
The Home Access Advantage: Diversification, Cash-Based Growth, and Market Expansion with Cindi Petito, VGM Live at Home
Building Firm Foundations in Early Intervention: Adaptive Standing as AT with Jason Mehler, Rifton
The Leadership Gap: Why High Performance Doesn’t Equal Leadership with Brooke Kraft, VGM Group
[PANEL] Final Rule: Competitive Bidding, Accreditation, Provider Enrollment, and Change of Ownership with Jeffrey Baird and Denise Leard, Brown & Fortunato, and Kelly Grahovac, The van Halem Group
AI Marketing Workshop: Takeaways You Can Use Today to Win Tomorrow with Cammi Mitchell and Alec Langowski, VGM Forbin
[PANEL] Legislative Update & Advocacy 101 - Working Together to Become Champions of Change with Ike Isaacson and Adam Miller, VGM Group; Jay Witter, AA Homecare; and Wayne Grau, NCART

Experience the Heart of VGM (And Northeast Iowa!)

Some of the best Heartland moments happen:

Over breakfast with a peer who “gets it”
During a vendor conversation that sparks a new idea
At a networking event, a golf tournament, or an afternoon adventure

With an interactive exhibit hall, partner connections, and purposeful social events, Heartland makes networking feel easy and genuine.

(New!) Field of Dreams Excursion: Walk the 1989 movie set baseball field tucked away in the Iowa cornfields.
(New!) Paint a Tote Bag: Express your artistic side at a local favorite spot, Barn Happy.
A Journey Through VGM’s Headquarters: Walk the halls where VGM’s mission comes to life.
Van G. Miller Golf Tournament: Play 18 holes at Waterloo’s premier course.
Pickleball: Enjoy a fun afternoon of pickleball at Orchard Hill Park.
Goat Yoga and Ice Cream Sandwiches: Experience yoga paired with the cutest baby goats at Three Pines farm.

Whether you’re reconnecting with industry friends or meeting someone who becomes part of your support system long after the conference ends, Heartland creates space for real relationships.

All-Inclusive Value Designed for VGM and U.S. Rehab Members

Heartland has always been rooted in accessibility and value, and that hasn’t changed.

Your all-inclusive conference registration includes:

Access to all education sessions
Networking events and social experiences
Meals and entertainment
Entry to the exhibit hall
Opportunities to engage directly with VGM and U.S. Rehab leaders and vendor partners

It’s one of the most comprehensive and cost-effective ways to invest in your business, your team, and yourself.

Join Us to Celebrate 25 Years of VGM Heartland Conference

There will be other conferences.

There will be other Heartlands.

But there will only be one 25th anniversary.

This year is about celebrating the journey of the people who helped shape Heartland, the members and vendor partners who continue to show up, and the collective pride of serving patients and communities across the country.

If Heartland has ever played a role in your story, or if you’re ready to become part of it, this is the year to be there.

Pack your Heartland High spirit, reconnect with your community, and help us celebrate 25 years of learning, growth, and belonging.

We’ll save you a seat.

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