VGM Wraps Up Heartland Conference 2023

Published in Complex Rehab on July 05, 2023

Unbeatable education. Unlimited networking opportunities. Unforgettable experiences. There is a reason Heartland Conference is known as a one-of-kind, can’t-miss experience in the DMEPOS industry, and this year was no different.

358 attendees, 83 speakers, 330 exhibitor attendees, and 200 volunteers came to VGM’s hometown of Waterloo, IA for Heartland from June 12-14, 2023. VGM was also excited to welcome 175 new attendees!

“There’s always a level of optimism and fun [at Heartland]. I enjoy the sessions; I enjoy the networking. When I leave, I know that there’s a ton of notes that I’ve taken and then there's a lot of opportunity that I feel in my business and in the industry, so it keeps me coming back.”
- Josh Marx, CEO, Medical Service Company

Unbeatable Education

This year’s education offered more than 60 options for registrants to earn contact hours. All throughout the conference were insightful sessions and panel discussions, from pre-conference sessions focused on power standing training, high-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO), and addressing real-life workplace scenarios, to tracks with topics on billing & reimbursement, specialty markets, business operations, rehab, and so much more.

Keynote The keynote speaker, Adam Markel, a #1 Wall Street Journal Best-Selling Author and resilience researcher and expert, focused on becoming change proof and how those in the DMEPOS industry could learn to become resilient. He provided tangible takeaways for “outperforming stress” and applying it in our everyday lives.

Other engaging sessions highlighted topics such as audits, Medicare Advantage, resupply, clinical takeaways, operations management, customer service, reimbursement, value-based care, optimizing marketing efforts, and so much more.

Panel

“I find the value of the educational programs [at Heartland] much better. It’s in a smaller group, you get a chance to ask questions to the presenters. I have thoroughly enjoyed coming to Heartland more so than I have any other conference.”
- Tyler Kiser, President, TLC Group

Unlimited Networking Opportunities

Members As with every year, Heartland Conference was filled with numerous networking events that allowed professionals to build meaningful connections and cultivate lasting relationships.

On Monday, June 12, attendees had the chance to enjoy the day golfing, touring the local Hansen's Dairy Farm, or enjoying nature at Big Woods Park. Those new to Heartland Conference connected at the first-time attendee social to learn how to make the most of their time in Waterloo. The Rendezvous at the Loo kicked-off the conference with some great conversations and concluded with the famous firework display.

The following day was the grand opening of the exhibit hall, where attendees discovered the hottest products and business solutions offered by VGM's vast network of vendor partners. After perusing the show floor and connecting with many of the exhibitors, attendees made their way to the local Lost Island Theme Park for the Connections and Coasters event. Here, attendees, speakers, and exhibitors continued engaging with each other, whether it was at their specific community dinner or on the roller coasters.

Lost Island

Finally, the conference wrapped up at the VGM Farm with the theme of the famous Iowa State Fair! After two full days of learning and networking, attendees participated in fair activities such as ring toss, balloon pop, and even a pie-eating contest. Standard carnival foods were also available, including some special Iowa-inspired bites and beverages.

“[Heartland] is the most intentional conference that I’ve ever attended. The connections are very intentional. They put you with the people that you need to be with so that you can better service your patients, expand your markets, and build a better horizon.”
- Whitney Baker, Director of Operations, Home Medical Products, Inc.

Heartland Conference 2024

Heartland Conference 2023 was truly an unforgettable experience, and we hope everyone who came was able to experience all that it has to offer. Even though Heartland 2023 has come to an end, we cannot wait to welcome everybody back in 2024. Mark your calendars to join us next year at Heartland Conference, June 10-12, 2024!

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