VGM Heartland Conference Brings the HME Community Back Together, Safely

Published in Member Communities on September 16, 2021

VGM’s annual Heartland Conference celebrated its 20th event Sept. 13–15, 2021, by welcoming nearly 1,000 guests from across the country to its hometown of Waterloo. The conference brings members of the HME community together each year for three days of networking and educational events. 

Usually held in June, the conference was moved to September to help ensure the health and safety of everyone involved. Additional precautions taken included moving all social events to outdoor spaces, requiring masks while indoors, and running conference transportation at 75% capacity. The Heartland planning committee also established a well-trained COVID response team to help keep everyone safe.
 
“As leaders in the health care industry, we wanted to do everything we could, taking all proper precautions, to help keep everyone safe during our time together,” said Clint Geffert, president of VGM & Associates. “We know the past year and a half has provided numerous challenges and uncertainties, and we’re honored to have the opportunity to bring everyone back together, safely.”

Heartland

Heartland also featured a virtual offering, Heartland At Home. VGM members were able to attend the conference exclusively through the virtual courses, which also were complimentary for those who attended in person.

“The HME community plays a vital role as part of the health care industry,” said Jill Blaser, Heartland Conference co-chair. “Heartland offers top-of-the-line education designed to help HMEs take care of their business and, ultimately, their patients. That’s why it’s so important to us that our community members have those educational opportunities, no matter where they are.”  

Roger LichtyWhile there were many changes to the Heartland conference this year, those who have attended in past years found plenty of the familiar Midwest hospitality. One such attendee was Roger Lichty, owner of Mobility Connection Inc. out of Rockford, Illinois, who has attended all 20 Heartland Conferences. Lichty was presented with a perfect attendance award to show VGM’s appreciation for his dedication to Heartland and the HME community.  

To further celebrate 20 years of Heartland, VGM continued its philanthropic efforts with the 200 for 20 charity event, where conference attendees nominate charities in their own communities. VGM then selected 20 of those charities to be awarded a $200 check. 

“Heartland is more than an industry conference,” Geffert said. “It’s an opportunity for our members to get together and be part of something bigger. Whether they chose to attend in person or virtually, we hope they experienced all the magic that Heartland had to offer.” 

Mark HigleyThe Heartland Conference will return to Waterloo on June 13–15, 2022. To learn more about the Heartland Conference, please visit www.vgmheartland.com.  

 
 


TAGS

  1. conference
  2. education
  3. heartland
  4. hme
  5. vgm

From Our Experts

A Quick Guide to the New NCD for Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation thumbnail A Quick Guide to the New NCD for Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation Discover the key changes in Medicare's new NCD for non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) for chronic respiratory failure due to COPD. A Letter from the President: Clarity, Connection, & Champions of Change thumbnail A Letter from the President: Clarity, Connection, & Champions of Change This letter explores the importance of clarity, simplicity, and strategic partnerships, while providing insights on strengthening customer relationships. NAAOP Hosts First Ever In-Person Legislative Fly-In thumbnail NAAOP Hosts First Ever In-Person Legislative Fly-In Last week, 33 stakeholders, advocates, and leaders from around the O&P industry convened at the offices of Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville PC in Washington, D.C., as part of The National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics's (NAAOP) first ever in-person legislative fly-in. Co-sponsored by OPGA, the fly-in kicked off with an in-depth discussion and strategy session surrounding several legislative priorities affecting O&P providers and patients. Unlocking the Power of Marketing Tools: Create and Deliver Compelling Content thumbnail Unlocking the Power of Marketing Tools: Create and Deliver Compelling Content In today's fast-paced digital landscape, effective marketing hinges on the strategic use of tools that streamline content creation, distribution, and performance tracking. Unlocking Opportunities: A Comprehensive Guide to the Wound Care Market for DMEPOS Providers thumbnail Unlocking Opportunities: A Comprehensive Guide to the Wound Care Market for DMEPOS Providers Unlock new revenue streams in the wound care market with our comprehensive guide for DMEPOS providers. Discover key trends, strategic planning, and how VGM can support your success in delivering effective wound care solutions. Empowering Patients with Essential DME/HME Products thumbnail Empowering Patients with Essential DME/HME Products The HME/DME industry can improve patient outcomes and show that we're truly invested in patient care by offering a full range of cash-only products. CRT Groups Unite for Congressional Fly-In thumbnail CRT Groups Unite for Congressional Fly-In NCART, NRRTS and U.S. Rehab are collaborating in a more official way on this year's congressional fly-in on Sept. 16-17 in a move that will bring together complex rehab technology (CRT) professionals from different parts of the industry. Elevate Your Expertise in Home Accessibility with Certified Installer Training thumbnail Elevate Your Expertise in Home Accessibility with Certified Installer Training VGM Live at Home, in collaboration with longtime member Access to Independence, is proud to present the upcoming Certified Installer Training, taking place September 22-25 in Ravenna, OH.