More than 800 HME providers, industry experts and manufacturersgathered June 8-11 at The VGM Group Inc.’s 2009 Heartland Conference, held atthe at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center in Waterloo, Iowa.

The eighth annual installment event offered 109 educationalsessions across eight tracks: executive, operations, products and technology,regulatory, rehab, reimbursement, respiratory, and sales and marketing.Attendees were able to gain up to 23 continuing education units from eightaccrediting organizations: NRRTS, RESNA, AARC, the University of Pittsburgh, IACET,ABC, BOC and the Iowa Board of Nursing.

Additionally, 219 vendors showcased their wares at the event’sexposition.

Other event highlights included:

• Dennis Clark, president of VGM’s OPGA and Point Health Centers,who opened the conference with a presentation called “The Walter Reed Experience.”
• Billing and reimbursement expert Jane Bunch, who conductedan all-day Billing Boot Camp.
• Technician training from U.S. Rehab, VGM’s purchasing groupfor providers of rehabilitation equipment.
• Social events such as a pig roast, gala party and bowlingtournament.