EW’s Focus is at Heartland

WATERLOO, Iowa – VGM’s Heartland Conference will host Focus at Heartland this year, a change in format for Essentially Women’s annual conference that will allow organizers to “go above and beyond” what they offer women’s health providers, says Nikki Jensen. 

“The abundance of resources and thought leaders that we have at Heartland – this is an unprecedented opportunity to bring it to EW members,” said Jensen, vice president of EW, a division of VGM & Associates. 

Heartland takes place June 10-12 at the Waterloo Convention Center in Waterloo, Iowa. The conference offers dozens of CEU-approved educational sessions across nine tracks, including a women’s health track featuring nine sessions.   

All educational sessions are open to all attendees, says Jensen, who says women’s health providers will find plenty of inspiration and ideas from the broader range of options. 

“I hope that they take away great information that they can apply to their business as soon as they get back,” she said. “EW members (are often) boutique owners who wear many hats and it’s hard to stay on top of what they need to be changing and evolving with. This gives them access to those resources.”  

One big educational draw for women’s health providers this year: information on lymphedema and compression garments. CMS in November issued a final rule that expanded coverage to include compression garments and the agency in December published a related fee schedule.  

“We are contacted regularly by members, and people are looking to better understand the opportunity and look for new lines of opportunity,” she said. 

While this year’s Focus conference takes place in June in Iowa, rather than Florida in February, attendees can still expect the warm hospitality that Heartland is known for, including the Heartland Kick-Off Event Monday night. EW members are also encouraged to stay at the Hampton Inn to foster further connection.  

“Maybe they’ll be riding the shuttle back and forth and sharing ideas,” she said. “We’re super excited about this year’s event and hope they take back as much as they can.”