CSMC set to deliver experience

TORONTO – With the inherent limitations of online education, the Canadian Seating and Mobility Conference (CSMC) is focusing on the “hands-on” approach of its in-person conference, says Steve Cranna. 

“When an employer is considering whether to send staff to an in-person conference like CSMC vs directing them to a Zoom meeting, we’ve been intentional about differentiating ourselves in that situation,” said Cranna, director of new business development and government relations for VGM Canada, which hosts the conference. “The takeaway from our conference is different. It’s more experiential – the education is hands-on, but it’s also networking face-to-face and interacting with products directly.” 

CSMC takes place Sept. 10-11, once again at the Delta Hotels by Marriott - Toronto Airport & Conference Centre. 

HME News: What’s new or different about the conference this year? 

Steve Cranna: One thing is there will be no keynote. The challenge always is, we have more submissions to provide education than we have rooms available and we have the time to deliver, so to maximize the value to attendees, there will be no keynote. That extra hour and 15 minutes will provide additional time to the attendees to have more education. We will still have an opening ceremony where we will announce the HME Woman of the Year. 

HME: Is moving to a larger venue to accommodate more education an option in the future? 

Cranna: We've looked at other venues, but we’ve had a hard time finding something practical and cost effective. In Toronto, the airport is 30 minutes from downtown. This venue is close to the airport, so it works out for many reasons, including transportation and costs. The venue has served us well for years, and being there is almost like a homecoming. 

HME: What is the focus of the education this year? 

Cranna: We try to follow several streams vs. hot buttons, but within each stream there might be a hot button. The education is applicable to new and seasoned therapists with a range of experience in the industry, including complex rehab technology, pediatrics and community work. We also factor in our audience, and in Canada, we’re seeing a lot of the experienced therapists transitioning out of the day-to-day clinical care and we’re asking ourselves, how does one pass the baton of knowledge and experience to the younger, newer therapists? It’s a real discussion point and focal point for us. How do we be the forum that delivers on that?  

HME: Is the ability to offer CEUs an important part of the program? 

Cranna: Yes, the uptake on CEUs has increased significantly. That’s in part because the number of NRRTS registrants has gone up in Canada to the point where we’re just south of 300 registrants. That’s in a shorter period and continues to grow. The Canadian industry really does need to improve the professional side of the industry, so education is one of the ways that we really raise the bar. 

HME: What can attendees expect from the exhibit hall this year? 

Cranna: It’s nearly sold out. There has been some M&A activity in Canada, where companies are absorbing other companies. You would think that the number of exhibitors would shrink, but while a small number of exhibitors are downsizing, that’s just allowed us to provide space for new exhibitors. The tried-and-true brands that really have been a mainstay of industry will be there, but we’re also seeing new exhibitors and startups. That (variety) is good for the industry and patients.