We're up for the challenge. Are you?
By Mike Moran, Executive Editor, HME News

For years, HME leaders and providers have called (cried, you might say) for a major show of strength and unity in the nation's Capitol.

Well, you know what, HME News has answered the call.

The 2009 HME News Business Summit and the new HME Exposition & Conference,
co-produced by HME News and Access 180, will set up shop in Washington's
back yard.

Located in Baltimore in April, the Business Summit and HME Expo--and other
events that we'll get to momentarily--offer a combination of lobbying, education and networking like you've never seen before.

I don't want to overstate things here, but this is the kind of event that
can make a difference. We all know the benefits of education, but imagine
the impact that several thousand HME providers will make as they lobby and advocate for the home medical equipment industry.

Here's a quick rundown of what this groundbreaking event will offer:

As always, the HME News Business Summit, April 19-21, will address the needs of company owners and executives. This is your annual opportunity to network with peers, learn from some of the best business minds around, and take home valuable information to drive your company forward.

The Business Summit leads into the HME Exposition & Conference, April 21-23, 2009. This event does not take attendees, exhibitors and speakers for granted. Those three groups are our customers, and we're determined to provide the best customer service, education and value possible. But don't take my word for it. Visit the Expo Web site, www.hmeexpo.com.

At the Expo, you'll also find the Home Respiratory Forum, a three-day clinical program
with continuing education credits for home respiratory therapists and companies. Sam Giordano, the executive director of the American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC), will keynote this event.

And if you're a complex rehab provider, NRRTS has once again stepped up to the plate. The organization, along with NCART and the University of Pittsburgh, will co-locate its annual Continuing Education and Legislative Advocacy Conference (CELA) at the HME Expo & Conference as well.

HME News and Access 180 will provide bus transportation to and from Washington D.C. and help organize lobbying visits.

No doubt about it, these are difficult times for the HME industry. Reimbursement is dwindling and the general U.S. economy faces challenges unseen since the Great Depression.

That's why an event of this kind is more important than ever. If we work together, I'm convinced the HME industry will come through these challenging times stronger and more professional than ever.

Come to Baltimore and be part of this new era in HME. You'll be glad you did.

For more information on the HME News Business Summit, email Heidi Kettinger
at hkettinger@unitedpublications.com.