We're up for the challenge. Are you?
This isn't some tired old event that takes providers for granted

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 Expo & Conference, co-produced by HME News and Access 180, will set up shop in Washington's back yard.

Located in Baltimore next 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--some with patients in tow--as they lobby and advocate for the home medical equipment industry.

As we've begun telling people, if you want to gamble with your business, go to Las Vegas. If you want to get down to business, come to Baltimore.

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

As always, the HME News Business Summit, April 19-21, will provide a retreat-like environment for 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 benchmarking data. We'll begin to research topics in November for the 2009 Business Summit, and I expect to complete the program--with plenty of input from past attendees--by mid-December.

The Business Summit leads into the HME Expo & Conference, April 21-23, 2009 As someone once said, there are trade shows, and then there are TRADE SHOWS. The Expo falls into the latter category. This isn't some tired old event that takes 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 units 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 in Baltimore, April 21-23, 2009.

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.

Please join us and be part of this new era in HME. I promise, you'll be glad you did.

For more information on the Summit, email kmcanuff@unitedpublications.com.