Heartland High ‘26
WATERLOO, IA
June 8-10, 2026
Welcome
Dear Heartland Attendees and Guests,
On behalf of VGM, thank you for joining us for Heartland 2026—a truly special year as we celebrate 25 years of Heartland. We’re honored to welcome you to our hometown of Waterloo to commemorate a quarter century of education, connection, and community.
Whether this is your first Heartland or your 25th, you’re part of a legacy built by dedicated professionals who continue to shape the future of the HME industry. Over the past 25 years, Heartland has grown because of people like you, and we’re proud to celebrate that journey together.
Over the next two days, you’ll experience more than 60 sessions of industry-leading education, explore innovative products and software solutions in our exhibit hall, and take advantage of some of the best deals offered all year. Just as important, you’ll find countless opportunities to connect—sharing ideas, strengthening relationships, and helping move your business forward. In honor of this milestone year, we’ve also added new experiences and special touches to celebrate 25 years of Heartland in a fun and meaningful way.
If you have questions or need assistance at any time, please visit the Guest Services desk at the Waterloo Convention Center, or connect with anyone wearing a VGM badge or yellow lanyard—we’re always happy to help.
Thank you for the important work you do for the HME community and, most importantly, for the patients you serve. We are proud to partner with you and grateful to celebrate 25 years of being Part of Something Bigger together.
Now, let’s get to work…and enjoy the celebration.
Welcome to Heartland 2026.
Your 2026 Heartland Planning Committee
Shanon Eckhardt Conference Chair
Kim Bemus Logistics & Volunteer Pillar
Arienne Martinez Education Pillar
Rosa McIntire Events & Exhibitor Relations Pillar
Travis Caruth Technology Pillar
Mandi Rodgers Marketing & Communications Pillar
Shelby Birkenholz Member & Vendor Relations Pillar
Jillian Dobbins Incoming Marketing & Communications Pillar
Network:
Password:
Events App
Access all Heartland Conference information, including the agenda, networking opportunities, transportation services, session handouts, and course evaluations via our mobile application!
1 2 3 4
Download the VGM Events app.
Scan the QR code using your mobile device or tablet to download the app or search for VGM Events.
Enter Your Username: The email you used to register for Heartland.
Enter Your Password: Welcome!
Once logged in, click on the Menu icon. To navigate to the attendees, agenda, exhibitors, your profile, messages, speakers, and the main dashboard.
Attendee App Guide
You will use the app to do the following:
Edit the spelling of your name to display on your transcript
Complete session evaluations. All session evaluations must be completed by Friday, June 12.
Add sessions you want to attend to your event agenda
To edit your email address or provide ABC, BOC, and AARC certificate numbers, please see Guest Services.
Contact Information
Please check the spelling of your name to display on your transcript. Select My Profile from the menu to make adjustments.
Accessing Handouts
On the app, you can click into each session following the previous instructions to access any handouts available by clicking on “Documents.”
Main App Menu
Select Agenda from the left-hand column.
The Agenda page will allow you to view the agenda based on the day and allow you to select which sessions you wish to attend.
You can also log into events.vgm.com/heartland/agenda on your mobile device or computer to view handouts. If the presenter has provided a handout, it will be available by clicking the name of the session.
How To Complete Session Evaluations
Add Sessions to Your Agenda
If you see a session you want to add to your profile, select the + (plus) icon. To view the list of sessions you have added, select the clock at the top of the app.
Session Evaluations will close June 12, so make sure to complete these soon! Surveys are required for CEUs.
How to Access Your Certificates
Once you finish your survey, please wait an hour for your certificate to appear in the app under CEU/ Transcript Request. After the conference concludes, you’ll receive a post-conference email with a link to download all your certificates.
How To Check In And Out Of Sessions
This year, to check in and out of education sessions, you will need to scan a QR code (with the VGM Events app) that will be provided in each session. There will be two different codes. One code for check-in and one code for check-out. Your badge will not be scanned.
Once you have completed the session, complete the survey by clicking into the session and selecting the Survey icon.
If you’ve completed the survey for the session, it will be greyed out and no longer accessible.
Under the Agenda tab, you can see what sessions have a completed survey and which ones still need attention.
Checked in and out
Not checked out
Need A Lift?
Transportation to and from Heartland events, hotels, and education venues within Waterloo and Cedar Falls is provided while attending the conference. Designated pickup and drop-off spots are at the venues, and bus schedules are posted at conference hotels and available at events.vgm.com/heartland/heartland-bus-schedule.
You can request a ride to a destination in Waterloo or Cedar Falls by following the steps below via the VGM Events app or stopping by the Guest Services desk.
Step 1
Open the VGM Events app.
Step 4
Select: The spontaneous pickup URL.
Step 6
Select the Pick Up location field and either type in your location or select from pre-populated points of interest.
Step 2
Use the main menu (three lines at the top left corner) to open the options.
Step 5
Select: Make a Booking.
Step 7
Set Pick Up and Drop Off locations. After you click “Set Drop Off,” you will come to a summary screen where you select BOOK.
Step 3
Select: Transportation.
You can also book your ride at the kiosk stand located at Guest Services.
Rides are free. Once you book, you can track the driver’s whereabouts.
Join Lindy Tentinger, President of VGM & Associates, as she kicks off Heartland and introduces the first keynote speaker of Heartland!
Opening Message Keynotes
David Atkins
David is a retired New York State Police Captain after 22 years of service. David was the New York State Trooper of the Year in 2003, followed by New York State Police Investigator of the Year in 2007. David was also a first responder at Ground Zero on 9/11, where he spent weeks working in New York City. While working full-time with the NY State Police, David also built a million-dollar international direct sales business. David published his first book, “The Leveled Up Life,” with his second book, “The One Decision Away Philosophy,” published in the summer of 2025. David is the creator of The One Decision Away Philosophy and host of the Personal Perseverance Project Podcast. Most importantly, David is a husband and a father to his three daughters.
Joe Delagrave
Joe Delagrave, a two-time Paralympian turned USA Wheelchair Rugby head coach, led Team USA to Paralympic silver in 2020 as a player and again as coach in 2024. With a stellar athletic career featuring three World Championship medals and triumphs at the Parapan Games, Joe is not only a dynamic keynote speaker but also a devoted father and husband.
David Atkins
Lindy Tentinger
Joe Delagrave
Download David’s free app here!
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Education Schedule
Education & Networking Opportunities
Monday, June 8
7- 8 a.m.
Pre-Conference Breakfast
7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Registration Open
8:30 - 11:30 a.m. Pre-Conference Sessions
10 a.m. - Noon A Journey Through VGM’s Headquarters*
11 a.m.
Van G. Miller Memorial Golf Tournament* (SOLD OUT) (Lunch included, 12:30 p.m. shotgun start)
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Lunch on Your Own
12:30 - 2:30 p.m. A Journey Through VGM’s Headquarters*
1 - 5:15 p.m. Field of Dreams Excursion*
2 – 4 p.m. Three Pines Farm Goat Yoga*
2 – 4 p.m. Paint a Tote at Barn Happy*
2 – 4 p.m. Pickleball*
3 - 5 p.m. A Journey Through VGM’s Headquarters* (SOLD OUT)
6 – 7:30 p.m. First-Time Attendee Social
7 - 10 p.m. Pep Rally on the Plaza
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Education & Networking Opportunities
Visit events.vgm.com/heartland/agenda for the education schedule and speaker info.
Tuesday, June 9
7 - 8 a.m. Breakfast
7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Registration Open
8 - 8:30 a.m. Opening Message
8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Keynote Speaker
9:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. Conference Education Sessions
Noon - 1:30 p.m. Lunch
12:15 - 1 p.m. Lunch and Learn Sessions
12:30 – 1 p.m.
HME Woman of the Year (WOY) Event
2 - 4 p.m. A Journey Through VGM’s Headquarters* (SOLD OUT)
4 - 7 p.m. Exhibit Hall Grand Opening
7:30 - 11 p.m. Main Street Tailgate & Community Dinners
Wednesday, June 10
7 - 8 a.m. Breakfast
8 - 9 a.m. Welcome and Keynote Speaker
9:15 a.m. - 5 p.m. Conference Education Sessions
9 - 11 a.m. Partner Connections
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open
12 - 1:30 p.m.
2 - 4 p.m.
A Journey Through VGM’s Headquarters*
6:30 - 10 p.m. Heartland High Reunion at the Farm
*Pre-registration required
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Exhibit Hall Networking Contest
Engage with exhibitors and win! All exhibitors will have a postcard with a QR code with them. This is NOT the large QR code in their booth; that is for Partner Connections. This code will only be shown to you by an exhibitor after you have talked with them about their offering. Through the VGM Events app, scan as many codes as possible to be at the top of the leader board! The leader board will be in the lobby. Here are the prizes:
First Prize
Meta Glasses and a 2027 Heartland Registration
Second Prize
Kindle Scribe and a 2027 Heartland Registration
Third Prize
JBL Speaker and a 2027 Heartland Registration Contest ends Wednesday, June 10 at 1:30 p.m., and the winner will be drawn at 1:45 p.m.
Rules
• One name from the top 3 on the leader board will be drawn to win the top prize.
• One name from the 4-10 on the leader board will be drawn to win the second prize.
• One name from everyone else participating will be drawn to win the third prize.
• Must be present to win.
• Only drawing 5 names if no one is present.
Join Us For the 2026
Tuesday, June 9, 12:30-1 p.m., Ballroom B
Meet the Finalists
Celebrating the exceptional women shaping the future of HME.
Whitney Baker VieMed Healthcare
Shawna Carlson CareLinc Medical Equipment
Julie Osborn Alliance Rehab
Jeaneen Cole DASCO HME
Lisa Wells Med-South, Inc.
Networking & Social Events
Monday, June 8
Van G. Miller Memorial
Golf Tournament*
11 a.m.-6 p.m. • Irv Warren Golf Course
Play 18 holes at Waterloo’s premier course at this event honoring VGM’s founder, Van G. Miller. Lunch will start at 11:30 a.m. Shotgun start at 12:30 p.m.
Journey Through
VGM
Headquarters
10 a.m.-Noon, 12:30-2:30 p.m., and 3-5 p.m. • VGM Locations
Embark on a guided journey through VGM’s headquarters and fulfillment facility led by our captain who will explain how VGM grew into the great business it is today, and learn more about areas to maximize your membership.
Field of Dreams Excursion*
1-5:15 p.m.
In 1989, the iconic “Field of Dreams” movie was released. Here is your opportunity to walk the original movie set baseball field tucked away in the cornfields in Iowa, tour the farmhouse, and enjoy the movie on the drive. There will also be time for ice cream and souvenirs.
Three Pines Farm Goat Yoga*
2-4 p.m.
Enjoy a unique experience in the heart of Iowa. You will join Kara on her fifth-generation family farm for yoga paired with the cutest baby goats! Afterward, treat yourself to a delicious homemade ice cream sandwich on our patio, where you can meet Leonard the Llama and our adorable mini goats.
Pickleball*
2-4 p.m. • Orchard Hill Park
Come and enjoy a fun afternoon of pickleball in Cedar Falls. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a complete beginner, everyone is welcome! What’s provided: paddles and balls, light snacks, and drinks.
Paint a Tote*
2-4 p.m. • Barn Happy
Explore your artistic side with painting a tote bag at a local favorite spot, Barn Happy. You can also find unique Iowa gifts to take home to your friends and family!
First Time Attendee Social
6-7:30 p.m. • SingleSpeed Brewery / Taproom @ Wonder Bread
It’s okay if it’s your first time at Heartland! We are here to help! The best part is that there is a social just for you! Right before the Pep Rally on the Plaza, you’ll get to connect with other first-time attendees and grab some snacks and drinks, too!
Pep Rally on the Plaza
7-10 p.m. • Expo Plaza
This isn’t your average Plaza event. This year we are kicking off our 25th anniversary celebration with the Pep Rally on the Plaza! Good food, amazing live music with ‘Not Quite Brothers,’ and this year, pyro drones and fireworks! You don’t want to miss it!
*Events not included with registration. To purchase tickets, please log in to your attendee portal at events.vgm.com/heartland/sign-in.
Tuesday, June 9
KEYNOTE
One Decision Away: From Potential to Performance
David Atkins
8:30-9:30 a.m. • Ballroom ABC
In One Decision Away: From Potential to Performance, David Atkins delivers a powerful, noexcuses keynote that challenges leaders and teams to stop waiting for the “right moment” and start acting on the moment they’re already in. Drawing from 22 years as a New York State Police Captain, a 9/11 Ground Zero first responder, and a successful entrepreneur, David shares a clear, practical framework for making decisive choices under pressure—when hesitation is the most costly option.
Through authentic storytelling and real-world examples, David introduces his One Decision Away Framework—a simple yet powerful approach that helps participants assess the opportunity in front of them, address the obstacles holding them back, and take meaningful action now, not later. This keynote goes beyond motivation, equipping attendees with a decision-making mindset they can apply immediately to leadership, performance, and personal growth.
At the heart of the session is a defining moment of personal accountability, where each participant identifies and claims the one decision they’ve been avoiding—the decision that has the power to unlock momentum, clarity, and results. Attendees leave not just inspired, but committed to action, with a renewed sense of ownership over their performance and impact.
Download David’s free app here!
HME Woman of the Year Award
12:30-1 p.m. • Ballroom B
After lunch, join Jeremy Stolz, CEO of VGM Group, and Lindy Tentinger, President of VGM & Associates, for the HME Woman of the Year (WOY) Award Ceremony. This event honors a woman who has significantly contributed to her company, community, and the home medical equipment industry. Network with the finalists, learn about their contributions, and find out this year’s winner.
Journey Through VGM Headquarters
2-4 p.m. • VGM Locations
Embark on a guided journey through VGM’s headquarters and fulfillment facility led by our captain who will explain how VGM grew into the great business it is today, and learn more about areas to maximize your membership.
Exhibit Hall Grand Opening
4-7 p.m. • Waterloo Convention Center
The Exhibit Hall Grand Opening is the perfect opportunity to interact with VGM’s vendor partners. See their industry-leading products, software solutions, and conference promotions all while enjoying refreshments and networking with peers.
Main Street Tailgate
7:30-11 p.m. • Downtown Cedar Falls
Who doesn’t love a good tailgate? Join us as we head to downtown Cedar Falls! Please choose from one of the designated restaurants of your choice, based on your industry. Please see list below. You will network with peers, tour the local restaurants, and have some fun along the way.
• Urban Pie – Complex Rehab Technology
• George’s Local - HME
• Lawn City - HME
• Patton Diner - HME
• The Horny Toad - Respiratory
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Wednesday, June 10
KEYNOTE
Push with Purpose:
Champion Your Choices
Joe Delagrave • 8-9 a.m.
In Push With Purpose, Joe Delagrave—2x Paralympic Medalist, USA Wheelchair Rugby Head Coach, and leadership keynote speaker—delivers a powerful, unforgettable message about responsibility, resilience, and choice when circumstances feel uncontrollable.
After a life-altering accident left him paralyzed, Joe was forced to confront a truth we all face in different ways: we do not always get to choose our situation, but we always get to choose how we respond. Through high-energy storytelling, raw honesty, humor, and deep emotional impact, Joe challenges audiences to rethink adversity—not as a setback, but as a moment that demands purpose-driven leadership.
Grounded in his Assess Your S.E.L.F. framework (Support, Effort, Love, and Faith), this keynote helps leaders and teams shift from reacting under pressure to acting with intention. Joe draws from his experience as a Paralympian, elite coach, and former team captain to show how purpose fuels resilience, strengthens accountability, and elevates performance—especially during uncertainty, change, and stress.
Audiences leave inspired, but more importantly, equipped—with clear language, practical mindset shifts, and a renewed commitment to lead, work, and live with purpose, even when the path forward is difficult.
Journey Through VGM Headquarters
2-4 p.m. • VGM Locations
Embark on a guided journey through VGM’s headquarters and fulfillment facility led by our captain who will explain how VGM grew into the great business it is today, and learn more about areas to maximize your membership.
Heartland High Reunion at the Farm
6:30-10 p.m. • VGM Farm
What would Heartland be without our farewellthemed event? Dig out your high school garb and let’s celebrate the Heartland High Reunion!
Photo Opp
Waterloo Convention Center Map Level
Waterloo Convention Center Map
Level 2
4th STREET / SOUTH SIDE OF BUILDING
COMMERCIAL
Skywalk to Hotel and Parking Ramp
Speaker Ready Room Mother’s Room
JEFFERSON ST. / WEST SIDE OF BUILDING
EXHIBIT HALL OVERLOOK
Convention Center & Food Truck Menus
Monday, June 8
Breakfast for Pre-Cons
• BYO Yogurt Parfait: vanilla & strawberry yogurt, granola, and a mix of fresh berries (Vegetarian)
• Sausage Breakfast Burritos (sausage, scrambled eggs, diced breakfast potatoes, shredded cheese)
• Bacon Breakfast Burritos (bacon, scrambled eggs, diced breakfast potatoes, shredded cheese)
• Assortment of breakfast breads and pastries (Vegetarian)
• Sliced fresh fruit
Dinner
• Garden Salad (Gluten Free I Vegetarian I Vegan)
• Pulled Pork Sandwiches (Gluten Free with no bun)
• Beef Brisket (Gluten Free with no bun)
• Green Beans (Vegetarian)
• Mac and Cheese (Vegetarian)
• Jalapeno Cream Corn (Vegetarian)
• Fresh Fruit Platter (Gluten Free I Vegetarian I Vegan)
• Vegetarian Burgers (Vegetarian | Gluten Free with no bun)
Tuesday, June 9
Breakfast
• Fluffy Scrambled Eggs with green onions (Vegetarian & Gluten Free)
• Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
• Grilled Ham Steaks (Gluten Free)
• Biscuits with Sausage Gravy (on the side)
• Cinnamon Baked Apples
• Fresh Fruit Platter (Vegetarian)
Food Truck Lunch
Hy-Vee (Gluten Free and Vegetarian options)
• Chicken Kabobs with Onion, Green Pepper, and Red Pepper
• Veggie only Kabobs
• Fruit
• Potato Salad
Taco Life (GF, Vegetarian options)
• Walking Tacos • Nachos or Nachos Grande
• Street Tacos • Street Corn
• Beef Tacos • Burrito Grande
• Quesadilla Greenhouse Kitchen (GF, Vegetarian options)
• Cobb Salad
• Chicken Hibachi Bowl
• Chicken Spring Roll Bowl
• Steak Hibachi Bowl
• Steak Spring Roll Bowl
Bowls of Love (GF, Vegetarian options)
• Build Your Own Acai Bowls
La Calle (GF, Vegetarian options)
• Variety of Latin American Cuisine
The Street Food Fighter
• Khao Man Gai (Thai Chicken Rice The SFF Style)
• Mongolian Beef Philly Cheesesteak
• Steak Tacos
• Pork Egg Rolls
• Crabmeat Rangoons
• Sweet & Spicy Chicken
• Chun Gai (Lao Fried Chicken with Sticky Rice and Jeow)
• Lao Pad Thai
• Steak Fried Rice
• Chicken Fried Rice
On-site Boxed Lunches
• Turkey Wrap
• Chicken Salad Croissant
• Club Wrap
• Vegetarian Wrap (Vegetarian)
• Gluten Free Turkey Sandwich
• All come with chips, sliced apples, cookie, and 12 oz bottled water
Main Street Tailgate (See page 28)
Wednesday, June 10
Breakfast
• Frittata w/ Feta & Tomato
• Turkey Sausage links
• Lemon-Oregano Roasted Potatoes (Vegetarian)
• Scrambled Eggs w/ Spinach & Herbs
• Pita Wedges (Vegetarian)
• Greek Yogurt Bar w/ honey, nuts & dried fruits (Gluten Free & Vegetarian)
• Slice Fresh Fruit (Gluten Free & Vegetarian)
Lunch Buffet
• BYO Taco Bar
• Southwest Garden Salad
• Chipotle Ranch, Cilantro Vinaigrette & Tortilla Strips
• Seasoned Black Beans
• Cilantro Lime Rice
• Soft Flour Tortillas & Corn Tortilla Chips
• Fajita Chicken, Grilled Skirt Steak
• Salsa Con Queso
• Assorted Toppings: Shredded Lettuce, Mixed Cheeses, Pico de Gallo, Guacamole, Sour Cream, Salsa, Cilantro, Sliced Jalapenos, Lime Wedges
• Cinnamon Churros with Chocolate & Caramel Sauces
Dinner
• Pork Tenderloin
• Maidrites
• Veggie Wraps
• Cheesy Potatoes
• Buttered Corn
• Lettuce Salad
• Fresh Fruit
• Scotcheroos
• Ice Cream Truck
Main Street Tailgate
Downtown Cedar Falls
8
Heartland Conference 2027
June 14-16, 2027 | Waterloo, Iowa
Thank You, Sponsors!
Your Contributions Make Heartland Great
Without these great companies, Heartland Conference wouldn’t be what it is today. Don’t forget to stop by their booths while you’re here.
