Connections take center stage at VGM Heartland Conference

WATERLOO, Iowa – Connection is a big theme at this year’s VGM Heartland Conference and from the opening kickoff party on the plaza to a closing “VGM high school reunion,” attendees will have plenty of opportunity to do just that, says Arienne Martinez, education chair.

The event – which takes place June 8-10 at the Waterloo Convention Center at Sullivan Brothers Plaza in downtown Waterloo, Iowa – turns 25 this year. 

“I hope everybody gets to meet at least one new person, whether it be somebody from VGM or another attendee,” said Martinez. “They can take that relationship past the conference and just have another person in the industry that can help.”

Opening day for the event saw a record-breaking 250 attendees register.

Educational sessions shine spotlight on AI

This year’s event offers more than 60 education sessions and panel discussions across nine tracks ranging from “Leadership & People Strategy” to “Technology & Security.”

Organizers bulked up the technology track this year, says Martinez, with sessions like “Driving Success: Building your AI Roadmap,” and “Dear AI: Will You Be My Friend” – nods to the technology’s growing role in the industry.

“The sessions are built for people who are not in the technology space and how you can integrate it into your business,” she said. “We know AI’s out there, but how do we actually use it in our business. These sessions are more practical this year.”

Community dinners, pompoms and connections

Throughout the event, there will be space available for attendees to meet one-on-one, says Martinez. The popular community dinners will be back on Tuesday night in nearby Cedar Falls and a “Pep Rally on the Plaza” will take place Monday night, complete with drones and fireworks.

On the final night of the event, organizers are holding a “VGM High School Reunion,” reflecting on 25 years of VGM. Attendees can expect to see lots of photos, letterman jackets, lockers for photo ops and probably even a few pompoms, says Martinez.