CSMC widens footprint, zeroes in on pediatrics

TORONTO – The Canadian Seating Mobility Conference (CSMC) is on a roll, with a successful inaugural event in the Maritimes in the books and a flagship event set to expand in Toronto.

Strong turnout signals demand in the Maritimes

For the first time, VGM Canada hosted a second event, CSMC East, in Moncton, New Brunswick, April 29-30, in partnership with the Maritimes Home Medical Provider Association (MHPA). It had set a goal of about 150 attendees and smashed that with about 300 attendees and 84 exhibitors.

Knowing that complex rehab technology (CRT) professionals and clinicians in that area have a difficult time earning continuing education units (CEUs), VGM Canada formed an education committee to help build out programming for the event, much like it does for its flagship event in Toronto.

“They’re kind of starving for education, so it was nice for us to get out there,” said Dave Davies, president of VGM Canada.

The sold-out exhibit hall was also a hit with attendees, allowing them to see, touch and feel CRT equipment.

“We had to kick people out an hour after it was supposed to close,” said Dominque Sedlezky, director of supplier and member relations for VGM Canada.

VGM Canada and MHPA have agreed to reconnect a year from the event, with the goal of co-hosting it every other year.

“During our closing call, the association expressed how they had never been able to do that,” Sedlezky said. “And that’s where we come in – with our processes and tools, our IT support and marketing. It really levels up the whole experience.”

For VGM Canada, working with an association – also a first – meant being able to tap into new professional communities.

“The diversity of having more than just VGM and expanding to the entire industry was important for this event and it really paid off,” Davies said.

Toronto event to debut KidsZone

For CSMC in Toronto, Sept. 15-16, VGM Canada will debut a new KidsZone, an interactive space designed specifically for pediatric mobility and rehab. This area will welcome children and families for the first time, as well as pediatric therapists and clinicians, rehab providers and equipment specialists.

The idea: To expose children and families to products that they didn’t even know existed, like adaptive walkers and bikes.

“We want our suppliers and vendors to know that we’re trying to work for them and coming up with some fresh ideas,” Davies said. “There’s really nothing like this in Canada.”

At press time, VGM Canada had received commitments from manufacturers for five of 12 spots available.

“We’re in the process of inviting others,” Sedlezky said.