Courtesy of IMCO
The IMCO Convention is always an annual highlight, and 2024 was no exception. Every year, Vendors and Member distributors come together for three days full of engaging opportunities for networking, collaboration, education, and professional development.
IMCO is thrilled to have introduced eight new Members and 10 new Vendor Partners since the 2023 Convention. This year-over-year growth is a direct reflection of the value IMCO provides and is vital because it enables us to enhance our support through program development and strengthening relationships with our Vendor partners.
Long-time-IMCO-Member-and-Board-Member-Bob-Miller-with-IMCO_s-Bill-McLaughlin-and-Christina-Mintchwarner-Kopecki
Highlights
In an effort to create an even higher level of engagement between our Vendors and Members, IMCO reimagined our Keynote and the SEL Playbook sessions, introduced a brand-new networking opportunity, and strengthened an already impressive lineup of professional development and education.
A definite highlight was the keynote experience with DrumCafeUSA. Through the universal language of music and rhythm, and an African Djembe drum on every chair, this high-performing team of musicians entertained, engaged, and motivated. Using various drum-calls, they instructed the group in drum technique and effectively demonstrated how working in unity and connecting with each other allows us to achieve common goals and unlock the power of our full potential.
The Collaboration Cabana was a new, poolside networking opportunity for those attendees arriving on Sunday afternoon. This inaugural event garnered enthusiastic participation and was a fantastic way for both Members and Vendors to kick off Convention and make new connections during the ice breaker challenge or to casually exchange ideas, discuss relevant issues, and cultivate new relationships in a relaxed and sunny atmosphere.
Another notable highlight was the elevated SEL Playbook session. The Sales Emphasis Line (SEL) program focuses on partnering with our preferred Vendors who go above and beyond to support IMCO Members. The always popular Sales Playbook session, featuring short but impactful presentations from our SEL Vendors, was reimagined and revitalized this year, emceed by sales and relationship expert Dan Howington, who kicked off the sessions discussing the “Keys to Influence”. Howington also skillfully moderated the sessions with SEL Vendors, ensuring their maximum impact.
Other education highlights included:
Balancing Investment, Service Level, and Profitability, Jon Schreibfeder, Effective Inventory Management, Inc
Creating a Highly Connected, Highly Engaged, and Winning Team, Ben Murphy, Titus Talent Strategies
The Strength of the Independent Distributor and Insights on the Future – Panel featured Joel Rich/GOJO, Scott Williams/Grove Medical, Marie Rabin/CARA Medical, and Jim Macholz/Atlantic Medical Solutions, Mike Marks, Indian River Consulting
HIDA Government and Regulatory Update, Linda Rouse O’Neill, Healthcare Industry Distribution Association (HIDA)
Accessing Business Resources to Improve Your Bottom-Line Profits, Bob McCart, IMCO
Succession Planning: A Crucial Pillar for the Independent Distributor, Janis T. Dezso, j. DEZ Strategies, Inc and Allison Therwhanger, Innovia Medical/PWH Chair
Practical Digital Marketing for Maximum Return, Kevin Manley, Vital Link Digital Marketing Services, IMCO
Celebrating Our Member and Vendor Partners
Nestle was chosen as the IMCO 2023 Vendor of the Year! Members valued their exceptional customer service and support, as well as their commitment to maintaining inventory levels. They were in good company, as we had many deserving nominations this year!
With a record year of the number of nominees from Vendors and Members, the 2024 Steve Dennison Scholarship winners demonstrated strong sales and operations support of IMCO programs and EPIC/SEL Vendors. The winners were awarded travel and accommodations at the IMCO Convention as well as recognition throughout the meeting. Congratulations to:
- Ricky Bustamante, American Medical Supplies & Equipment
- Erica Osterlo, Bell Medical Services, Inc.
- Chris Theodore, Ocean Medical Inc.
IMCO’s Equipment Performance Incentive Contest (EPIC) is year-long equipment selling contest in which Members sell 10 key Vendor lines of products and earn points based on sales orders and Vendor interactions throughout the year. The 2023 EPIC winners were:
10th: Denise Coulombe, Surgo Surgical Supply
9th: David Gordon, DMJ Enterprises, Inc., DBA Unident/Unimed (USA) LTD.
8th: Ricky Bustamante, American Medical Supplies & Equipment
7th: Sergio Bustamante, American Medical Supplies & Equipment
6th: Aaron Polonsky, MedStock, Inc.
5th: David Ellis, Atlantic Medical Solutions
4th: Brian Hodgson, Omni Medical Supply, LLC
3rd: Kristina Pacheco, Canada Medical Ltd.
2nd: Victor Amat III, American Medical Supplies & Equipment
1st: Angi Muse, Booth Medical Equipment Co. Inc.
Tuesday Highlights
Tuesday’s Trade Show is always productive, providing an important platform for our Members and Vendor Partners to connect and engage face-to-face, have strategic conversations, share knowledge, and develop business and partnership opportunities. This year we had 94 booths with Vendor representatives available to share about products and services.
The show floor was a busy place for our MIP program participants, with more than $1.2 million being handed out. Congratulations to the more than 92% of IMCO Members who earned dollars on this program in 2023. There are 53 MIP Vendors participating for 2024. Reach out to these partners to discuss available growth opportunities. Full details of the program can also be found on AccessIMCO.
Tuesday evening, everyone had a swashbuckling good time at the IMCO Pirate P-aaaaarty to close out Convention. We spotted pirates, buccaneers, captains, and even a Kraken!
The venue was transformed into a pirate’s paradise, complete with a ship’s mast, drunken captain, barrels of rum, and treasure. It was a night of adventure and camaraderie, marking the perfect finale to a fabulous Convention.
Best Booth went to Vanguard Safety and their Pirate’s Den of Treasures.
Awards for Best Costume awarded Tuesday Night went to:
1st – Anthony Battaglia and Fabien Pampaloni, Pocket Nurse
2nd – Carla Rodych and Kristina Pacheco, Canada Medical
3rd – Manny Losada, Optimal Healthcare Solutions/MedPro Assoc.
Our Member and Vendor Raffle awarded a $1,500 Gift Card to Chris Theodore, Ocean Medical Inc. and Todd Hallstrom, Anavasi Diagnostics.
Congratulations to all our Winners!
Bill McLaughlin, CEO of IMCO shares, “The IMCO Convention continues to be a showcase of the strength of the independent distributor in the medical distribution industry. Here is to another year of collaborating and forging stronger connections as we navigate the year ahead!”
Attendee Responses to the IMCO Convention:
Anthony Battaglia, Pocket Nurse Enterprises, LLC – “IMCO’s Annual Convention forges a greater connection, an indispensable opportunity for independent medical supply dealers like us to deepen our bonds with fellow members and vendor partners. It’s a unifying event that brings together a passionate community, kindred spirits devoted to empowering independent businesses and catalyzing innovation in healthcare. The synergies and collaborative energy woven throughout create an unparalleled atmosphere of unity and shared purpose.”
Curtis Lawrence, Verona Safety – “I have come to expect the very best from the IMCO team, and your team always comes through. I have NEVER worked with a better group of helpful, fun, nice people in my life. I look forward to this show every year.”
Chris Theodore, Ocean Medical – “Just as iron sharpens iron, I left this year’s meeting feeling better equipped, more knowledgeable, established new relationships with both vendors and fellow members and had fun in the process. Thank you, IMCO, for all you do to keep us prepared and competitive in a dynamic industry. Your efforts are greatly appreciated, and I’m honored to be a part of the IMCO family. As was demonstrated at our meeting, we all are beating our drums individually that collectively create a beautiful symphony. Together, we can create beautiful music that can’t be ignored and will greatly improve the medical industry.”
Matt Meyer, First Quality Products – “Thank you again for hosting another great show this year. As always, it was well planned and very fruitful for all involved.”
Karen Decker, MYCO Medical Supplies – “MYCO had exceptional show interaction with Members. I couldn’t be happier. We are developing new relationships and have been doing work on our end to find out how we can better serve your Members.”
Mark VonHolle, Lighthouse Worldwide Solutions – “The synergy and shared objectives between IMCO’s independent medical distributors and Vendor Partners foster an exceptional environment for collaborative success. IMCO’s convention stands out as a beacon of effective collaboration, setting a high standard that many organizations are still striving to achieve. Through their mastery of fostering engagement and cooperation, IMCO has created a platform where mutual benefits thrive, and collective goals are achieved. We are delighted to be a part of the IMCO family!”