Page 8 - Mobility Management, May 2017

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Event Coverage
ISS: Empowering a
Growing CRT Industry
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — It was not so long ago
that complex rehab technology (CRT) was a smaller sibling of durable medical equipment. But for years, CRT has been working to create a distinct identity as a highly specialized assistive technology industry defined by custom-built seating and mobility systems for consumers with significant disabilities. The maturation of the industry is reflected by the continual growth of the International Seating Symposium (ISS), the field’s most prominent event.
Welcome, Wyoming!
Once again, Nashville’s expansive Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center was the ISS venue. Though officially the conference ran from Thursday, March 2, through Saturday, March 4, pre-symposium sessions began on Tuesday, Feb. 28.
Two years ago, Mark Schmeler, Ph.D.,
OTR/L, ISS course director for the University of Pittsburgh, stood on stage during the confer-
ence’s opening session and good naturedly
implored Wyoming to send attendees — the
Equality State was the only one in 2015 not represented at ISS.
Happily, four ISS attendees came from Wyoming this year, and they helped boost attendance.
Meghan Wander was manager of the conference. “We came in just below 2,400 attendees,” she said. “This included all exhibitors, consumer day attendees, presenters, volunteers, etc. We had representation from 30 countries, all 50 states and Puerto Rico, and eight of the Canadian provinces.”
Wander said the event experienced high numbers of attendees registering on site.
“When we left Pittsburgh to travel to Nashville \[on Feb. 26\], we had 1,800 confirmed registrations,” she noted. “We projected to have 2,200 \[total registrations\], but had an amazing on-site turn out.”
After the conference, Schmeler said, “I did not expect as much of a growth, given many factors that impact our industry. But it shows people are still seeking
8 MAY 2017 | MOBILITY MANAGEMENT
quality education, access to people and products, and networking opportunities. We will continue to focus our future events on these core values.”
Education & Expo
This year’s ISS experimented with its exhibit hall.
“After 2015, many exhibitors complained the hall was
sparsely attended during sessions, but they still had to staff their booths,” Schmeler said. “Many staff would have preferred to attend classes, as they need CEUs for their ATP or other credentials. So in 2017, we decided
to close the exhibit hall as well as give all exhibitors full access to the education sessions and CEUs. Exhibitors and others they invited to their booths could still use the exhibit hall to have meetings, trainings or conduct other business, so the hall was not completely closed. We will revisit this in 2019 and likely continue to offer the CEUs to all exhibitors, but keep the hall open during sessions. It is a constantly swinging pendulum with different sets of
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