“Better Together”: How IMCO’s 2025 Convention Set the Stage for a Stronger Healthcare Industry”
The IMCO Convention continues to be the premier event for bringing together the best of healthcare distribution and the 2025 gathering illustrated exactly why. Over three impactful days, Members and Vendor Partners came together to share ideas, build relationships, and drive the industry forward through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to excellence.
This year’s theme, “Better Together”, couldn’t have been more fitting. It captured the spirit of collaboration and connection that defines both IMCO and the healthcare distribution industry at large. Bill McLaughlin noted in his welcome remarks: “It captures the strength that grows from partnership, the vital ties that drive success throughout our industry. We don’t do this alone. More than ever, we rely on one another. Relationships, support, and lasting bonds – between distributors, manufacturers, and IMCO itself – are at the core of all we do.”
Mary Rundle, Healthcare Sales Director at GOJO, called the IMCO Convention the: “Best show in the industry! It provides a space to connect with Vendors and Distributors, learn what is happening in the healthcare industry, and most importantly, build valuable relationships.”
We were thrilled to welcome five new Members and eleven new Vendor Partners since the 2024 Convention, a clear sign of the growing strength and relevance of the IMCO community.
Convention Highlights
Monday kicked off with a powerful keynote address by Ken Schmidt, renowned for his role in revitalizing Harley-Davidson. His talk, “Make Some Noise,” energized the audience and provided inspiring insight on transforming your customers from “folks who buy from us,” into “loyal friends who recommend us without being asked.”
New this year was the IMCO Exchange, a collaborative space for in-depth conversations. Attendees connected directly with breakout speakers and IMCO team experts. It was a valuable forum for asking questions, discussing relevant topics, and gaining additional insights.
Other educational highlights:
- Finding the Balance: Inventory Turns and Customer Service, Jason Bader, The Distribution Team
- The Three Disciplines of Ultra-High Performers, Beth Maynard, Sales Gravy, Inc.
- Building Trust Through Better Communication, Moderated by Jason Bader, The Distribution Team
- Harnessing AI for Business Success, Antonio Piraino and Jan Beery, Worlds View Solutions
- HIDA Government and Regulatory Update, Christina Lavoie, Healthcare Industry Distribution Association (HIDA)
Following a full day of professional development, Monday afternoon brought back the crowd-favorite Pentathlon- and it did not disappoint! “Gladiator” teams went head-to-head in five wildly entertaining games featuring ping pong balls, balloons, tactical belts, Tic Tacs, and plenty of laughter. The energy was high, the competition fierce, and the fun contagious as attendees cheered on their favorite teams. Best of all, the event raised $5,565 for Provision Packs Pantry, supporting local children and families in need. Congratulations to our champions, the Angry Apples, for taking home the win, and to Marty Mansfield, Omni International for winning the 50/50 Pentathlon Raffle!
What Attendees are Saying
“Great schedule – dedicated time with strategic member distributors is always valuable. The entire event was professionally run.”
Lawrence Kernis, Director of National Accounts for Nestle Health Sciences
“It was a fantastic experience – seamless, well-organized, and refreshingly intimate. The event felt more like a 48-hour social mixer than the typical grind of a large convention.
Cole Brantley, Manager of Sales and Distributor Relations for Sri Trang USA (Ventyv)
“It was great to meet everyone and catch up on what’s going on in our industry. What truly sets IMCO apart is its unwavering dedication to independent medical distributors. The Convention created an environment where meaningful relationships were formed and strengthened – through structured networking activities and enjoyable social events. These connections are invaluable as we continue our mission to improve patient safety through effective simulation education.”
Anthony Battaglia, Founder and CEO, Pocket Nurse
Celebrating our Member and Vendor Partners
Dynarex was named IMCO 2024 Vendor of the Year! Members recognized their commitment to understanding the evolving needs of the industry, providing customized inventory solutions, delivering excellent field support, and offering superior customer service. Congratulations to the Dynarex team!
The 2025 Steve Dennison Scholarship winners, recognized for their exceptional sales performance and operational support of IMCO programs and EPIC/SEL Vendors, were:
- Kierston Hardin, MERCO Biomedical
- Kim Cook, MedStat
- Austin Roebuck, TwinMed – Grove Medical Division
IMCO’s Equipment Performance Incentive Contest (EPIC) is year-long equipment contest in which Members earn points for selling participating EPIC Vendors’ qualifying equipment. Points may also be earned through participation in webinars, Vendor ride days, and Vendor sales meetings/training. The 2024 winners were:
10th Chuck Elazary, Dealmed Medical Supplies, LLC
9th Denise Coulombe, Surgo Surgical Supply
8th David Ellis, Atlantic Medical Solutions
7th Kristina Pacheco, Canada Medical Ltd.
6th Ricky Bustamante, American Medical Supplies & Equipment
5th Derek Shirley, Tagg Industries
4th Adam Shiffman, Cornell Surgical Co.
3rd Victor Amat III, American Medical Supplies & Equipment
2nd Angi Muse, Booth Medical Equipment
1st Aaron Polonsky, MedStock, Inc.
Trade Show
The IMCO Trade Show remains a cornerstone of the Convention, providing a premier platform for in-person connections, strategic conversations, and new business opportunities. This year, 94 booths showcased Vendor products and services. Willa Moats, owner of Willcare Associates, praised, “As always, the BEST networking trade show in our industry.”
MIP (Member Incentive Program) participants were especially active, with nearly $1 million distributed during the Convention. Congratulations to the 92% of IMCO Members who earned dollars through this program in 2024.
We at IMCO are truly grateful for the opportunity to come together with friends old and new to map a plan for success in the year ahead. As Kelton Lewis, Co-Founder and managing partner of MAP Medical, said, “IMCO never fails to find new and creative ways to engage, inform, and entertain. I’ve not encountered another organization in the industry that makes me feel so welcome and appreciated -IMCO truly makes its members feel like part of the family.”
As we look to the future, IMCO remains committed to strengthening partnerships and creating new opportunities for growth. The 2025 Convention reminded us that we truly are Better Together – and together, we’ll continue to shape the future of healthcare distribution.