James M. Berklan

Try to remember when you were 10 years old. Still a big future ahead of you, but you had already seen a lot and, man, were you ever full of energy!

That’s exactly what I’m feeling about our upcoming McKnight’s Online Expo. Organizers have set the dates as March 29 and 30 and it is expected to be bigger and better than ever. (And, yes, this groundbreaking virtual trade show IS in its, gulp, 10th year already.)

Thousands of long-term care professionals have attended educational sessions over the years, and a record crowd is expected again. There’s a lot to be said for the national experts who present at these free educational sessions — which once again will also offer free continuing education (CE) credit.

Remember: You cash in on this simply by turning on your computer or Internet-enabled device, wherever you are.

Building on past success, we feature another incredible honor roll of speakers. They’ll address issues in six major interest areas, three on each day (at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. — all times Eastern).

Payment is power so we kick things off with the inimitable Leah Klusch, RN, BSN, FACHCA, at 10 a.m. (Eastern) on Tuesday March 29. “MDS 3.0 Update: Get ready for more changes” is the title of her session. The executive director of the Alliance Training Center never disappoints.

Next comes Joyce M. Black, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, the past president of the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel and one of the foremost experts on wound care in the world.

Whether you’re a clinician or just someone who wants to make sure the best resident care takes place, Black’s session, “Deep tissue injuries — recognition, strategies and risk,” is not to be missed. Black is an associate professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the professional educator has something for all attendees.

The first day ends with a fascinating technology track presentation from David Finkelstein, the chief information officer at RiverSpring Health in New York. “Transitions: Best provider practices for the year ahead” could wind up saving providers a lot of money.

On March 30, sessions will run at the same time as the day before (10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., all Eastern). As always, there is an interactive virtual exhibition hall where you can mouse-click in and out of vendor booths specially set up for the event.

“Ready to reduce readmissions?” will start Day 2 with featured presenter Elaine Healy, M.D., the vice president of medical affairs at United Hebrew of New Rochelle. Reducing unnecessary hospital readmissions must stay at the top of your interest list in 2016 so a big crowd is expected to attend this one.

But perhaps no bigger than for a regulatory-focused session that follows, “The compliance crystal ball: What lies ahead.” Top attorney Paula Sanders, chair of the Health Care Practice Group at Post & Schell PC, brings an engaging style to legal and regulatory updates, along with tips on maintaining an effective compliance program.

The closing session, “The state of capital availability,” like all others, will be geared toward long-term care professionals at all levels.

It’s important for providers and long-term leaders to know what capital sources are available, and Beth Burnham Mace is the perfect expert to explain how to pursue them, and why. The chief economist at the National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industry, Mace will bring needed perspective.

Get energized — get the 10th Annual McKnight’s Online Expo on your calendar now. 

(You can complete the free registration form here.)

James M. Berklan is McKnight’s Editor. Follow him @JimBerklan.