With warmer days of spring around the corner, now is the perfect time to hunker down and get your professional affairs in order. I have a solution that involves no paperwork or heavy lifting.

I'm referring, of course, to the Sixth Annual McKnight's Online Expo, taking place March 21-22, at ... wherever you have your computer.

Each year this pioneering education event has grown, almost beyond our wildest expectations. Last year, more than 2,700 professionals attended this two-day virtual conference, with more than 3,000 more at subsequent “Super Tuesday” webcasts, which will be offered again this year.

It's important to emphasize now that, as in the past, registration (at www.mcknights.com), attending and the accompanying continuing education (CE) credits are all free. Yes, free.

So what's going to set you free to frolic outside at a later date?

How about this inimitable expo's kick-off session (10 a.m. Eastern on March 21) on the latest on MDS 3.0 and other payment challenges? Leading it is none other than nationally respected educator and consultant Leah Klusch, executive director of The Alliance Training Center.

Next will be another popular returnee, Michael Hargrave of the National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing and Care Industries. If you operate in the United States, Mike has market information for you. The final session of the day will be on electronic health records and led by Kathy LeVee, vice president/operations for Marquis Companies.

The second day includes sessions led by veteran provider attorney Tim McVey (on averting costly wound care mishaps) and Sheila Lambowitz, now an industry consultant but recently retired as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' director for skilled nursing and institutional post-acute care. (Complete session details can be seen on pages 18 and 19.)

It is, frankly, a star-studded line-up. The virtual exhibition hall and more than a dozen vendor booths further enhance it.

Stop by the booths with a few clicks of your mouse for information and conversation, or if you just want to browse market offerings from some of the top suppliers around.

The price is more than right and the benefits are many — including CEs for your hip pocket and free time for later.