We Meet Again!

     It's time again for EMS EXPO, and it's hard to believe a whole year has gone by since the 2006 conference in Las Vegas.

     I look forward each year to meeting with readers, exhibitors, and our own writers and contributors. EMS EXPO is the largest gathering of EMS professionals in the country and the energy at the event is invigorating.

     This year, I am especially excited to be a part of the Federal Partner Roundtable, where representatives from the Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, DOT Office of EMS and Department of Homeland Security will bring attendees up-to-date on EMS issues at the federal level, as well as field questions from the audience. This will be a free session on Thursday, October 11, starting at 6 p.m.

     It's more important than ever that we make our voices heard in DC about critical issues facing the EMS industry. To help raise awareness at that level, we will also be introducing our first issue of EMS on the Hill at the show, which is a newsletter that reaches U.S. senators and congressmen, federal EMS agency heads, state EMS directors, EMS chiefs, EMS department heads, agency owners, industry manufacturers and national EMS association leaders.

     In addition to the Federal Partner Roundtable, we always look forward to EMS Magazine editorial advisory board member Mike Smith's top product picks from the EMS EXPO exhibit hall floor. On page 140 of this issue, we feature a list of the 40 finalists Mike has selected. From these finalists, Mike will choose 20 that will be featured in the January 2008 issue. We encourage you to visit these vendors at EMS EXPO to get a taste of the innovation that propels this industry forward year after year.

     For more information on EMS EXPO, which will be held October 11-13 in Orlando, FL, visit www.emsexpo2007.com. I look forward to seeing you there!