PrimeFare East 2013: 15 Years in the Making

Almost 200 attendees from 23 states convened at the Nashville Convention Center, Tennessee, for the 15th annual PrimeFare East Scientific Symposium, held June 21-22. It was an opportunity for O&P professionals to earn continuing education units in five different tracks: orthotics, prosthetics, pedorthics, administrative/ management, and mastectomy; meet with other industry professionals; and visit the 54 exhibitor booths. After hours, attendees had opportunities to renew acquaintances and enjoy some of Nashville's offerings-historical sites such as the Ryman Auditorium, which stood as the original Grand Ole Opry House; country music venues; and many interesting dining choices. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="340"] In 2003, PrimeFare was held in Olive Branch, Mississippi, just outside of Memphis, Tennessee, to test holding the meeting closer to PrimeCare's office. While the test determined that Nashville was the best location, everyone enjoyed "Elvis" making an appearance at the reception. Pictured from left: "Elvis," Clint Snell, and backup singers.[/caption] New to this year's PrimeFare lineup was a full-day preconference session presented by Brian Gustin, CP, president, Forensic Prosthetic and Orthotic Consulting, Suamico, Wisconsin. The seminar, which was geared toward O&P facility owners and management, provided an in-depth examination of the profession and also addressed specific areas of change. Gustin provided insight on how O&P can best fit into and maximize opportunity in the current era of healthcare delivery and payment systems. The first PrimeFare East was launched in 1998 alongside its sponsor PrimeCare O&P Network, Germantown, Tennessee. Through the years, PrimeCare's mission has remained steadfast: managed care contracting and providing cost-effective educational excellence and the opportunity for independent P&O facilities to network together to provide each other advice and support, according to President Cathie Pruitt. The symposium, however, has grown from its original 72 attendees, 16 exhibitors, and two tracks in prosthetics and orthotics and changed venues from the Renaissance Nashville Hotel to its current location. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="275"] From 2002 to 2005, PrimeCare hosted the Ronney Snell Memorial Golf Tournament with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, as the beneficiary. Pictured from the 2002 tournament are, from left: Jerry Swanson, Steve Smith, and Stephanie Wallace. Photographs courtesy of PrimeCare O&P Network.[/caption] When any anniversary occurs, it is only natural to look back on memories. Three, in particular, stood out to Pruitt. The 2001 meeting was scheduled to take place on September 13. And then came the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The contract PrimeCare had with the hotel venue stated "we would be responsible even if an act of war or God occurred, as long as the venues were not affected," Pruitt said. However, the clause was not enforced, and the meeting was rescheduled for the following summer- and summer has now become the standard offering, allowing attendees the chance to bring their families and extend their stay for family vacations. In 2008, attendees were woken in the middle of the night by a fire alarm. Hotel guests had to evacuate via the stairs and stand outside in their pajamas waiting for the go-ahead to return to their rooms. Don Foley, part owner of Cailor Fleming Insurance, Youngstown, Ohio, was in attendance that year. He said he had to walk down from the 23rd floor. In 2010, a group of friends attending the conference went out to dinner. One group member came back from the restroom and shared with the table that it was one of the nicest men's rooms he had ever visited. The waiter overheard and informed everyone that the men's room had actually been voted the top men's room in the United States by Travel and Leisure magazine. Everyone wanted to see it, women included, so the waiter gave the table a private tour of the restroom. Prime Fare East's 2014 symposium will be held in June; exact dates have not yet been confirmed. —Shantel Wolfe

PrimeFare East 2013: 15 Years in the Making

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