2023 Annual Conference & Trade Show Call for Presentations
Thank you for your interest in speaking at the AAA Annual Conference and Trade Show.
AAA Annual Conference & Trade Show
June 26-28, 2023
MGM Grand | Las Vegas
The deadline for submissions is January 1, 2023. Applicants may submit up to three proposals. Audience involvement is highly encouraged.
Please be advised that participation as a presenter is strictly on a voluntary basis. AAA is unable to pay speaker fees or travel and lodging expenses. Participation will be at your own expense for your own exposure and promotion.
The winners of the 2022 AAA Board of Directors election are listed below. The term for each position will begin on January 1, 2023. For regions 1 and 3, two directors were chosen due to vacant positions. Please join us in thanking all candidates for their service to the American Ambulance Association.
President-Elect
Jamie Pafford-Gresham
Pafford EMS
Hope, AR
Treasurer
Julie Rose
Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc.
Ashtabula, OH
Secretary
Wayne Jurecki
Bell Ambulance Service, Inc.
Milwaukee, WI
Region 1 Director – 3 Year Term
Dennis Cataldo
Cataldo Ambulance Service
Somerville, MA
Region 1 Director – 1 Year Term
Mike Addario
Global Medical Response
Baldwinsville, NY
Region 2 Director – 3 Year Term
Chuck Kearns
Mercy Ambulance Service, Inc
Savannah, GA
Region 3 Director – 3 Year Term
Tom Tornstrom
Gundersen Health System-Tri-State Ambulance
La Crosse, WI
Region 3 Director – 1 Year Term
Kyle Wolber
Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc.
Winfield, IL
The winners of the 2021 AAA Board of Directors election are listed below. The term for each position will begin on January 1, 2022. In compliance with our updated association bylaws, the candidate who received the most votes in each region will serve a one-time three year term and the candidate with the second most votes will serve a two-year term. Please join us in thanking all candidates for their service to the American Ambulance Association.
Region I
Director (3 year term)
Jim O’Connor
Vice President
Empress EMS
White Plains, NY
Director (2 year term)
Ron Quaranto
Executive Vice President of Operations
Cataldo Ambulance
Somerville, MA
Region II
Director (3 year term)
Terence Ramotar
Director of Government Affairs- Southeast Region
Global Medical Response
Tampa, FL
Director (2 year term)
Mike Thomas
Director of Safety & Government Relations
Jan-Care Ambulance
Beckley, WV
Region III
Director (3 year term)
Chris Anderson
Director of Operations
Bell Ambulance, Inc.
Milwaukee, WI
Director (2 year term)
Tom Schmiedeknecht
Director of Operations / President
Professional Med Team
Muskegon, MI
Region IV
Director (3 year term)
Angie McLain-Johnson
Chief Compliance and Revenue Officer
Pafford EMS
Edmond, OK
Director (2 year term)
Tom Fennell
Regulatory Officer
Mayo Clinic Ambulance
Rochester, MN
Region V
Director (3 year term)
Paul Main
President / General Manager
American Ambulance of Visalia
Visalia, CA
Director (2 year term)
Chris Archuleta
CEO
Superior Ambulance Service, Inc
Albuquerque, NM
The 2021 American Ambulance Association Annual Conference & Trade Show and Stars of Life EMS recognition event will take place TOGETHER in Grapevine, Texas, this November.
It has been a LONG year, but the wait is over and we can finally get together in person. Please join us in Texas in November to celebrate all that EMS has overcome, as well as to work collaboratively to solve the problems of today—and tomorrow.
Early Bird rates for the 2021 Annual Conference & Trade Show are available now! This is the best opportunity to save on registration for the EMS leadership event of the year. Save even more on registration when you bring a team of two or more!
Learn from the industry’s best, reconnect with peers from across the country, and return to your service with a renewed sense of purpose. What are you waiting for? We can’t wait to see you in Texas in November. Register now for AAA 2021!
► This year only, the American Ambulance Association’s Stars of Life will take place at the same location in Texas! Register your Stars for the November 2–3 Stars of Life event using the same convenient online process you use to register your leadership team for the November 1–3 Annual Conference & Trade Show.◄
AAA 2021 features a star-studded lineup of industry experts. Check out this year’s speakers and review the full agenda to find out what we have in store for you in Texas!
Join Rob Lawrence (Pro EMS, California Ambulance Assoc), Alexia Jobson (REMSA), and Mark Tenia (Richmond Ambulance Authority) for an EMS morning show that will energize, inspire, and connect.
The American Ambulance Association’s Stars of Life program celebrates the contributions of ambulance professionals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to their communities or the EMS profession.
Recognize the unsung heroes at your ambulance service—nominate EMTs, Paramedics, Dispatchers, and other EMS professionals for this year’s class of Stars. Stars of Life honors the contributions of these heroes while shining light on the critical role EMS plays in our healthcare infrastructure.
2021 Stars of Life will take place in Grapevine, Texas November 2–3 in conjunction with the American Ambulance Association’s Annual Conference & Trade Show. Visit www.annual.ambulance.org to nominate YOUR Stars today!
Stars of Life 2021 Agenda
Tuesday, November 2
15:00 | Expo Hall Closing Reception (Optional)
16:00 | Awards at President’s Reception
Dinner with Hosting Agency Leaders (Optional)
Wednesday, November 3
09:30 | Secrets of EMS Post Secret Keynote
10:30 | EMS Improv Class
13:00 | Luncheon with AAA Leaders
14:00 | Safetech Leadership Workshop
16:30 | Adjournment
Note: We regret that we are not presently able to accommodate family member guests at the full 2021 Stars of Life event. There are no face-to-face or virtual legislator visits planned for this year’s Stars of Life.
Experience the Gaylord Texan
Everything is bigger in Texas and that undoubtedly includes Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center! Standing on the shores of Lake Grapevine with 4.5 acres of indoor gardens, several world-class restaurants, a 10-acre outdoor waterpark, seasonal resort pool, and indoor lap pool, this is a hotel that could only make its home in The Lone Star State.Enjoy the convenient location near Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Grapevine Mills® shopping center, LEGOLAND®, and the Dallas Cowboys Golf Club.The Gaylord Texan’s spacious hotel rooms and suites provide an exceptional opportunity to relax, and you can unwind even more at the resort’s on-site spa, Relâche Spa & Salon. Make your time at the AAA conference extraordinary at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center! Reserve your rooms for Annual and Stars of Life now at low AAA rates!►
New for 2021, the American Ambulance Association is offering even more opportunities to connect with new colleagues!
Put your brand in the spotlight! If you are interested in showcasing your organization at our tradeshow, email hello@ambulance.org to receive information when booth registration opens mid-May.
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the AAA Board of Directors recently voted to postpone the 2021 Stars of Life event originally scheduled for May. This decision was made regretfully and out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of our Stars, hosts, and guests. We are truly sorry for this disappointing change of plan. Please stay tuned for additional updates about the program in the coming weeks as we research the feasibility of a hybrid Stars of Life-2021 Annual Conference & Trade Show in Texas in November.
The American Ambulance Association deeply appreciates your continued support and participation, as well as your flexibility as we adapt our programs for the COVID-19 era.
The winners of the 2020 AAA Board of Directors election are listed below. The term for each position will begin on January 1, 2021. Please join us in thanking all candidates for their service to the American Ambulance Association.
Executive Committee
President-Elect
Randy Strozyk
Senior Vice President- Executive Operations
Global Medical Response
Tukwila, WA
Treasurer
Julie Rose
Chief Executive Officer
Community Care Ambulance
Ashtabula, OH
Secretary
Jamie Pafford-Gresham
President and CEO
Pafford Medical Services
Hope, AR
Region I
Director (2022)
Mike Addario
Vice President of Operations- Northeast
Global Medical Response
Syracuse, NY
Alternate Director
Jim O’Connor
Vice President
Empress EMS
White Plains, NY
Region II
Director (2022)
Chuck Kearns
Chief Executive Officer
Mercy Ambulance Service
Savannah, GA
Alternate Director
Terence Ramotar
Director of Government Affairs
Global Medical Response
Tampa, FL
Region III
Director (2022)
Kim Godden
Vice President- Legal, Government Relations, and Compliance
Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc.
Elmhurst, IL
Alternate Director
*Vacant due to term limit*
Region IV
Director (2022)
Asbel Montes (2 years)
Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives
Acadian Ambulance Service, Inc.
Lafayette, LA
Tom Fennell (1 year)
Compliance Officer
Mayo Clinic Ambulance
Rochester, MN
Alternate Director
David Tetrault
Administrator/Chief Executive Officer
St. Francois County Ambulance District
Farmington, MO
Region V
Director (2022)
JD Fuiten
Owner & President
Metro West Ambulance Service, Inc.
Hillsboro, OR
Alternate Director
Paul Pedersen
Managing Partner
Arizona Ambulance Transport
Sierra Vista, AZ
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Ethics Committee
Allyn Girard (2022)
Golden Cross Ambulance
Region 1
Although the 2020 AAA Annual Conference & Trade Show has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Ambulance Association remains committed to the continued education and engagement of ambulance service leaders. As such, we plan a series of webinars throughout the year, as well as a Virtual Conference in November.
Please use the form below to share details, including the link to your prerecorded session, for your virtual conference session. Please note that all participating session speakers should pre-record their sessions, and that sessions may be edited for length or quality.
Here are some tips for a great online session!
Thank you for your interest in sharing your knowledge with your EMS colleagues.
All Virtual Annual sessions will take place on the highly interactive Prodigy EMS platform developed by Pro EMS of Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, the American Ambulance Association board has made the difficult decision to cancel our 2020 Annual Conference & Trade Show. While we were looking forward to seeing everyone in Las Vegas in November, health and safety remain our top priority. We also anticipate that travel restrictions will remain in place for many attendees in the Fall and that Las Vegas may still have social distancing guidelines that would limit our ability to host the full program.
The AAA is committed to providing education and networking opportunities to our members and the ambulance industry. Please stay tuned for more information regarding a smaller virtual conference offering and other educational opportunities.
Attendees
All registrations will be canceled and all paid orders will be refunded within 10 business days. If you have already processed payment for your registration, please be on the lookout for an email from AAA staff letting you know that your refund has been submitted. You do not need to do anything to receive a refund, we will process them automatically.
Exhibitors & Sponsors
All payments for exhibit booths and sponsorships will be refunded within 15 business days. Please be on the lookout for an email from AAA staff regarding your refund. We will also follow up with sponsors to share some additional sponsorship opportunities for the remainder of the year.
Speakers
If you were scheduled to present at the 2020 Annual Conference, AAA staff will be reaching out to you this week regarding the possibility of presenting your session virtually.
40 Under 40 Honorees
All 2020 40 under 40 honorees will receive automatic complimentary registration to the 2021 Annual Conference & Trade Show, where they will be recognized over the course of next year’s program.
Hotel Reservations
If you booked a hotel room at the MGM Grand through our AAA block your reservation will be automatically cancelled by the hotel in the coming weeks. If you booked outside of our block you will need to contact the hotel directly at (877) 880-0880 to cancel.
We hope to see you at the 2021 Annual Conference & Trade Show November 1–3 at the Gaylord Texan outside Dallas! Registration for the 2021 show will open early in the new year.
Nominations for the 2020 AMBY Awards close May 15! The AMBYs recognize excellence in the ambulance profession and the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit that epitomize AAA members. Winners will are awarded during the AAA Awards Reception at our Annual Conference & Tradeshow, In addition, all entries will be shared with the AAA membership on the website, in the association’s mobile event app and as an online publication.
Please note that all session selections for the AAA 2020 Annual Conference & Trade Show have been made. The full agenda is posted to the #Ambucon20 website. If you are interested in speaking NEXT YEAR in 2021, please complete the form below. Thank you for your support and participation!
AAA 2021 Session Proposals Due January 31, 2021
AAA Annual Conference & Trade Show
November 1–3, 2021
Gaylord Texan | Grapevine, Texas | #Ambucon21
The American Ambulance Association Annual Conference & Trade Show brings together mobile healthcare leaders from across the country to learn, network, and plan for the future of our industry. AAA Annual is committed to empowering our participants with the insights and best practices they need to serve their patients as well as operate efficiently and profitably.
Speaking at the AAA Annual Conference & Trade Show is your opportunity to share best practices and insights with your peers as you build your personal brand. We invite you to submit your session proposals before January 31, 2021.
Topics
Sample speaking proposal topics considered include, but are not limited to:
Recruitment, Retention, and Human Resources
Operations, Risk Management and Safety
Management and Supervision
Leadership Development & Structure
Improved Fleet Maintenance/Management
Clinical/Quality Assurance Program
Reimbursement/Patient Accounts
Innovation, Technology, and Communications
Emerging Healthcare Trends/Hot Topics
Healthcare Reform/Public Health
Session Formats & Lengths
AAA is focused on engaging attendees interactively in every session. This year, we are seeking submissions in the following formats:
50 Minute Sunrise Session (Early morning energizers. These could be a walking session, yoga gathering, coffee-shop meetup, or another creative idea you have to get the day started off right!)
50 Minute Lecture or Panel (traditional conference formats)
60 Minute Interactive Session (Format ideas to get you thinking.)
Sessions may be either classroom style or set for small workgroups. Audience involvement is encouraged.
Compensation
Please be advised that participation as a presenter is strictly on a voluntary basis. AAA is unable to pay speaker fees or travel and lodging expenses. However, speakers selected for 50- and 60-minute sessions will receive ONE complimentary speaker registration
Proposal Instructions
ALL proposals must be submitted through our online form below by January 31, 2021. AAA is unfortunately unable to consider proposals received after the deadline. Applicants may submit up to three session proposals.
Thank you for your interest in lending your time and talent to the American Ambulance Association’s members. We look forward to reviewing your proposal!
The American Ambulance Association Annual Conference & Trade Show brings together mobile healthcare leaders from across the country to learn, network, and plan for the future of our industry. AAA Annual is committed to empowering our participants with the insights and best practices they need to serve their patients as well as operate efficiently and profitably.
Speaking at AAA 2020 is your opportunity to share best practices and insights with your peers as you build your personal brand. We invite you to submit your session proposals before January 31, 2020.
Topics
Sample speaking proposal topics considered for AAA 2020 include, but are not limited to:
Recruitment, Retention, and Human Resources
Operations, Risk Management and Safety
Management and Supervision
Leadership Development & Structure
Improved Fleet Maintenance/Management
Clinical/Quality Assurance Program
Reimbursement/Patient Accounts
Innovation, Technology, and Communications
Emerging Healthcare Trends/Hot Topics
Healthcare Reform/Public Health
Session Formats & Lengths
In 2020, AAA is focused on engaging attendees interactively in every session. This year, we are seeking submissions in the following formats:
50 Minute Sunrise Session (Early morning energizers. These could be a walking session, yoga gathering, coffee-shop meetup, or another creative idea you have to get the day started off right!)
50 Minute Lecture or Panel (traditional conference formats)
60 Minute Interactive Session (Format ideas to get you thinking.)
Sessions may be either classroom style or set for small workgroups. Audience involvement is encouraged.
Compensation
Please be advised that participation as a presenter is strictly on a voluntary basis. AAA is unable to pay speaker fees or travel and lodging expenses. However, speakers selected for 50 and 60 minute sessions will receive ONE complimentary speaker registration
Proposal Instructions
ALL proposals must be submitted through our online form below by January 31, 2020. AAA is unfortunately unable to consider proposals received after the deadline. Applicants may submit up to three session proposals.
Thank you for your interest in lending your time and talent to the American Ambulance Association’s members. We look forward to reviewing your proposal!
The winners of the 2019 AAA Board of Directors election are listed below. Please join us in thanking all candidates for their service to the American Ambulance Association.
Region I
Director (2021)
Jim Finger
Chief Executive Officer/ Administrator
Regional Ambulance Service
Rutland, VT
Alternate Director
Reginald Allen
Chief Executive Officer
CHS Mobile Integrated Health Care
Rochester, NY
Region II
Director (2021)
Josef Penner
Executive Director
Mecklenburg EMS Agency – Medic
Charlotte, NC
Alternate Director
Terence Ramotar
Regional Director
American Medical Response
Tampa, FL
Region III
Director (2021)
Wayne Jurecki
Vice President / Chief Operating Officer
Bell Ambulance Service, Inc.
Milwaukee, WI
Alternate Director
Tom Tornstrom
Executive Director
Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance
La Crosse, WI
Region IV
Director (2021)
Jamie Pafford-Gresham
Chief Executive Officer
Pafford Medical Services, Inc.
Hope, AR
Alternate Director
David Tetrault
Administrator/Chief Executive Officer
St. Francois County Ambulance District
Farmington, MO
Region V
Director (2021)
Chris Archuleta
Chief Executive Officer
Superior Ambulance Service, Inc.
Albuquerque, NM
Alternate Director
JD Fuiten
Owner & President
Metro West Ambulance Service, Inc.
Hillsboro, OR
The American Ambulance Association is proud to announce the recipients of the 2019 AMBY Awards. The AMBYs highlight excellence in EMS and the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit that epitomize mobile healthcare. The mission of the awards is to showcase creativity and innovation in the ambulance industry by fostering a culture of collaboration, cooperation, and a passion for excellence in patient care. This year’s awards will be presented at the Annual Conference & Trade Show Awards Reception on November 5 in Nashville. Please join us in congratulating our 2019 winners!
The American Ambulance Association is proud to announce this year’s award winners. Awards will be presented at the AAA Annual Conference & Trade ShowMembership Meeting on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Please join us in congratulating this year’s winners!
J. Walter Schaefer Award
Dr. John Becknell
The J. Walter Schaefer Award is given annually to an individual whose work in EMS has contributed positively to the advancement of the industry as a whole. Dr. John Becknell has achieved this honor for his lifelong commitment to improving the health and wellness of mobile healthcare professionals.
Robert L. Forbuss Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. John Russell
The Robert L. Forbuss Lifetime Achievement Award is named in honor of the first Executive Director of the American Ambulance Association. It recognizes a volunteer leader who has made a significant long-term impact on the association. your decades of service, commitment, and dedication to the private ambulance industry, the AAA, and its members. Dr. John Russell has achieved this through his many years of service to the AAA as a volunteer leader.
President’s Award
These awards are bestowed by the President to volunteer leaders who have shown commitment to the advancement of the AAA, above and beyond the call of duty.
Wayne Jurecki
The American Ambulance Association is proud to honor Wayne Jurecki with the 2019 President’s Award. Wayne is being honored for his servant leadership and consummate professionalism, and commitment to the AAA.
Gibson McCullagh
The American Ambulance Association is proud to honor Gibson McCullagh with the 2019 President’s Award. Gibson is being honored for his service as a rising mobile healthcare leader who will help shape the future of our industry.
2019 Affiliate of the Year
Stryker
The American Ambulance Association (AAA) is proud to award Stryker with the 2019 Affiliate of the Year Award. Stryker has achieved this honor through their ongoing support of AAA’s educational programs and events.
EMS Partnership of the Year
The Savvik Foundation
The EMS Partnership of the Year Award is given to an organization or individual whose collaboration with the AAA enhances educational programs, legislative priorities, and/or member benefits. The Savvik Foundation has achieved this honor by developing a grant program for small providers to receive cost collection education.
Distinguished Service Award
Aidan V. Camas
AAA Manager of Federal & State Government Affairs Aidan V. Camas is receiving a 2019 Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his dedication and commitment to the AAA’s advocacy efforts.
