This past week, the Vertex team had the privilege of attending the National Association for the Dually Diagnosed (NADD) Conference in Tempe, Arizona. Running from Monday, October 7 to Wednesday, October 9, this event brought together experts and organizations that seek to improve the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Our primary goals were to connect with other companies serving the IDD space and explore potential partnerships that could enhance our offerings.
Our Key Learnings from the NADD Conference
A Competing Solution is Not Up to Par
One of the most significant takeaways was the feedback we received about competitors’ solutions. Agencies expressing dissatisfaction with these platforms highlighted usability issues, reinforcing what we’ve heard in our calls.
Notably, partners and end users mentioned having a database detailing what systems agencies are using, which piqued interest in potentially accessing this resource. We believe that partnering with them could provide valuable insights into market dynamics and needs.
Attending More Events is Key to Our Growth
The face-to-face interactions at NADD were invaluable. Meeting C-level executives and decision-makers from large organizations facilitated conversations that wouldn’t have been possible via cold outreach.
Partner or eMAR?
It’s clear that having a medication management solution is crucial to penetrate larger medical facilities. Many agencies we met are involved in behavioral health and substance abuse services, areas closely linked to medication management—capabilities we are potentially interested in implementing. As such, exploring partnerships or developing this functionality in-house is now a priority.
Ideas on UI/UX & Customer Support for Our Platform
The conference also spotlighted the need to refine our UI/UX design. We found that simplifying our platform and developing a comprehensive knowledge base for customer support could significantly enhance our user satisfaction and engagement.
Who We Met With
At the recent conference, we engaged with a diverse range of partners, potential prospects, and individuals who service IDD. Our discussions were highly productive, revealing shared interests in potential partnerships and highlighting various operational challenges. Many expressed a keen interest in exploring synergies, particularly those facing billing complexities and electronic visit verification issues across different regions. Others were intrigued by our offerings and requested further engagement to learn how we can address their unique needs.
Additionally, we discovered opportunities for expansion, particularly in areas seeking innovative case management solutions. Overall, the conference provided a valuable platform for meaningful dialogue and future collaboration.
Action Items & New Projects as a Result of Our Meetings
- Continue building relationships with great customers.
- Expand services to new states.
- Develop new partnerships, particularly in medication management.
- Attend more events like NADD—aim for 1 or 2 per quarter.
- Improve UI/UX design to enhance customer experience and partner engagement.
Fun Attractions at the Conference
Our booth was a hit, featuring a Plinko game where attendees could win prizes. The conference also included a welcome reception and awards lunch. Not to mention, we also had the chance to kick back and relax with a much-appreciated drink.
Vertex: Fostering Industry Connections & Growing Our Knowledge
The NADD Conference was a profound success for Vertex. We made invaluable connections, gathered critical insights, and identified key areas for growth and development. Going forward, the Vertex team is excited to implement the learnings and forge new partnerships to serve the IDD community better.
