The UGM Conference, hosted by Epic Systems, kicked off on Monday at their campus in Verona, Wisconsin, attracting more than 7,000 attendees to the Madison and Verona areas. This event unites partners from the health IT sector, allowing Epic organizations globally to share innovations and discuss common challenges through peer sessions and focus groups.
To ensure the event runs smoothly, Epic partnered with organizations such as Destination Madison and the Dane County Airport. Destination Madison facilitated the arrangement of numerous hotel rooms for guests, while the airport coordinated with Epic to manage flights and transportation, ensuring normal operations for other travelers.
The conference not only promotes collaboration among industry leaders but also serves as a significant economic boost for the region. According to Rob Gard, Director of Communications for Destination Madison, the influx of visitors is expected to generate approximately $8.2 million in spending, benefiting local restaurants, retail shops, and hotels.
Verona, home to the Epic campus, stands to gain additional visibility during the conference. The local chamber of commerce has been proactive in preparing businesses for the increased foot traffic. Le Jordan, the Executive Director of the Verona Area Chamber of Commerce, noted that local businesses appreciate the opportunity to showcase themselves to the visiting organizations throughout the year, particularly during major events like UGM and XGM.
As visitors navigate the area, traffic around the Epic campus and Dane County Airport is anticipated to be heavier throughout the week. The conference will continue for the remainder of the week.