FARMINGTON HILLS – September 26, 2024 – International Hearing Society (IHS) 2024 Conference & Expo attendees got to “Take the Lead” (the 2024 conference theme) in Louisville, Kentucky, in record numbers, with attendance up 20% and sponsor engagement up 25% over last year’s participation. The Kentucky Derby-themed event offered attendees a chance to earn up to 14.5 continuing education credits while experiencing multiple networking and professional development opportunities in the luxurious Omni Louisville Hotel. The Hearing Aid Association of Kentucky held their annual meeting alongside the IHS event and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear warmly welcomed attendees in a video address.
The event kicked off with a Bluegrass Bash opening party on Thursday evening and concluded with Saturday’s A Night at the Races, where attendees cheered on their favorite horses to win one of several races, shown by the Kentucky Derby Museum, which also hosted a fascinator and derby hat-making session. Participants enjoyed mint juleps and old fashioneds alongside a derby-themed dinner, which included a live auction for several high-end hearing aids where proceeds went to benefit IHS’ advocacy efforts. Additionally, IHS celebrated its All-Star members, who achieved milestone membership anniversaries, and awarded four outstanding professionals and an IHS chapter with recognition for their exemplary contributions to the profession.
An Industry Leadership Panel drew a packed assembly who gathered to hear insights on the hot topics of managed care and Apple’s to-be-released AirPods Pro 2 technology, along with tech trends and business ideas. Top-tier executives joined from Amplifon, Beltone, Oticon, Signia, Starkey, Unitron, Widex, and H-5 Group. On the bustling expo floor, attendees experienced a bourbon trail, complimentary head shots, ear mold impressions, and exceptional show specials from 53 exhibitors. One exhibitor described his experience, “This IHS conference is not like other shows. What I mean by that is people are interested, they came to my booth ready with questions. It was a great time and experience.”
IHS volunteers were applauded for their contributions throughout the year during the Annual IHS Membership Meeting. IHS President Patrick Kochanowski, BS, ACA, BC-HIS, installed 2025-26 IHS President Michael Andreozzi, BS, BC-HIS, to the next term of office with the passing of the gavel. Andreozzi, whose term will begin on January 1, 2025, expressed gratitude and hope for a bright future for IHS. Other 2025 IHS officers were announced at the meeting: Leanne Polhill, BA, BC-HIS, as President-Elect; Wayne Morris, BC-HIS, as Treasurer; and Leslie Holden, BC-HIS, as Secretary. Members approved a by-laws change regarding inactive membership applications.
The 2025 IHS Conference & Expo will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, at the JW Marriott, during September 18-20. Registration will open in 2025.
