I had very good meetings with suppliers and learned from each of them how to help our business. I feel our company will save money because of these meetings.

As always this is a great, well-run conference. The time I spend is always productive and contributes to the success of our facilities. The networking opportunities allow us to make contact with other providers who have similar challenges.

The LINK concept is very compelling. It enabled us to spend two days together as a team, focused solely on innovation and the future - with no distractions or interruptions. The meetings enabled us to address our specific needs, and encouraged give and take. We expected to get a "hard sell" from the suppliers we met. However, we found them to be respectful, well-prepared and very consultative. Also, because our meetings were with supplier executives, we were able to get answers to our questions right on the spot, without hearing, "I'll need to get back to you on that." All in all, it was a unique experience and extremely productive. We look forward to attending LINK in 2009.

We see LINK as an opportunity to communicate with providers about how we can help them. We prepare at the highest level for our meetings - we use the materials that Lincoln provides, and we also review our own internal information. Because we know that providers will be meeting with our competitors, we have to make sure that we have a strong, clear message that includes differentiators that describe how we can add value and generate ROI.

We bring our C-level executives to LINK. While we offer a broad range of products and services, what makes or breaks a successful business partnership is the relationship. At the highest level, we're trying to determine whether we have a fit - whether there's a match for both organizations in terms of direction and culture.

Each year LINK has become more accommodating to all of the day-to-day challenges in long term care. The strong focus of structure in allowing the providers and suppliers to be matched by both equal interest and necessity of needs also provides the opportunity for new strategies in procurement. The soundness of meeting schedules, activities and conference staff support to please the attendee's mission has exceeded my expectation each year. I encourage all to experience this event which I guarantee will benefit the organization and add to their personal credentials as well.

The conference was a great opportunity to network with other suppliers and providers. Meetings are well structured with a time limit which forces participants to get to the 'meat' of the meeting very quickly. A good meeting is all about prep work. The participants in my meetings were well aware of who we were and what we are looking for in a supplier. This allowed me to get to details of our needs. It was well worth the time I spent.

I am very impressed with how well organized the conference was and how effective our meetings were. The pre-conference planning was well done and helped to keep the meetings focused and productive. It was a great experience and we are looking forward to returning next year.

The big attraction of LINK is that it is not a trade show. LINK is a unique venue that gives us the opportunity to speak to providers at a strategic level, executive to executive. Prior to the event, we prepare using the profiles Lincoln supplies on all of the providers we'll be meeting with. In the meetings, our focus is on learning more about each provider and sharing information, with the goal of exploring whether we can help solve a current challenge or help implement their strategic plan.

I tell all my prospects about LINK. In two days you can meet with all the key suppliers, and exchange information with other providers. It's a great place to learn about how to solve a current problem, or to get a jump start on planning for strategic initiatives.

One of the main advantages of LINK is that it allows a variety of our team members to turn the tables on the traditional solicitation model and hand-pick a list of vendors to meet with and to drive the agendas of these meetings so that they truly meet our needs. Our team has come back from LINK energized and more knowledgeable about the products and services available in the market to assist us in executing our strategy.

LINK is a very different event. First, it's tailored to the needs of providers - they choose the suppliers they want to meet with, and they set the agenda for each meeting. Our goals in each meeting are to address their agenda items, communicate clearly about our capabilities and most important, add some value that they can take away from the meeting. You can't just walk in expecting to deliver a standard sales pitch and be successful. LINK's format provides the opportunity for suppliers and providers to deal with each other at a higher level than trade shows or other venues. That's what makes it unique.

The conference was an incredibly productive use of two days. We are already in contact with two firms to assist us and are now prioritizing our follow up. It took us two years to be convinced to attend LINK and my entire team walked away with a great deal of information and innovative ideas.

LINK was a great event. My team identified some new ways to improve our organization. The format provides an excellent vehicle to obtain a big picture view of new products and opportunities for improvements. Your staff provide great examples of outstanding customer service.

LINK was a great experience. This was my first year, and I have to admit I had low expectations. However, from the time I arrived, I was very impressed by the professionalism and quality of the event.

My meetings were excellent. We met with supplier executives who were able to provide a great deal of information about their products and services. We didn't get the hard sell - the focus is on sharing information, relationship development, and working as partners. We learned a great deal, and have follow-up meetings scheduled with several of the suppliers we met. We registered for next year right away, and plan on increasing our attendance from two executives to three.