SPEAKERS
RESPIRATORY
Zach Gantt
Encore HealthCare
Amy Nelson
Electromed
Vineesha Arelii
Centinnial Medical Center
Tiffany Brown
UT Medical Center
Andrea Espinoza
OCSM
Dean Hess
Respiratory Care Magazine
Tony Mozzone
PromptCare
Gene Gantt
Eventa LLC
Micah Panzini
Fisher & Paykel
SLEEP
SLEEP
Mark Waugh
MedBridge Healthcare
Tanya Barcinas
Apnimed
Craig Gallivan
Compumedics
Elizabeth Carges
React Health
Kate Willis
NeuroValens
Skip Ashmore
Onera Health
Jerry George
Medigy
Robert Miller
Apria
Emerson Kerr
NOX Medical
Thomas Arrington
WellStar
Friday, October 24th, 2025 (Respiratory)
8:00AM
Five Things That I Used To Think Were True
Dean Hess, PhD, RRT, FAARC
9:00AM
Home Ventilation: New Guidelines For Patient Care
Zach Gantt, RRT, FAARC
10:30AM
SPUTUM! SPUTUM! SPUTUM! Is It Bronchiesctasis?
Amy Nelson, RRT, FAARC
11:30AM
Emotional Intelligence In Leadership
Tiffany Brown, MBA, RRT
1:30AM
PANEL: Home Ventilation
Gene Gantt, RRT, FAARC
Zach Gantt, RRT, FAARC
2:30AM
Ethics vs Morals and Healthcare Law In 2025
Gene Gantt, RRT, FAARC
FAQs
General Event Info & Registration
What Are The Official Dates Of The 2026 Smoky Mountain Symposium?
The event will take place from November 4th to 6th, 2026, with the main sessions and exhibit hall open from October 23 to 24.
Where Is The Event Being Held?
The conference takes place at The Ramsey Hotel & Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, TN.
Is This Event Only For RTs and Sleep Techs?
No! While many attendees are RTs and Sleep Techs, the event welcomes all clinicians, administrators, and business professionals in respiratory and sleep care.
Do I Need to Register in Advance, or Can I Pay At The Door?
You can register anytime online, and walk-up registrations are welcome — but space is limited, and CEU processing is smoother for those who register in advance.
How Many CEUs Can I Earn?
Up to 12 CEU hours are available for full attendance, including live keynotes and breakout sessions.
Do I Get A Certificate For My CEUs?
Yes! You’ll receive your CEU certificate via email after the event once attendance and session verification is complete.
Exhibitors & Sponsors
Lodging & Travel
Special Topics & Highlights
I'm Interested In Exhibiting. Who Do I Contact?
Visit the exhibitor section on EncoreHC.com/SMS or email [email protected] to secure your booth.
What are the setup and teardown times for exhibitors?
Setup is Wednesday, November 4th, from 12–4 PM, and teardown is Friday, November 6th, from 12–2 PM.
Will there be networking opportunities with attendees?
Absolutely. We offer multiple networking breaks, meals, and social events to connect exhibitors with attendees.
Is there a hotel block or discounted rate?
Yes! We’ve secured a discounted room block at The Ramsey Hotel — reserve early, rooms go fast!
Is there parking available at the hotel/conference center?
Yes, free onsite parking is available for all attendees and exhibitors.
What airport should I fly into?
The nearest airport is McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, approximately 45 minutes from Pigeon Forge.
What’s new this year at SMS?
We’re tackling the NCD for NIV head-on with expert panels, compliance strategies, and a powerful keynote on resilience in high-stress healthcare.
Will the sessions address the new CMS NCD for NIV?
Yes — several sessions, including expert panels and vendor showcases, are focused on helping DMEs and RTs navigate the finalized NCD requirements.
