CPR Choice owners Cheryl and Travis Smith recently traveled to New Orleans for the 2026 HeartStart AED Distributor Summit, joining AED distributors, emergency care leaders and industry partners from across the country for two days of education, networking, and a look at the future of lifesaving technology.
The conference was hosted by Heartstream, the independent emergency care company that continues to manufacture and market Philips-branded emergency care products, including the trusted Philips HeartStart AED line.
For CPR Choice, the event was an opportunity to learn directly from company leadership, connect with other professionals in the AED and CPR industry, and gain insight into new technologies and strategies that can ultimately help businesses and communities become better prepared for sudden cardiac arrest emergencies.
One of the most exciting parts of the conference was hearing directly from Heartstream leadership about the company’s direction and plans for continued innovation.
For an AED distributor and CPR training organization like CPR Choice, staying connected to manufacturers and industry leaders is essential. Learning about the science behind SMART Phillips AEDs was truly remarkable and allows our team to better educate customers and help organizations select equipment that meets their needs.
CPR Choice works with businesses, schools, healthcare organizations, construction companies, sports programs, churches and other organizations to help them build effective AED programs and emergency response plans. Contact us for a custom AED program management plan to fit your needs.
Another highlight of the conference was meeting Heartstream CEO, Ryan Landon.
Ryan’s presentation was well-received as he laid out the past, present, and future of Philips brand emergency care products under Heartstream.
Having the opportunity to hear directly from company leadership about the future of emergency care reinforced the importance of strong partnerships between AED manufacturers, distributors, CPR training organizations and the businesses and communities they serve.
Ryan introduced us to the Bridgefield Capital team who was present to answer questions about the acquisition of Philips’ emergency care business, branding, and major investments into the future (very exciting stuff!)
These relationships allow CPR Choice to remain informed about changes within the industry and continue providing customers with up-to-date AED education, products and support.
A major highlight of the conference was keynote speaker Marcus Sheridan, author of Endless Customers.
Sheridan delivered an engaging and thought-provoking presentation focused on leadership communication, customer trust, sales, marketing and the changing role of artificial intelligence in business.
His message centered on the importance of answering customer questions openly, communicating clearly and becoming a trusted source of information in an environment where customers increasingly use search engines and AI tools to research products and services before contacting a company.
That message strongly connects with the way CPR Choice approaches CPR training and AED education.
Customers often have questions such as:
Providing clear, accurate and easy-to-understand answers to those questions helps organizations feel more confident about preparing for emergencies.
Every conference attendee received a copy of Sheridan’s new book, Endless Customers, and Cheryl and Travis had the opportunity to meet him and have their copy signed.
The HeartStart conference also provided valuable time to connect with professionals from throughout the emergency care industry.
Cheryl and Travis enjoyed spending time with representatives from other organizations involved in CPR training, AED distribution and emergency response such as HSI.
They also had the opportunity to spend quality time not only with Philips representatives but also several other peers in the industry.
The emergency care industry is built on collaboration. Manufacturers, distributors, CPR instructors, training organizations, healthcare professionals and safety leaders all play a role in improving access to CPR training and AEDs.
Those relationships help CPR Choice remain connected to changing technology, education standards and best practices within the industry.
The summit wasn’t all meetings and presentations.
One of the most memorable moments came when the entire conference group left The Westin New Orleans and paraded through the streets behind a live band, with attendees carrying tambourines and enjoying a true New Orleans-style celebration.
The parade ended at the House of Blues New Orleans, where Heartstream hosted a private evening event featuring dinner, music, a DJ, karaoke and time for attendees to relax and connect.
The celebration provided a fun ending to two days filled with education, collaboration and conversations about the future of emergency care.
Attending manufacturer conferences and industry events isn’t simply about learning what’s new.
It helps CPR Choice provide better information and support to the organizations we serve.
As both a CPR training provider and AED distributor, CPR Choice helps customers navigate the entire AED process—from selecting equipment and determining placement to CPR/AED training, inspections, maintenance and replacement supplies.
Maintaining close relationships with AED manufacturers and industry partners allows our team to stay informed about:
AED technology and product updates, new emergency care innovations, AED program best practices, training developments, replacement pads and batteries, equipment maintenance and long-term AED program management.
That knowledge ultimately helps our customers make more informed decisions about protecting their employees, students, athletes, patients and communities.
CPR Choice provides CPR, First Aid, BLS and AED training, along with AED sales and program support for organizations throughout Tennessee, Colorado and beyond.
Our team can help businesses and organizations determine which AED best fits their environment, how many devices may be appropriate, where they should be placed and how staff should be trained to respond during a cardiac emergency.
We also help customers think beyond the initial AED purchase.
A successful AED program includes proper placement, employee awareness, ongoing training, routine inspections and monitoring of AED pads and battery expiration dates.
The goal is simple: when an emergency happens, the AED needs to be ready—and people need to know how to use it.
The HeartStart AED Distributor Summit reinforced something that drives our work every day at CPR Choice.
Sudden cardiac arrest can happen anywhere.
Having trained responders and accessible AEDs can make a critical difference during those first few minutes before emergency medical services arrive.
CPR Choice returned from New Orleans with new ideas, stronger industry relationships and even more excitement about the future of AED technology and emergency care.
We look forward to continuing to help businesses, healthcare organizations, schools and communities become better prepared to respond when every second matters.
Need help choosing an AED or building an AED program?
Contact us to learn more about Philips HeartStart AEDs, CPR and AED training, AED inspections, replacement supplies and customized workplace AED programs.
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