The EFA Conference + Expo community tours offer a chance to highlight some of the latest design ideas and community strategies at work in the host city. This year’s event in Milwaukee includes three tours from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, April 2.
Located on the campus of Milwaukee School of Engineering University (MSOE), Direct Supply’s Innovation & Technology Center (ITC) is dedicated to improving existing technologies and developing forward-thinking innovations related to senior health. The 55,000-square-foot building was recently renovated. Mary Palmer, program manager at the center, shares details on what to expect during the T03: Direct Supply’s Innovation & Technology Center tour.
EFA: What about the facility stands out to you most?
Palmer: With technology at the forefront, our environment lends itself to collaboration, out-of-the-box thinking, and problem solving. Some unique aspects of the physical space that set us apart include our large outdoor patio that connects the ITC with MSOE’s Diercks Hall, which houses classrooms and laboratories focused on artificial intelligence, deep learning, cyber security, robotics, cloud computing and other next-generation technologies. Our Great Hall was converted back to its original 1891 design, with its original wood flooring and open environment for coworking and large customer and partner events. This space, along with numerous others, offers unique amenities including two bars, root beer on tap, a flavored water machine, and many workspaces for team collaboration and individual work. I personally love our secret room that is themed as a speakeasy with vinyl records and an old phonograph that works.
What are some highlights attendees will see during the tour?
They’ll see a blend of unique workspaces along with solutions in our innovation lab that we’re currently exploring that focus on three main problems–demonstrably improving resident outcomes, increasing revenue, and cutting costs. One solution specifically helps caregivers implement person-centered fall prevention through fall video review. Attendees will have the opportunity to provide insights and will also have takeaways that they can bring back to their teams such as different ways of thinking through problems, solutions that are new to the industry, and innovative ways to differentiate/market buildings. And don’t forget to check out the giant moss mural in our Great Hall (see image above).
What stands out most to you about this center and how it can contribute to senior living design?
It was designed and built with collaboration from many teams across Direct Supply. Everything within the space is purposeful—from remote conference space, flexible workspaces, and engaging displays that encourage our visitors to think outside the box. For example, our DS Smart solution, which allows caregivers to instantly capture, protect, and connect data to EMR-connected equipment, was built from feedback that was captured during a session hosted in our space.
For tour registration as well as more on the EFA Conference + Expo, April 2-5 in Milwaukee, visit environmentsforaging.com.
