ATLANTA – With Thanksgiving just a few days away, it’s an ideal time to reflect on the positive developments in the admittedly challenging world of HME. For example, the burgeoning demand for home medical equipment is not just marketing hype. It’s real, and providers willing to adapt are doing all they can to be prepared for some serious growth in the coming years.
As group show director for Medtrade, my gratitude toward show attendees is profound, and I feel a tremendous responsibility to put on a show that is relevant, helpful, and worth their time and money. To all who made the trip to Atlanta last month, I hope you had a productive and enjoyable meeting.
I have said it many times—your success is our success—and this is a mantra that we view as more than a cliche. With that in mind, we have shifted our attention to Medtrade Spring, scheduled for March 30-April 1 in Las Vegas.
Many thanks to all who filled out survey cards earlier this year at Medtrade Spring. We read each and every one, and we have responded. Those who go the Mandalay Bay Convention Center next year for the show will see your suggestions put into place.
In response to attendee surveys, we are creating a friendlier format designed to reduce the overlap between conference sessions and expo floor time. Finding the right balance of education, networking and time on the expo floor can sometimes be tricky for attendees, and feedback indicates a strong desire for that balance.
For example, a majority of sessions will be moved to Monday (day one). With most sessions occurring on day one, attendees will have most of the day Tuesday and all day Wednesday to browse the Expo floor at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
Many sessions will also be extended to 90 minutes, and still more sessions will be loaded with experts. Instead of the typical solo speaker, you will find teams of experts, and we think attendees will appreciate this change.
Early registration for Medtrade Spring is open as of today, and we thank all those who commit early—or late for that matter. If you have any questions throughout the registration process, feel free to call: (877) 914-4677 (toll free) or (240) 439-2984 (International residents) between the hours of 9:00 am – 6:00 pm eastern standard time, or email: [email protected].
Finally, I offer a huge thank you to all the exhibitors, and the entire team, that makes Medtrade and Medtrade Spring possible. Happy Thanksgiving!
Kevin Gaffney is group show director for Medtrade.
