ATLANTA – Thanks to a successful Medtrade Spring in Las Vegas, exhibitors big and small are making their plans for Medtrade’s return to Atlanta from October 20-23 at the Georgia World Congress Center.

“We’re optimistic about the future,” said Jim Hollingshead, president, ResMed Americas, one of many exhibitors that have already reserved booth space. “We know that there is an increasing awareness of sleep apnea and other sleep disorders, and we know that more and more patients are looking for answers to their questions about their health.”

More than 80 companies exhibited at the March 2014 Medtrade Spring for the first time, and these companies are enthused about massive demand on the horizon. Real data supports the optimism, as evidenced by a Texas-based market research firm that recently forecasted 8.2% annual growth in U.S. demand for HME.

Kelly V. Barry, senior marketing manager, US Continence Care and Critical Care, Hollister Inc, Libertyville, Ill, was one of those new exhibitors, and she is enthused by the prospects at Medtrade six months from now. “We’ve already booked our space,” says Barry of Medtrade. “We are excited to continue bringing both product and service options to HME providers.”

Roscoe Medical and Carex Health Brands, two Medtrade Spring exhibitors that recently merged, have also booked their space, believing their combined company well-positioned to better serve the growing home market.

“It is too earlier in the process for us to make the decision if we will exhibit as one company or as separate companies,” says Laura Casto, vice president, Marketing, Roscoe Medical Inc. “We are excited about utilizing Medtrade as a venue to educate providers on how Carex and Roscoe can help them find ways diversify their business and educate them on best practices in the retail space.”

New faces are not only cropping up among exhibitors. New providers are also making their presence known, many of whom are willing to approach the industry with fresh perspectives. “Over the past several years, I have not recognized most of the attendees,” muses Jeffrey S. Baird, JD, chairman of the Health Care Group at Brown & Fortunato. “These are people who are relatively new to the industry. They are OK with audits, and stringent documentation requirements, and competitive bidding—because that is all they know. Their reason for coming to Medtrade is to gain the tools they need to succeed in today’s environment.”

If you missed Medtrade Spring, or were not able to catch an educational session due to a time conflict, you can purchase individual sessions, or the entire Medtrade Spring 2014 Digital Conference by clicking here.

Medtrade takes place October 20-23, 2014, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.