What do exhibitors and attendees think? We asked a few on day two of Medtrade Spring 2020. “I think the move to Phoenix [for Medtrade West in 2021] is great. There are too many distractions in Las Vegas, and people can just skip out for entertainment. Phoenix has a better pace. It’s a great location and more affordable. — Carmen Zurbuchen, operations manager, Designed Living, Lake Forest, California

“People are liking the move to Phoenix, at least that’s what I’ve been hearing. As the leader of the South West Medical Equipment Suppliers Association (SWMESA), which includes Arizona, we’re excited about the move.” — Rose Schafhauser, executive director of Southwest Medical Equipment Suppliers Association and the Midwest Association of Medical Equipment Suppliers

“With Medtrade West in Phoenix, I get to sleep in my own bed, and I agree that there are fewer distractions than in Las Vegas. — Angelina Colbert, Supercare, Phoenix

“Phoenix is a great place to have a show. It’s a great idea, because it’s a state with a lot of new prospective business. We are very happy about the move, and you have nothing to lose by giving it a shot.” — Terry Ahern, western region sales rep, Dynarex Corp

“Las Vegas is not my thing and on this trip it was far more expensive than I expected. I like change, and if you don’t try new things, you’ll be in a rut. I like the transportation from the Phoenix airport. Let’s see a new city for Medtrade Spring.” — Kam Yuricich, executive director, Ohio Association of Medical Equipment Services (OAMES) and Great Lakes Home Medical Services Association (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan)

“I think Phoenix will be good and bring some new life to the show. Keeping it on the west coast makes a lot of sense. We are planning to go to Atlanta in early November and definitely going to Phoenix. We were on the fence, but this show has been good enough to justify going to Phoenix.” — Tom Traver, Orthozone Inc., Blaine, Minn.

“I think moving the show to Phoenix is a positive. The food has gotten so expensive in Las Vegas. I think it’s going to be a good move, because it makes sense to have a west coast show, because there are so many people from California. It’s our plan to be in Phoenix. We always go to the two Medtrades. We would never miss it.” — David Talmage, materials manager, RemZzzs, Jackson, Michigan

“I like to come to Las Vegas. I would definitely prefer Vegas. It’s hot in Phoenix.” — Randy Fly, Dalton Medical Corporation, Farmers Branch, Texas

“The move to Phoenix is a good thing because you’ve got to do something to freshen up the show. There are fewer distractions in Phoenix.” — Jim Gilkison, vice president of Sales, SoClean, Peterborough, New Hampshire

“My opinion on moving the show to Phoenix is mixed. It’s a new location with new opportunities, but it’s also the case that Vegas is a tried and true destination, and it’s a draw.” — Gail Turner, HME sales consultant, TIMS Software developed by Computers Unlimited, Billings, Montana

“If moving to Phoenix will increase attendance, I’m all for it. I’d much rather go to Phoenix than Las Vegas. I agree that there are too many distractions in Las Vegas.” — Jed Miles, national sales manager, Stander, Logan, Utah

Ultimately, organizers pondered many options, including eliminating the spring show, but west coast attendees made their views clear. “Folks from the west don’t want to travel to Atlanta, and vice versa,” said Mark Lind, show director. “If we only went to one show, we would be neglecting the west coast.”