ORLANDO, FL – A series of in-depth workshops (click here to see full list) gets the ball rolling today at Medtrade, the nation’s largest HME Expo and Conference. The main show starts tomorrow, with more than 100 educational sessions, plus the massive show floor will be open for perusal.

More than 70 new products will be on hand at the New Product Pavilion, located on the show floor at Medtrade. Multiply that by a factor of almost 10 for the rest of the vast Expo and Conference, set to begin on Tuesday, Oct 8. The Expo Hall will be open during the following hours:

• 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct 8
• 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct 9
• 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, Oct 10

An additional space called the Medtrade Retail Design Center can give attendees ideas to help create a space that encourages customers to browse product offerings and learn more about items that can improve their quality of life.

Day-of-the-show passes are still available for those who wish to attend on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. “If you can get down to Orlando this week, you won’t be disappointed,” says Kevin Gaffney, group show director, Medtrade. “We have more than 550 exhibitors on hand and an amazing collection of educational sessions.”

“It was a difficult and even confusing year,” admits Ron Resnick, president of BC Medical Products (Booth #1018). “We’ve all been kicked around, but the opportunity and optimism at Medtrade should be great. I’m actually more optimistic than last year.”

The 6-4-18 Series
Merely surviving the next 18 months may be a chore for many HME providers. Medtrade organizers know the challenges are tough, and they are responding this week with the 6 – 4 – 18 series.

The numbers translate to “6 educational sessions 4 survival and success in the next 18 months.” The hand-picked sessions recognize that round two of competitive bidding has changed the industry, and providers need vital information to help them survive and succeed. 



These six sessions, held this week, will cover key topics: effective collections; purchasing and cash flow management; reducing risk; diversification and operational efficiencies; mergers and acquisitions; and transformation in business. These are all included with the conference pass. 
 
“It should be said that beyond the 6 – 4 – 18 series, the other educational sessions are top notch,” says Gaffney. “However, we reached out to industry leaders who told us that a certain subset of people wanted to know about the sessions that could specifically help them survive and succeed in the next year and a half. These sessions are designed to address those particular concerns.” 

The recommended six sessions for the 6 – 4 – 18 series are:


1) Assessing the Financial Health of your DME Company
Speakers: Jason Mangus, CPA, ABV, Somerset CPAs; Craig Hittle, Senior Manager, Somerset CPAs
Tue, Oct 8, 2013 – 2:45 PM to 3:45 PM
Track: Business Operations


2) Improving Cash Flow with Business Analytics
Speakers: Gregg Timmons, President and CEO, MedAct Software; Geoff Kearney, CEO, Praedx
Tue, Oct 8, 2013 – 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Track: Alternative Revenue Opportunities
 


3) Diversification and Operational Efficiencies for Greater Profitability
Speaker: Bruce Brothis, President, Allegient Billing & Consulting, Inc.
Wed, Oct 9, 2013 – 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Track: Non-Medicare Payers
 


4) HME Transformation: Leading in Times of Crisis
Speaker: Michael Sperduti, CEO, Emerge Sales, Inc.
Wed, Oct 9, 2013 – 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM
Track: Sales & Marketing


5) Why Your Purchasing Model Must Evolve in the New HME Industry
Speakers: Brian LaDuke, VP, Enterprise Marketing; Bill Corcoran, VP, Invacare Credit Corp
Tue, Oct 8, 2013 – 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM
Track: Business Operations

6) Exploring Strategic Options – Developing M&A Strategies for Healthcare Reform
Speaker: Jonathan Sadock, Managing Partner/CEO of Paragon Ventures
Wed, Oct 9, 2013 – 9:15 AM to 10:15 AM
Track: Business Operations



See medtrade.com for more information.