PHOENIX – It has been over a year since we all saw each other in Las Vegas at the last industry event—Medtrade Spring—now called Medtrade West. Jim and I attended Medtrade Spring at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, and so much has changed since that time. Each of us has most likely changed on a personal and professional level.

I keep hearing that folks can’t wait to “get back to normal.” However, I am kind of hoping to get on with what is new—new experiences, new friendships, and new knowledge. I refuse to call it the “new normal” because I do not want to go back to making assumptions that things won’t change again.

For us, finding out what’s new in the industry begins when Jim and I head to Phoenix for Medtrade West, scheduled for July 12-14, 2021. With the new location at the Phoenix Convention Center, we are really looking forward to seeing our industry friends again, especially our Midwest Association for Medical Equipment Services (MAMES) and Southwest Medical Equipment Suppliers Association (SWMESA) membership.

We are also looking forward to visiting with vendors and our MAMES/SWMESA members during the Welcome to Phoenix Preview Night. As a reminder, Medtrade West’s Welcome to Phoenix Preview Night is a free event scheduled for Tuesday, July 13 from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Basically when Medtrade West makes its July 12-14, 2021 Phoenix, Ariz. debut, attendees will get a chance to preview the Expo floor at this time.

Unlike previous years, the Expo Hall and Conference portions of Medtrade West are separate with absolutely no time conflicts. July 12 and 13 will feature educational sessions and workshops, and July 14 will be devoted to the Expo Floor from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Will you be there to see what is new? We will.

Rose Schafhauser is executive director of the Southwest Medical Equipment Suppliers Association and the Midwest Association for Medical Equipment Services.