PHOENIX – As we plan for Medtrade West in Phoenix, scheduled for July 12-14, 2021, there are a few key changes that bear repeating. The first one is mindset, and it has nothing to do with policies, new cities, or time of year.

For many of you, Medtrade West will be your first trade show back from the global pandemic. If you’re like me, the last one you attended was Medtrade Spring (back when we called it that) in March 2020 in Las Vegas. It will no doubt feel a bit odd being back.

Masks will be worn during the show, so it will look a lot like the past year. However, the mindset will hopefully be one of renewal, change, and desire to get back to business.

Some people at past shows have struggled with the occasional conflicts between educational sessions and time on the show floor. For this year’s Medtrade West, we’ve committed to zero time conflicts. If you take advantage of our excellent educational sessions and workshops, you will not miss one minute of Expo time. Instead, attendees will have two opportunities to walk the show floor.

The first is Welcome to Phoenix Preview Night, a free event scheduled for Tuesday, July 13 from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. We are going to have multiple bars set up, and two of those bars will now be sponsored by our friends at The VGM Group and the American Association for Homecare. In addition to the drinks, there will be pre-packaged snacks. The event is designed to be a chance to open the Expo, have some fun, and walk the floor to prepare your strategy.

On the final day, July 14, the Expo Floor will be open from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. for a packed day of products and conversations. Of course, this is the first time Medtrade West will take place in Phoenix, and we are excited to be in The Grand Canyon State. Early Rates are now in effect and I look forward to seeing you at Medtrade West.

York Schwab is associate show director for Medtrade.