LAS VEGAS – On the day before Medtrade Spring, exhibitors and attendees are making their way to Las Vegas. Even if you haven’t yet decided, there is still time to make a snap decision and take a 3- to 5-hour drive to sin city. Keep in mind that the show floor opens on Wednesday, March 4, and hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to noon. You could use Tuesday, March 3, as a travel day if you are only coming for the Expo.

We’ve talked about the benefits of getting out of the office to fully focus on the business, and it’s true. We hear it over and over. Walk-up rates at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center still offer a whole lot of value so we encourage you to make the commitment.

As many of you already know, this is Medtrade Spring’s last year in Las Vegas, at least for the foreseeable future. In 2021, we’ll be heading to Phoenix, Arizona, for the newly named “Medtrade West” scheduled for April 12-14, 2021. We’re excited about the new venue, the new name, and the many practical reasons that make Phoenix a better destination at this point in time.

For those of you making your way to Las Vegas, I say thank you for spending the time, money, and effort to join us. We are here for the industry, and our success is closely tied to your success. It has not been easy out there for at least the past decade in the HME industry, but we are optimistic.

Perhaps the city of Phoenix will ultimately serve as a metaphor for an industry turnaround. People need the products that this industry provides, and our partners at AAHomecare continue to fight the good fight. But first things first—let’s have a great show over the next few days. I look forward to seeing you in Vegas.

Mark Lind is show director, Medtrade Spring and Medtrade.