ORLANDO, FL – More than 550 exhibitors (554 as of now) and thousands of attendees will be packing their wares and heading to the sunshine state next week for the start of Medtrade.

A series of in-depth workshops (click here to see full list) gets the ball rolling on Monday, Oct 7. On Tuesday, Oct 8, the show starts in earnest with educational sessions beginning and the massive show floor open for perusing.

“It was a difficult and even confusing year,” admits Ron Resnick (pictured), 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.”

Procrastinators Take Heart
There is still time to register for Medtrade and pay less than day-of-the-show rates. Register between now and Oct 6, and save $50 on an Expo Floor pass, and more than $100 on the conference pass.

“For those who still plan on coming to the show, I would recommend taking advantage of these great savings,” say Kevin Gaffney, group show director, Medtrade. “With so many changes taking place in the industry, the Conference pass, which includes full expo access, is really the best way to go.”  CLICK HERE to register.

Retail Innovation Awards
As always, attendees can also search for fantastic retail opportunities on the show floor. This time, however, attendees will get a little extra help from experts such as Jim Greatorex, owner of Black Bear Medical in Portland, Maine.

With the help of other experienced Medtrade presenters, Greatorex will sort through the latest products to find the best of the bunch. With the aim of bringing in vital new revenue streams, products will be judged on functionality; quality/durability; aesthetics/style; environmental sustainability; ease of retail set-up and pricing.

Five products will be chosen as winners and featured in a retail products roundtable conference session called The Best New HME Retail/Cash Opportunities, moderated by Greatorex, on Wednesday, 10/9/13, from 1:30-2:30. Winning manufacturers will be allotted 5 to 7 minutes to discuss their product with the audience.

Winning products will be featured in a window display in the expanded Medtrade Retail Design Center on the show floor. “I, and many others, go to Medtrade looking for the next great cash opportunity,” says Greatorex. “This year providers will have a chance to expand their business and in some situations be one of the first to promote a product.”

Whittling down the bounty of products to just five is a tall order, but Greatorex and the other panelists will cull based on the biggest opportunities. “We will look for products with large potential markets,” he explains. “Perhaps a new diabetic product where the demographic is sizable. Manufacturers also have to tell us about their direct-to-consumer marketing plan, because if they are not going to be part of the marketing process in helping drive awareness, the chances of success are diminished.”

Travel Discounts
Visit Orlando has worked hard to gather information on transportation, dining, entertainment and special offers and present them all in one place. View this special Medtrade-Visit Orlando site to find great places to dine, how to get around the convention area, and ticket discounts for those planning to extend their time in Orlando for a theme park visit.
 
Show Your Badge and Save
Several restaurants close to the Orange County Convention Center are offering discounts and even free food/drink to Medtrade attendees. Just show your badge. View offers here. 
 
Getting to Orlando: Discounts and More
Visit Orlando has gathered local travel information together in one place. Review bus, shuttle and taxi costs or see if your hotel offers shuttle service.
Orlando Airport Van is also offering shuttle service starting at $9.99 a person. Please visit their website for more information or to book your service.
 
Rental Car & Airline Discounts
American Airlines Promotional code: 14H3BJ – www.aa.com
Avis: When booking travel through Avis, use the following AWD number: J866995. 

The discount is effective 7 days before and 7 days after the event. Book online Enterprise/National
Book online through this link for special deals from Enterprise and National car rental companies.