ATLANTA – Preview Night debuted at Medtrade East on day one of the nation’s largest HME-focused trade show. Complete with food, drink, and a live band, the free event gave attendees a two-hour glimpse of the Expo Floor, providing a good chance to scout exhibitors ahead of the first full day. See below for a sampling of reactions from exhibitors.
“There was a good crowd at Preview Night, and they were asking relevant business questions. I was pleasantly surprised. We brought in our whole staff and I’m glad we did because they were talking to people all at once, and we had good conversations.” — Jennifer Marshall, Czarnoski Exhibit Company, representing the U.S. Post Office
“The band was great and I had some good conversations.” — Lamar Lester, Precision Medical
“We actually wrote an order and engaged about 10 people. I applaud Medtrade East for doing Preview Night, and I encourage them to continue to do it.” — Milt Moravek, Pedi-Fix
“Providers are always excited about our innovative advancements, such as the Viva Lift Radiance Chair from Pride Mobility.” — Renae Storie (pictured right, reclining in the Viva Lift Radiance), vice president, Pride Mobility, Exeter, Pa.
“Preview Night turned out better than expected, and we got some quality leads. People were not really in a party mood. They wanted to get straight to the point, and they were definitely decision makers. The free alcohol and food was a good idea. It brought a sense of community.”
— Robbert A. Lamaker, inside Sales and Marketing, Advanced Ortho, Harleysville, Pa.
“There was quite a bit of excitement with a lot of people on the show floor during Preview Night.” — Kent Barnes, director of Marketing, TeamDME!
“We definitely had some traffic at Preview Night. People were gathering together and excited to see each other. It was lively.” — Katherine Royster, 3B Medical
“Preview Night was very interesting we got a couple of good leads. Everybody is excited to be here. We felt a strong desire for retail products and we booked a couple of meetings and it gave attendees a chance to check out the show floor.” — Sophie Chadefaud, vice president of Sales and Marketing, Mediflow, Toronto, Canada
“Preview Night was good with a good variety of people. There was sharing of information, and people were there to talk business.” — Matt Bettis, director of Marketing Programs, Brightree
“Preview night is fantastic. It’s the best new addition to Medtrade. Attendees were comfortable and in high spirits.” — Nikki Zemovich, manager, National Accounts, Sunset Healthcare Solutions
“We had productive conversations, and we will probably get a few POs out of those conversations. We expect them to come back [first full day] today to discuss.” —Jean-Luc Cheramie, national sales director, Ventec Life Systems, Bothell, Wash.
“There was a good flow of traffic at Preview Night. Attendees were more business-oriented instead of socializing. Many of them said they would be back tomorrow. The people we saw were not seasoned Medtrade veterans, but it was great to hear from a lot of new dealers. They were getting a feel for the company.” — Jason Howell, regional sales manager, Stander, Logan, Utah
“Preview Night was fun. The bar was busy, and I think Medtrade should definitely do it again. It was a positive vibe out there, and we had good business conversations.” — Ryan Shulman, ResMed, San Diego
“Preview Night was great, and I liked the approach. I think it would be a good idea to do it again. We reconnected with people and had good casual conversations with not as much business—which is a great precursor to the first full day.” — Phaedra Parker, regional account executive, WellSky, Overland Park, Kansas
“Preview Night was great. There was a decent amount of people and we met with some great potential accounts and came up with some good leads.” — Lauren Lofthus, account manager, Motif Medical, Raleigh, N.C.
“Preview Night should definitely stick around. It’s a nice opener to the show. It’s more relaxed face time with customers and we don’t have to compete with any other events. It’s a relaxed vibe and people like that. They can walk the floor and plan the next day. Preview Night needs to stay.”
— Jennifer Leon, vice president, Brightree Patient Collections, Overland Park, Kansas
