ATLANTA – The 35th annual Medtrade wrapped up last week with a sense of optimism among attendees and exhibitors. “Every single person I spoke with found at least one great idea or product,” said Mike Sperduti, president and CEO of the Mike Sperduti Companies (LaserTouch One, Emerge, Sweet Feet, and Mike Sperduti Training and Consulting), East Northport, NY. “From a vendor perspective, there were fewer people, but all were decision makers, and our sales exceeded expectations.”
• Anna Althoff, brand and communications director for HealthSmart, part of the Briggs Corp, Waukegan, IL, said, “Our booth was really busy and we took a lot of orders. With all the changes going on in the industry, people were interested in products that were retail friendly.”
• “The educational content was spot-on,” said Tom Base, CPA, controller and administrator, End Range of Motion Improvement, an Atlanta-based DME provider. “I rated nothing less than a five on all the speakers.”
• “We had many providers asking about how to grow their intermittent catheter business,” said Kelly V. Barry, senior marketing manager, US Continence Care and Critical Care, Hollister Inc, Libertyville, IL.
• Lisa Wells, president of Get Social Consulting: “More than any other year, at this Medtrade I’ve seen a conscious shift in the industry as dealers are competing in the cash market. I’m seeing their skills improving regarding technology and online marketing as they strive to expand those business lines. Also, the support for AAHomecare’s efforts on Capitol Hill is visibly growing under Tom Ryan’s strong leadership. It’s been a fantastic show for those reasons, and next Spring should be as well.”
• Scott Blevins, president of Tablift, remarked: “The show has been great. I’ve had a lot of interest in the Tablift and made a ton of connections. I will most likely attend Medtrade in 2015.”
• “Synergy was thrilled to be back at Medtrade 2014 with our own dedicated booth showcasing more products, research and customer stories. Medtrade was a great event,” said Lori McKnight, director of Communications, Synergy Therapeutics.
Booth Awards and More at Medtrade
ATLANTA – Canada-based Top & Derby (www.topandderby.com) earned the award for Best Booth Under 400 Square Feet on the final day of Medtrade, the nation’s premiere HME event. The first-time exhibitors’ “sleek and simple” display of canes made excellent use of the relatively small space.
A panel of marketing experts also tapped Carex (www.carex.com) for the prestigious Best Booth Over 400 Square Feet Award. The booth featured showroom windows and a building facade to spark retail display ideas among providers.
The Creative Concepts Award went to Stander (www.stander.com) for its camo-drenched “Hunt for Cash Sales” theme. The award recognizes all-around creativity, including booth design, marketing message, pre-show marketing, and social media.
This year’s passport-themed Medtrade Discovery, an event co-sponsored by HomeCare magazine, yielded eight lucky winners for cash awards that ranged from $100 to $3,000.
Medtrade Discovery Winners
Adela V. Garcia, Fort Myers Oxygen – $100
Joe Mei, Jia Nan Medical Instruments – $100
David Swatzell II, Attention Medical Supply – $100
Marianne Fontane, Agape Medical Mart – $100
Conchita Haines, Pulmonary Associates – $100
Mary Watson, Naples Oxygen – $500
Sharon Gilcrhist, Texoma Medical Services – $1,000
Susan Siders, Home Therapy Inc, Mullins, SC – $3,000
New Product Showcase Providers Choice Awards
• GOLD – Pocket Air Portable Nebulizer (Mesh Type) from MicroBase Technology Corp
• SILVER – Pap Travel Briefcase from Philips Respironics Inc
• BRONZE – Shiatsu Lift Chair by Golden Technologies Inc