ORLANDO, FL – When I look around the magnificent Orange County Convention Center here in Orlando, Fla, I can’t help but marvel at the ingenuity, drive, and hard work on display. While I have seen countless trade shows, it’s still impressive to see what amounts to a temporary city erected in a few day’s time.
It’s a cliché, but it’s still true that a rising tide raises all boats. A successful industry is vital to a successful Medtrade. Medtrade has played an important role in helping the HME industry grow over the past 34 years, and it’s one of many reasons we have assembled a show that is ruthlessly focused on practical knowledge, ingenious products, opportunities to network, and tools to fight laws that impede your success.
Our educational advisory board (EAB) is made up of names that you know, many of whom are hard-boiled realists. And while they are practical people, they also know that a dose of inspiration is always welcome in challenging times.
Medtrade and I are dedicated to your industry—to OUR industry—and I hope that visitors to Medtrade this year gain the knowledge and inspiration that they can take back home and use in their businesses. In the short term, that may simply mean survival. In the long term, it may mean thriving
The HME industry is vital to the good health of countless patients, as well as the business livelihoods of dedicated providers. HME and homecare also play a critical role in the overall continuum of care all over the world and homecare works! It’s cost effective, leads to better outcomes and most importantly its patient preferred.
I know this for a fact—those who are not here are missing an awful lot. If you decided to forego this week at Medtrade, I hope to see you at Medtrade Spring in Las Vegas from March 10-12, 2014, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Later in 2014, we’ll be returning to Atlanta for Medtrade, October 20-23at the Georgia World Congress Center.
Beyond merely surviving, we want HME providers to thrive in 2014 and beyond. I look forward to seeing you at Medtrade this week for an event that truly comes at an important time for the industry.
A lot has changed for HME in the ten years since the Medicare Modernization Act was passed and NCB became a reality that would have to be fought or faced. We all want to change the world, but for me the first step in that process is waking up each day and looking in the mirror.
We are here to create the most vibrant meeting space of the year. Let’s celebrate all that is right with the HME industry, and discuss what we can improve. Tomorrow we cut the ceremonial ribbon, and I’m confident we’ll have a great show.
Beyond merely surviving, we want HME providers to thrive in 2014 and beyond. I look forward to seeing you at Medtrade this week for an event that truly comes at an important time for the industry.
Kevin Gaffney, CEM, is group show director, Medtrade.