LAS VEGAS – Two weeks after Medtrade Spring wrapped up in the Nevada desert, providers who made the trip are using the education and inspiration gained from the show to make their businesses better.
“The goals of identifying and exploring new opportunities, keeping up with federal regulations, networking, and expanding my knowledge of online marketing were fully met at Medtrade Spring,” enthused Diana Guth, BA, RRT, owner, Home Respiratory Care, Los Angeles.
The Spring edition of the nation’s premiere HME trade show attracted plenty of providers from western states, but providers from West Virginia, Georgia, Hawaii, and many other states across the nation made the trip. Gary Sheehan, MBA, president and CEO, Cape Medical Supply Inc, Sandwich, Mass, called Medtrade Spring “incredibly valuable,” especially at such a critical point in time for the industry.
“Attendees were focused on solutions and innovation, not complaining about the latest policy decisions or regulatory changes,” said Sheehan. “We all understand there is a time and place for regulatory discussions, this Medtrade was about seeking solutions – operational improvements, cost reduction, operating efficiencies – actionable ideas about how to grow our organizations…I can’t imagine not going to Medtrade [Oct 20-23 in Atlanta] and I am already looking forward to seeing more of my peers to discuss what they are doing, how they are reacting and operating, and how they are moving their organizations forward. Atlanta is a great venue and I am sure the energy will be high.”
Todd Tyson, RRT, president, Hi-Tech Heathcare Inc, Norcross, Ga, said the Spring version of Medtrade offered great opportunities for more one-on-one with vendors and speakers. “I thought it was a great format and all the education sessions were well attended,” said Tyson. “I understand that almost 2,000 people attended, and many were first time attendees, which shows additional interest in our industry by new folks just getting into the HME industry. Medtrade [from Oct 20-23, 2014 in Atlanta] is a much bigger show, and I look forward to attending in the Fall.”
Additional Medtrade Spring comments:
• Douglas E. Coleman, CEO, Major Medical Supply, Loveland, Colo, and president of the Colorado Association for Medical Equipment Services: “Medtrade Spring is my favorite. I always like the networking opportunities and Las Vegas is such a fun environment and easy access for us in the West. I will come to this show every year. The opportunity to meet with our important product and service suppliers, all within two days, makes this a very high payoff couple of days. I plan on attending Medtrade in Atlanta from October 20-23 at the Georgia World Congress Center.”
• Jim Greatorex, owner, Black Bear Medical, Portland, Me: “My experience at Medtrade Spring was very positive. I found that both attendees and manufactures are figuring out their way in the current landscape. We found lots of innovative products and programs that do not focus on federal revenue. It seems people are refining their new models and are looking at all revenue opportunities, even if it’s out of their current comfort zone. In retail in particular, I find more providers are putting lots of focus on marketing to end users and referrals, and are very happy with their success. For Medtrade in Atlanta [Oct 20-23, 2014 at the Georgia World Congress Center], I expect to see a lot more new and innovative products which will provide exciting opportunities for creative entrepreneurs. I’m very optimistic and excited about Medtrade and seeing how we evolve as an industry.”
• Gina Darr, product manager, DMS Wound Care, Medline, Therapeutic Support Surfaces: “Medtrade Spring was a great show. I will definitely be attending Medtrade in Atlanta [Oct 20-23, 2014, at the Gerogia World Congress Center].
• Regina Gillispie, owner, Best Home Medical, Barboursville, West Virginia: “I enjoyed Medtrade Spring, as I have every year I have attended. I came away with fresh ideas and recharged to keep fighting competitive bidding and audits.”