Medtrade 2001 at The Big Easy -- HME Business

Medtrade 2001 at The Big Easy

Oct 01, 2001

This month, attendees and exhibitors will go marching in to New Orleans for the fall buying event of the year-Medtrade 2001. For three days, health care professionals will receive the latest information on new technologies for better patient care, updated guidelines on changing medical issues and the new patients' privacy legislation. As always, new products will be one of the highlights of this show with everything ranging from rehabilitation to wound care to mobility.

From Oct. 23 - 25, Medtrade will be home to more than 1,000 exhibitors and 23,000 to 25,000 attendees. "Medtrade, for over 22 years, has been the preferred gathering place for the home medical equipment industry," said Cory Smith, group show director, Medtrade, produced by VNU Expositions, Atlanta, Ga. According to Smith, the show floor has grown since 1999 and so has the number of exhibitors-by approximately 10 percent.

New Opportunities

One of the most exciting things taking place at Medtrade this year is the acquisition of Tom Scully, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)-formerly called HCFA- who will deliver the keynote address at Medtrade. Scully will present the latest issues in Medicare and Medicaid in the Washington Update, Oct. 25 at 3 p.m.

"Tom Scully speaking at Medtrade is a wonderful opportunity for the show attendees because CMS plays such an important role in the operations of the home health care industry and can provide the very latest insights and information, said Louis Feuer, director of education for Medtrade.

AAHomecare also is sponsoring several educational programs this year, and for the first time, eight of the programs will offer continuing education credits for nurses. Its theme for the show is "This year, it has not been business as usual for the homecare industry."

"The sessions will reflect this year's top homecare industry issues, including new regulatory requirements, changes in the market place, as well as benchmark industry statistics from our annual Financial Performance Survey Report," said Julie Phillips, director of communications.

Tom Scully speaking at Medtrade is a wonderful opportunity for the show attendees.

"We felt it was important to offer these programs (because) clinicians are influencers in the decision making process in the products their patients use," Smith said.

The Medtrade conference and exposition offers manufacturers and exhibitors an opportunity to target potential buyers and work with current clients. "It's a chance for them to meet with current clients and to enhance the relationships they currently have as well as get exposed to new and perspective customers," Smith said.

For dealers and attendees, the show offers opportunities for education on a variety of topics that will allow them to operate their business more efficiently to stay on top of current trends.

Seemingly endless networking opportunities are available throughout the duration of the show. The 3rd Annual Kick-Off Reception provides a relaxed atmosphere where professionals can mingle with their peers, while enjoying beverages and hor'douerves. One new addition to this year's show is the judging of the new products displayed in the New Product Pavilion. The winners will be announced at the Kick-Off Reception, offering a more exciting venue than in previous years.

A Learning Environment

Although there will be new programs added to the educational forum at Medtrade, attendees and exhibitors still will be able to maintain their knowledge on the various trends in the marketplace as well as the many new products available.

We are hoping for more national exposure to develop a stronger perception of what the home health care industry is all about.

"With more in-depth programs in the rehabilitation track, and more than 20 sessions on new legal and regulatory issues, Medtrade conference attendees will receive the greatest return on their education dollar found anywhere in the industry," Feuer said.

AAHomecare's agenda covers several industry-relevant topics, including insurance coverage, HIPAA, Re/hab issues as well as financial, legal and regulatory developments. The organization also will sponsor its Washington Update, hosted by Tom Connaughton, association president and CEO as well as Asela Cuervo, vice president of government relations and general counsel. The session is sponsored by Capital Recover Service, which provides outsourcing solutions for homecare companies needing assistance in handling overflow of patient contact and client billing.

Conference proceedings materials are available on the Medtrade Web site at www.medtrade.com. The online service allows conference attendees to download, print and review proceedings materials prior to arriving to the conference.

"I hope that everyone will take advantage of having all the speaker handouts readily accessible through the Internet and use these through the year for their training programs," Feuer stated.

New Products

Every market in the home health care industry will be represented with the numerous new products displayed at the show. "This allows (attendees) to see new innovations in health care and its is important to get exposure for those new products and the HME industry," Smith said.

The New Product Pavilion always draws a lot of attention at the show. Manufacturers must present a new product that has never been exhibited at Medtrade or previously introduced in the market. This year, Medtrade sponsors expect approximately 250 new product introductions. Also, for the first time, attendees will be able to vote for the new products whereas in the past, judges have been selected to go in, view the products and evaluate them. The product winners will be announced later that evening at the Kick-Off reception.

Some of the markets represented at the show this year are:

Wound care
Mobility
Rehabilitation
Respiratory
Aids to Daily Living
Support Surfaces
Ambulatory Aids
Women's Health
Incontinence/Ostomy

Attendees can expect to see other markets represented, such as alternative medicine products or computers and software-all of which are growing rapidly in the HME industry.

Just as a diverse number of products can be seen at the show, so will assorted groups of attendees. Health care owners, managers, clinicians and sales staff will be interested in viewing products that will help their patients and clientele. Representatives from pharmacies and drug stores as well as respiratory clinicians and case managers all can enjoy the vast array of opportunities at Medtrade 2001.

The Big Easy

While Medtrade provides ample opportunity for learning about the home health care industry, the host city-New Orleans-offers attendees an opportunity for several entertaining venues. Boasting charming streetcars, shady courtyards, architectural landmarks and historic art galleries, culture definitely is not lacking in the big easy.

Home to some of the best jazz bars across the country, New Orleans provides a backdrop for lighthearted fun and relaxation. Famous Bourbon Street and the French Quarter are locations for dining on everything from Creole and Cajun foods, seafood and some finest steak houses and barbecue around.

For three days, show attendees and exhibitors will have the opportunity to learn more about their industry while unwinding to the soothing sights and sounds of sultry New Orleans.

Looking Ahead

Next year, Medtrade will return home to Atlanta, Ga where the show started. Smith said creating opportunities for buyers and sellers to network and make the show more enjoyable are top priorities for future events.

Plans for the future include bringing in more industry experts and more keynote speakers that are going to grab the attention of attendees and exhibitors. Medtrade planners also hope to have more of a clinical emphasis in the educational programs for long-term care, facility-based care and home care.

"We are hoping for more national exposure to develop a stronger perception of what the home health care industry is all about," Smith said.

Show Schedule

Tuesday, October 23