Medtrade knows 'what works' for virtual conferences

ATLANTA - Emerald, which hosts Medtrade, knows a thing or two about virtual conferences by now and plans to apply lessons learned to its upcoming Medtrade Virtual Conference, says Sarah Varner. Here's what Varner, senior director of marketing for Medtrade, had to say about their plans for the Nov. 4-5 virtual conference and their confidence in future in-person events.

HME News: What can you share about the virtual event?

Sarah Varner: As part of our commitment to the HME community, we will be having a Medtrade Virtual Conference, which will take place Nov. 4-5, 2020. Most of the virtual educational sessions will, indeed, be culled from the original Medtrade program, but those details are still being finalized. There will not be a virtual exhibit hall, but various exhibitors are taking advantage of targeted sponsorship opportunities. Cost for the event is $79 and will include live access to 28 virtual educational sessions. If registrants miss the live sessions, the $79 includes on-demand access after the sessions are completed. For exact times, session topics, and speakers, we ask that interested parties keep an eye on their e-mail inboxes and follow us on social media as more information becomes finalized.

HME: What have you learned through this whole process of deciding whether or not to hold an in-person event and switching gears to a virtual event?

Varner: Emerald has had to cancel several in-person events this year, so we have learned from other virtual events about what works content-wise, as well as the cleanest and most efficient ways to interact with our audience. Another thing we've learned is how much people miss in-person events. While we have not done an official survey on the matter, we've had numerous conversations that show pent-up demand. Absence really does make the heart grow fonder, and we believe face-to-face trade shows are more relevant than ever. We are optimistic that Medtrade West and Medtrade East can eventually come back strong.

HME: It's still a ways out, but what is Emerald doing now to make sure Medtrade West is as safe as possible for attendees and exhibitors?

Varner: Our next in-person show is the newly branded and re-located Medtrade West, which is scheduled for April 12-14, 2021, at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Ariz. We are working with the venue and planning to ensure we host a productive, safe and healthy event for our customers. We can't predict the exact situation of the virus spread and/or the mood of the attendees, but Emerald will be monitoring the situation carefully and drawing upon our considerable resources and experience.

HME: What about refunds, credits for upcoming shows, or credits for the virtual conference?

Varner: Providers who wish to credit their registration fee to Medtrade East 2021 or Medtrade West 2021, scheduled for April 12-14, should contact Tasha Beckford at?Tasha.Beckford@EmeraldX.com. The deadline for credit requests is Dec. 3, 2020. Providers who want a full refund should contact Registration Customer Service on or before Dec. 3, 2020. E-mail for customer service is:?medtrade@experient-inc.com. Phone for customer service is: 800-465-5514.