Medtrade preview: Kerry Tyler wants every attendee to leave inspired 

DALLAS – For those who are ready to put the work in, Kerry Tyler says inspiration will be ready for the taking at Medtrade 2025, whether it’s through the new Managed Care Track in the conference program, the returning Tech Talks on the show floor or the Welcome to Dallas Reception and other networking events. 

“‘Inspiration exists but it has to find you working’ is a Pablo Picasso quote that I like,” said Tyler, associate show director. “It implies that movement, action and even planning are all necessary to find inspiration. It takes time, money and effort to get to Dallas to listen, learn, network and find new pieces of equipment that can fuel the business. I think we will have done our job if we can leave every attendee with a bit of inspiration.” 

Here's what Tyler had to say about the show’s theme, its momentum and its goals in 2025.  

HME News: Is there an overall theme? 

Kerry Tyler: Products, education and networking are always the main themes at Medtrade, and that has not changed. AI and technology are hot and Tech Talks is addressing that trend—but Medtrade has a lot of variety. Attendees will find everything from the basics to the latest innovations in mobility, respiratory, sleep, rehab and aids to daily living. 

Another theme of sorts is “opportunity” because this industry is building momentum. Even the youngest of the boomers will be 65 or older by the year 2030. HME is primarily for the elderly, and the opportunity is enormous for providers who are learning how to run their business in the most efficient way possible. Boosting the cash retail segment is another way to increase revenue and Medtrade is the perfect place to find those retail products. 

Attendees also wanted more panel discussions, so we responded with 24 panel sessions in total at Medtrade. That said, sessions with one or two speakers are not going away and we have 47 single/two-speaker sessions on offer—this includes workshops. 

HME: Medtrade 2024 was your first year leading the show. Did anything surprise you? What did you learn? And how will that experience influence the 2025 show? 

Tyler: I had heard tales of the “good old days” at Medtrade, but I also read about the heavy toll of the competitive bidding program in more recent times. Medtrade suffered right along with HME providers, and I may have expected some of that hangover to still be around in 2024. The pleasant surprise was an overall sense of optimism in the Expo Hall and in the session rooms. 

I learned that HME providers are a resilient group. I saw it first-hand in the enthusiasm of the attendees and the attendance numbers let us know that providers were ready to come back to the show. The experience added to my own enthusiasm, and it fueled my own intention to continue this momentum. We have sharpened up our staff and looked at every detail, and that includes logistical adjustments that make life easier for exhibitors, as well as attendees. 

HME: Medtrade made some pretty big gains last year. What are the goals for this year? 

Tyler: While we want to improve attendance for the good of the show and our exhibitors, the goal is always to put on a better show than the year before. We can’t necessarily control the amount of people who sign up to make the trip, so the goal is always to put on the best show possible for attendees and exhibitors. If we do that, and listen to the feedback that we receive, we believe the numbers will follow.