Medtrade’s Kerry Tyler talks shop 

DALLAS - With Insider registration rates debuting this week, HME News spoke to Kerry Tyler, who was named associate show director of Medtrade in May, about what to expect from the upcoming show and its “secret sauce.” 

HME News: You have a great deal of experience in other industries – you launched your trade show career with Emerald X as an account executive on the GlobalShop Show a decade ago. What specific lessons or insights will you bring with you to Medtrade? 

Kerry Tyler: The main takeaway is to foster communication. If there is any friction in the networking process, we want to take it out. One-hour “welcome” parties have worked well in other shows, and it’s something we are continuing for the middle day of Medtrade. 

HME: What tried-and-true element can attendees look forward to again this year? 

Tyler: AAHomecare will be back with their afternoon update on the middle day of the show, and that is always extremely informative. Of course, the show floor will be overflowing with new and innovative products, but perhaps the most tried-and-true element is the networking. Getting advice and forming friendships with fellow providers is invaluable and it’s the secret sauce of every trade show, especially Medtrade. 

HME: It’s a little early to talk numbers, but how is the show, scheduled for March 26-28 in Dallas, shaping up? 

Tyler: We anticipate that the overall number of exhibitors will be higher than 2023 due to increased demand for HME from the baby boomer generation, new providers coming into the business, and the continuing ability of providers to adjust to the competitive bidding era. As for attendees, I would be surprised if we did not beat our numbers from 2023.