Medtrade sees ‘growth in show’s trajectory’ 

DALLAS – Medtrade’s new once-a-year format and new hometown are such a hit that the show will have an even larger footprint in 2024, says Show Director York Schwab. 

Medtrade has already decided to rent additional space in Hall E in the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center for next year’s show, he says. 

“There’s been a sizable increase in attendance and a considerably larger exhibitor presence – and that’s with coming off a show in October,” he said. “2024 will be our true first year with an annual Medtrade and we want to allow for growth in the show’s trajectory.” 

Medtrade took place twice – in Phoenix in April and in Atlanta in October – last year, before switching to a once-a-year format this year. 

Dallas rules 

Medtrade’s bet on the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center has been cheered by attendees and exhibitors not only for its more central location in Dallas but also for its set up, Schwab says. 

“Everyone is so happy with Dallas,” he said. “The convention center-hotel combination has worked so well with the Omni, but then there are other properties close by that are also great. We wanted to make sure we had every price point covered.” 

Products palooza 

Gone are the days of writing huge orders at Medtrade, but the main focus of the show is still seeing and feeling new products, say attendees like Steve Ackerman. 

“I’m looking for new beds, in particular,” said Ackerman of Silver Springs, Md.-based Spectrum Medical. “There’s a big gap in the market for a higher-end bed – something that’s more attractive and lowers to nine inches. We get a lot of complaints from caregivers about having to lean over.” 

Attendee Keith Cook was on the hunt for new home accessibility products and said he found a good lead at PSS Innovations. 

“I saw a cool ramp there,” said Cook of Sherwood, Ark.-based Freedom Accessibility. “We do a lot of rubber thresholds and I don’t necessarily like that, and people aren’t crazy about aluminum, so it would be a good option. It’s expensive, but customers will pay for a good ramp.” 

Business advice 

Exhibitors like Brian Pavlin were happy to showcase their wares but also to give attendees business advice on niche products and cash sales. 

“Our products are backed by published studies to improve outcomes, so they’re evidence-based,” said Pavlin of Sharonville, Ohio-based Immersus Health, which makes mattresses for beds, and back and seat cushions for wheelchairs. “We also offer ways to market our products with their branding. Providers are exhausted – we can help them create better branding for cash sales.”  

Connection junction 

Exhibitors like Alan Cawley say Medtrade Meet, the show’s app, made these connections a cinch. 

“We have 25 meetings scheduled during the show and 20 of them are through Medtrade Meet,” said Cawley of Raleigh, N.C.-based Motif Medical, which makes breast pumps and supplies. “They meet us right at the booth. Some are existing customers; some are prospects. It has worked really well for us.”