Medtrade Spring 2019: All Future, No Past

LAS VEGAS - If you're reading this issue of HME News at Medtrade Spring in Las Vegas, welcome to the show. We recognize that you've spent time, money and effort to make it to the Nevada desert, and we believe you made the right choice.

If you received this issue in the mail prior to the April 16 start of the show, yes, you can still register at a low rate. It's a great excuse to make a Vegas road trip (or book a cheap flight), and an even better excuse to truly focus on your business for a solid three days. How often do you get to do that?

Once you're at Medtrade Spring, spending time on the show floor, speaking with exhibitors and getting new product ideas are all great ways to spend your time. However, if you want structured networking events, I encourage you to go to Hall C at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center and visit the registration area to inquire about The Audit “Happy” Hour, the Power Lunch, AAHomecare's Stand Up for Homecare Fundraiser Reception and the Rise & Retail Breakfast Roundtables.

While it's true that the above events require advance registration and a fee, AAHomecare's Washington Update on Wednesday, April 17, at 8 a.m. in South Pacific F is open to all attendees with no advance registration and no fee. You do not have to be a member of AAHomecare to attend. It will provide fascinating insight into the challenges, and opportunities, that await the industry. It's a wee bit early on a Vegas morning, but I strongly encourage you to attend.

The update can be a sobering experience, because officials at AAHomecare must walk that line between optimistic and overly optimistic. We walk it, too. The trade show business may indeed be a business, but much like the best of endeavors, our success is directly tied to the industry.

We resist the urge to fondly look back at the days before competitive bidding. We can't afford to do it, and neither can you. The money is not flowing like it once was, so we all must find ways to widen the stream or make the river a more efficient ecosystem. Like you, Medtrade Spring and Medtrade (Oct 21-23, 2019) must find ways to creatively remain relevant. Also like you, we are still here.

The so-called digital age did not kill the trade show. Paradoxically, it may have made them more important than ever. In an Internet age, it's the face-to-face networking, education, and outright focus that make an in-person experience so different from e-mail, social media, texting and even primitive phone calls.

Ultimately, Medtrade Spring is not about us; it's about you. It's our job to make it worth your while, and it's your obligation to take advantage of what the show has to offer.

If you get on site and want to take advantage of the educational sessions, you still have time to buy a pass. Or if you're still pondering attendance, go to www.medtrade.com and see what we have to offer. From there, you can also register for an Expo pass or a Conference Pass (which also includes an Expo pass).

I hope you get real value from the in-person experience that is Medtrade Spring. Cement old relationships, shake hands and create new partnerships and friendships that will sustain you in this tough business. The people at the show know your pain, and your triumphs. Talk to our experts. Talk to attendees, and eventually leave the show renewed and refreshed. That's the whole idea.

Kevin Gaffney is vice president and group show director, Medtrade Spring and Medtrade.