Medtrade Spring blooms in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS -  Medtrade Spring attendance jumped 18% last year, and is poised for another gain this year - and with good reason, said Cory Smith, group show director for VNU Expositions “Operating and managing an HME business has never been more difficult or complicated,” Smith said. “The need for the Medtrades and having a mid-year event is greater than it has ever been.” VNU Expositions looks for 5,500 to attend May 6-8 show at the Las Vegas Convention Center (5,000+ turned out last year), and for 410 to 414 companies to exhibit (15-20 more than 2002). This year's show will include 60 educational seminars that “cover the basics” with the intent to provide some value for every person from an HME company who attends the event, Smith said. In addition to extensive instruction on reimbursement, legal issues and sales and marketing, this year's show pulls a page from the Medtrade play book and offers AAHomecare's Continuum of Care. This four-hour program gives attendees the opportunity to earn four CEU credits in three areas: respiratory therapy, rehab and home health nursing. This year's show will also offer extended programs by Jane Bunch (billing and reimbursement) and Louis Feuer (sales). For distributors and manufacturers, the Health Industry Representatives Association (HIRA) offers a program on how to motivate and manage an outside sales force, featuring Phyllis Jones, vp of sales for The Americas, Bourns Inc. There will also be a special program on regulatory compliance, keying on challenges involved in bringing a product to market. HME