Medtrade Spring embraces West Coast 'vibe'

LAS VEGAS - Medtrade Spring doesn't aspire to be Medtrade "Fall." It is smaller, shorter and more relaxed than Nielsen's flagship expo in Atlanta. Yet Medtrade Spring has unique attributes that allow it to stand on its own, says Group Show Director Kevin Gaffney.

Slated for April 10-12 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, Medtrade Spring incorporates many of the same elements that make the Medtrade brand popular, while offering some different aspects that attendees should find appealing, he said.

Gaffney recently shared some of his perspectives about the spring show with HME News.

HME News: What features of Medtrade Spring help distinguish it from the fall show?

Kevin Gaffney: Medtrade Spring is a fast-paced but more intimate event. Attendees and exhibitors have a bit more time to spend together and there is a fun vibe in the air. Then of course there is Las Vegas.

HME: What is different about this year's show?

Gaffney: I think the biggest difference in this year's show compared to the past events is the veil of competitive bidding, Round 2. Sure, this poses a good deal of problems and issues, but we also want to help providers discover the great number of opportunities the situation will also present.

HME: How would you characterize the growth of this show since it began? What has driven it?

Gaffney: We consider Medtrade Spring a national show with a West Coast focus. Medtrade Spring has seen steady growth in the number of exhibitors and attendees the last three years and we are expecting the same in 2012. I also think the show taking place earlier in the year has helped fuel the growth because attendees are eager to see the latest and we want to help them grow their businesses.

HME: What would you consider to be a "can't miss" event during the show?

Gaffney: The Stand Up for Homecare Reception is something all attendees and exhibitors should have on their agenda. The Tuesday night reception is a great opportunity to network with friends old and new while also supporting the industry at the most critical time in its history. The AAHomecare Washington update is also a critical "can't miss" event.

HME: How can Medtrade Spring help attendees surmount the challenges that face them?

Gaffney: Our education program continues to be a great tool to assist providers in navigating the rough waters of the modern HME era. With 13 educational tracks we cover a broad range of topics from audits to sales and marketing and competitive bidding to retail. Our Educational Advisory Board understands the challenges the industry is facing and assists us in developing the best overall program to meet the needs of our attendees.