Medtrade West ‘lifts spirits’ 

PHOENIX – Medtrade West, which took place in April this year not July, was “a little bigger, a little different and a lot cooler,” says Show Director York Schwab. 

Medtrade West once again kicked off on Monday night in the exhibit hall with the “Welcome to Phoenix Preview Night,” but this year, officials concentrated show floor hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday. 

“Show traffic has been steady,” Schwab said. “Rather than starting with a whoosh and then it peters out during the last few hours, we wanted to leave on a positive note.” 

Overall, Medtrade West saw a 15% increase in exhibit space and a 30% increase in attendees this year, Schwab says. 

The show, of course, also featured a full slate of education on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. 

“Education is becoming a bigger part of the show and that will continue,” said Schwab.  

It was the in-person interactions, whether on the show floor or in the education sessions, that made the event, exhibitors and attendees say. 

“We’re having a good show – a ton of meetings,” said Dan Meyer of Resvent Medical. “We’re grateful to have this opportunity. As a former DME owner, I like dealing with fellow DME customers to be able to help them.” 

Attendees like Victoria Peterson of RespMed also had their eyes peeled for products. 

“The show’s been great for having face-to-face meetings with vendors instead of over the phone or Zoom,” she said. “I’ve found new vendors to purchase from.” 

Attendees like industry long-timer Mike Bailey, a former provider turned consultant, just enjoyed being "part of the HME community” again. 

“It lifts my spirit,” he said. “We rely on one another more than in the past. While colleagues have left, those that remain are the cream of the crop.” 

The show had plenty of first timers, too, like Eric Davis of Howard’s Medical Supply. 

“I am in every essence (a newbie),” he said. “I’m having a lot of quality interactions instead of bouncing through from booth to booth, and there’s a lot of networking opportunities.” 

First timer Culum Canally, a new face but with a familiar name, was manning the Compliance Team booth in place of mom Sandra Canally. 

“This is my first DME-focused show,” he said. “It’s been a robust morning, meeting mostly with existing clients.” 

Humming in the background of this year’s show was the announcement on Monday morning that officials will fold East and West into one show in 2023. 

“People are universally excited,” said Schwab. “Shows need to keep changing and evolving. We’re looking forward to our last Atlanta show and keep your ears to the ground for 2023 (dates and location).”