Newspoll: Medtrade re-establishes presence

DALLAS – Back home from attending this year’s Medtrade, the majority poll of respondents who attended (80%) say the show had a positive vibe this year. 

“It was easy to feel how many more people were present, in general,” wrote one respondent.  “Also, seeing many vendors return (in some cases, it had been over a decade!) was very telling.” 

Medtrade, which took place March 26-28 at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center, drew more than 2,300 attendees and featured an exhibit hall with more than 300 booths. 

In-person networking was the top draw for 40% of poll respondents. Other poll respondents cited looking for new products (35%) and attending educational sessions (25%). 

For those looking for new products, automation technology topped the shopping list for nearly 32% of respondents followed by outsourcing (19%), likely reflecting the age-old challenge of needing to do more with less. 

“(There were) many conversations about reimbursement not keeping up with inflation,” wrote one respondent. 

Echoed another: “All legislation is stalled or non-existent and I heard from a number of colleagues that they are exploring getting out of DME. We can't survive without relief in the former competitive bidding or non-rural areas.” 

For the majority of attendees at this year’s Medtrade, despite the inherent industry challenges, the show provided ideas and opportunities to move forward. 

“There was a distinct feeling of optimism and a strong desire to innovate from the majority of attendees at the show,” wrote Gary Sheehan, revenue strategy director for Darby and a former provider. “Gone were the days of complaining about reimbursement and regulation. That was replaced by a forward looking, strategic approach to growth and success. I loved the attitude and energy at the show.”