Social media has ‘integral role’ at Medtrade

PHOENIX, Ariz. – The virtual messaging component will be stronger than ever at Medtrade West, April 4-6, at the Phoenix Convention Center. In fact, social media is “integral” for promoting the show before, during and after it’s over, said Christina Morrison, president of Stina Bee Marketing, who is leading the Medtrade social media effort. 

“Now, more than ever, social media and digital content has created a way to showcase what’s happening from the show floor through photography, conversations and video so that the universe of HME professionals can engage no matter where they are in the world,” she said. “We are continuing to increase our social content and video across all platforms.” 

Leading up to the show, Medtrade West is highlighting all the activities and key educational sessions for prospective attendees. Video interviews with top speakers inform attendees about the key takeaways from the various seminars in Phoenix. Onsite, the marketing and social media team will be actively engaging with all attendees, speakers, and exhibitors who are posting, tweeting, and sharing their experiences, Morrison said. The official Medtrade West show pages will share content from those companies and individuals who are part of the show to amplify their message.   

“Ultimately, our goal is to showcase all that is happening at Medtrade West from the show’s point of view, but also through the lens of our attendees and exhibitors,” Morrison said. “Whether it’s LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram that you use most in your daily social media activities, you can find dynamic video, highlights, insights, posts and photos from the show on social media when you log in.” 

For the Medtrade brand, LinkedIn has recently become the network with the highest engagement, followed by Facebook, Morrison said.  

“LinkedIn has also seen the highest growth during the show period, followed by Instagram,” she said. “With these changes in social media and trends, our focus for Medtrade West will be more on LinkedIn and Instagram this year, compared to previous years of the show.” 

For HME providers, having a social media presence is more necessary today than ever, Morrison said. 

“To say your business is not on social media at all today would be equivalent to saying you don’t have a website,” she said. “We all saw -- especially during the pandemic -- how social media, video, and the digital space helped us maintain stronger connections with others when we couldn’t be together in person.” 

Medtrade exhibitors should also be using social media to maximize their involvement in the show and the industry at large, Morrison said. 

“Make social media part of your booth strategy before, during, and after the show,” she said. “Use the time between now and the show to notify your followers on social media that you will be exhibiting. In your posts, get them interested by mentioning giveaways, new products, booth activities, and product specials.”