Spring show generates 'positive vibe'

LAS VEGAS - Attendance was up and the energy was high at last week's Medtrade Spring, say show organizers.

“We noticed more of a positive vibe,” said Show Director Kevin Gaffney. “The feedback from exhibitors and attendees on the conference changes and the expo floor, as a whole, was very positive.”

The show, held March 30-April 1 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, attracted nearly 300 exhibitors, including 45 first-timers (See related story on Melio).

Although final figures weren't available at press time on Friday, attendance was “trending up” over last year, said Gaffney.

“I think some of that has to do with some of the recent legislative progress,” he said, referring to a bill passed in the House of Representatives to reform Medicare's competitive bidding program. “That resonates with folks.”

This year, show organizers switched things up, moving most of the educational sessions to Monday, leaving more time to shop the show floor Tuesday and Wednesday.

“The decision makers were there,” said Gaffney. “People were not there to fool around. Exhibitors were consistently reporting they were very, very busy.”

Provider Mike Kuller attended the show for the first time in several years.

“I was surprised at the amount of new products available,” said Kuller, president of All Star Medical Supply in Walnut Creek, Calif.

Off the show floor, AAHomecare leaders outlined a “very aggressive agenda” that includes a bill to reform Medicare's audit program. During the association's Washington Update, leaders said they expect the bill to be re-introduced in the coming weeks by Rep. Renee Ellmers, R-N.C. Leaders are also working on legislation to expand prior authorizations and the PMD demonstration project.

Still topping the to-do list, however: fighting the roll out of competitive bidding pricing nationwide on Jan. 1, said President and CEO Tom Ryan.

“We're going full steam ahead,” he told attendees. “We're going to beat that because that can't happen.”