‘There’s a distinct buzz’ at Medtrade

DALLAS – They come for education, products and networking, but Associate Show Director Kerry Tyler hopes attendees also take home a big dose of inspiration from this year’s Medtrade.   

“There’s a distinct buzz that you can hear and feel,” she said. “Educational sessions were packed on day one and the opening of the show floor on day two has taken it to another level. You don’t get inspiration by staying at home.” 

At this year’s show, the second at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center, attendees could choose from eight educational tracks ranging from audits to complex rehab technology and walk an exhibit hall offering more than 300 booths. 

Product hunt 

Attendee Joel Gallion of Bellevue Healthcare in Bellevue, Wash., said he and his team were dividing and conquering to take it all in. 

“We’re just seeing what the next evolution is in (products),” said Gallion, who noted prior to the move to Dallas, his attendance at Medtrade was spotty. “It’s good to see complex rehab starting to get a bit of a place here. We’re also looking at respiratory.” 

First-time attendee Melissa Philips of HSA Depot in Logan, Utah, was all about retail products. 

“We’re looking for higher quality merchandise for our customers,” she said. “We’re moving into a new space that will double our retail space and we want to fill half of that with a high variety of options.” 

‘They need to do more with less’ 

While show organizers weren’t done tallying numbers at press time – walk-ins were expected through the third and final day – attendance was up, they say, and that’s something exhibitors noticed. 

“Traffic has been brisk since it opened,” said Doug Francis, CEO of Rhythm Healthcare. “There’s a lot of interest in POCs – people are looking hard to moving to a non-delivery model. With no upward movement in reimbursement, they need to do more with less.” 

First-time exhibitor Todd Usher, president and CEO of Tactical Back Office and Tactical Call Center, also noted attendees looking to do more with less. 

“Providers are looking for ways to expand their existing staffing,” he said. “And they're more open to outsourcing than they were five years ago.” 

HME’s WHY 

A busy Medtrade is a sign of growth for the HME industry, says Tom Ryan, president and CEO of AAHomecare, which once again had a large presence at the event with its AAHomecare Update and Stand Up for Homecare reception. The association also kicked off its “WHY Campaign” at Medtrade this year. 

“I love the fact that we’re seeing growth – home care should be growing,” he said. “We’re hoping this draws enthusiasm for providers who, when you ask them what’s their why, (they say), it’s the patients. That’s why they do this.” 

‘We’ll be back’ 

Medtrade will be back at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center next year, Feb. 18-20, says Tyler. 

“We love Dallas, but more importantly, the attendees still love Dallas,” she said. “We will be back.”