Warm climate awaits

LAS VEGAS -- The expectation is for sunny and warm conditions—at least from a weather perspective. But what about the HME industry forecast? Based on the content available at Medtrade Spring 2019 Conference & Expo, April 16-18, at the Mandalay Bay, show organizers are hoping attendees will find a pleasant climate to improve their business.

Show director Kevin Gaffney has been in charge of both Medtrade shows for many years and continues to focus on creating an experience that makes the trip worthwhile for providers.

“We do not take anyone's attendance as a given, and instead believe we must re-earn that loyalty every single year,” he said. “Providers spend their time, money and effort away from the business to attend the shows. There is an intangible that comes from getting out of your element and focusing on the business with like-minded people.”

As always, education is an overarching feature of Medtrade Spring and the continuing education unit courses that were introduced at the Atlanta show will be available for the first time in Las Vegas. Working with the educational team at Quantum Rehab/Pride Mobility, attendees may choose two rehab seminars - “Clinically Speaking - A Practical Guide to Evaluation and Documentation for Power Seat Options” and “The Case for Wheels - Selecting the Clinically Appropriate Base.”

The Rise & Retail Breakfast Roundtables, sponsored by VGM Retail, will be held on April 18 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. At this new event, attendees have the chance to fill up on breakfast while rotating between four roundtables that discuss employee training, marketing, products and merchandising.

Stalwart events are also on the program, such as the Stand Up for Homecare fundraiser, Power Lunch, Audit Happy Hour and AAHomecare's Washington Update. Chief among the hot topics is the “gap period” and “any willing provider” phase of Medicare competitive bidding.

“We will be able to see what challenges and opportunities are arising with this issue at show time,” Gaffney said. “The experiences shared at Medtrade Spring could well determine the direction of many companies throughout the course of 2019.”

New blood arrives

Medtrade Spring is welcoming an influx of approximately 40 first-time exhibitors at this year's show and Gaffney says they are excited about participating. Their participation makes Medtrade more vital because they can offer practical knowledge and the “intangible inspiration” that the industry needs, he said.

“The feedback from exhibitors who have signed up is generally optimistic,” Gaffney said. “Our exhibitors see themselves as partners and as active participants in a show that is designed to unify the industry. This is their show, our show, and your show. It is the ideal place to meet, commiserate, plan, and ultimately succeed.”