'Good signs' at Medtrade Spring

The size of the booths at Medtrade Spring may be smaller this year, but overall, the footprint of the show is bigger, with 35 to 40 new exhibitors and 3,500 more square feet, according to show officials.

One of those new exhibitors: Invacare, which hasn't had a booth at the show for several years.

Attendance at the show is also tracking ahead of last year, they say.

"This is important," said Kevin Gaffney, group show director, Medtrade, for Nielsen Expositions. "Competitive bidding is in effect and the economy is still trying to get out of the doldrums. To see people here, working together, is a good sign."

Show officials also reported good attendance at educational sessions. A lunch-and-learn event on Tuesday that allowed attendees to meet with industry leaders and their peers to discuss topics like best practices and marketing drew a crowd of 115.

With Medtrade Spring nearly under their belts, show officials are already looking ahead to Medtrade, Oct. 25-27 in Atlanta. The show will feature successful events from last year, including an accessible home and a complex rehab pavilion.

One new feature of the show that's already in the works: A "Power for Funding" event sponsored by MK Battery and Medtrade that will take place at the Omni Hotel on Oct. 25 at 5:30 p.m. MK Battery and Medtrade are currently raising money through sponsorships, and they will present AAHomecare, NCART and NRRTS with the net proceeds at the event. Tickets will be available to all providers.

"It's a mass event that will allow providers to network and support fundraising that will help these groups continue their advocacy efforts," Gaffney said.