Medtrade 2005: Atlanta

Medtrade is all about innovation and technical advances, but as Hurricane Katrina so rudely showed last month, it's the basics of HME -- a wheelchair or access to oxygen, for example -- that make a gigantic difference in a person's life. Deprive someone of those basics -- either through a natural disaster or a draconian cut in reimbursement -- and the end result is not a pretty picture. In the aftermath of that devastating storm, the industry rolled up its collective shirt sleeves to pitch in, flying rescue missions, offering equipment and collecting donations. The industry's response is something to be proud of. If there are folks at CMS who think HMEs are all about making money, they should think again. As far as innovation and cool technology goes, this year's Medtrade show occupies 297,000 square feet, and features 900 exhibitors and 20,000 attendees. In our Medtrade New Products listing, we've listed scores of new products, ranging from DME staples like bath safety products to speedier wheelchairs to niche categories like women's health. We've got other numbers for you, too. Who are the 10 largest Medtrade exhibitors this year? We lay it out for you, starting with profiles of the top three whose combined total of 33,484 square feet of exhibit space begs the question: How will they fill it? In 10 under 40, we talk to young leaders of the HME industry and discover what makes them tick. In what has become a staple of our Medtrade coverage, we include again Medtrade Picks. See below to learn what two providers feel are must-see educational seminars. Finally, like last year, we'll be producing the Show Daily newspapers onsite at the Georgia World Congress Center. If you've got a hot news tip or story idea, or just want to stop by and put a face with the name, stop in at booth 1757.