Medtrade starts with 'good vibe'

GWCC - The overall mood for opening day at Medtrade was upbeat and that's just the way show officials like it.

"It's been very positive," said Kevin Gaffney, group show director, Medtrade, for Nielsen Expositions. "Good vibe, good feedback."

With 150,000 square feet of exhibit space, 605 exhibitors and 128 sessions there was plenty for HME providers to see and do.

First time attendee—and new HME provider—Tamera Riggs said she was here for the products, in particular incontinence products, compression stockings and bariatrics.

"We have an in-home care business and we were always buying the products, but we don't know enough about them yet, so we thought we'd come learn," said Riggs, president and owner of Apex Home Medical Supply in Toledo, Ohio.

But Provider Bill McWilliams is no stranger to the show: He's attending his fourth Medtrade.

"We're here for products and education," said McWilliams, president and owner of Aircare Home Medical. "We are specifically looking at POCs. We're in Round 2 and I can't see any other way to (increase efficiency)."

While attendance numbers weren't available at press time, show officials believe they're on track to be higher than last year.

Still, some exhibitors felt foot traffic was on the light side on Tuesday.

"It's steady, but not what I would have expected for the first day," said Esther Apter, CEO of Chestnut Ridge, N.Y.-based MedForce Technologies. "We've been really busy, though. We meet a lot of existing clients here. I can't imagine not being here."

Attendance at educational sessions—on topics ranging from audits to ABNs to competitive bidding—was also good, said show officials.

"Folks are hungry for information," Gaffney said. "They're hungry for updates on competitive bidding. We'd like for them to take away new ideas on how to help their businesses through these tough times." HME



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