Medtrade West preview: Ready for some real face time

PHOENIX – Medtrade West exhibitors are counting on a flurry of activity from attendees eager to get back to pre-pandemic interaction when the trade show convenes in person July 12-14 in Phoenix. 

To be sure, it has been a long hiatus from face-to-face meetings at booths on the show floor, but Medtrade organizers, sponsors and exhibitors believe the time is finally right to get together once again. 

“The past 15 months have demonstrated the value of home-based care like no other period in recent memory,” said Tom Ryan, president and CEO of AAHomecare. “Now’s the time to connect with your fellow HME leaders, take advantage of exceptional educational programming, and get motivated to have a great second half of 2021. Medtrade West is where we finally can put the pandemic in the rearview mirror and start the journey forward.” 

Mark Kolnsberg, senior director of marketing and product management for North Billerica, Mass.-based Breas Medical, believes that lockdown-weary attendees will embrace the opportunity to get out and mingle with industry colleagues. 

“We are creatures that enjoy and need direct human interaction,” said. “After a year of virtual meetings, it will be good to do some on-site shopping and learning face-to-face.” 

Key to the success of this year’s Medtrade West is the bold commitment from exhibitors to lead the way in mapping out the HME industry’s future, said Jeffrey Distasio, senior director of Pride sales for Exeter, Pa.-based Pride Mobility/Quantum Rehab. 

“Pride has always supported the industry in a big way, and we will continue to do so,” he said. “There are a myriad number of ways that we support the industry, with trade shows being part of that equation. It is very important to be part of a leading homecare event and share with others who want to learn about the clinical and economic value your solutions can bring to patients and business partnerships.” 

Not only will an in-person Medtrade West serve as a pressure relief valve for participants, it will also be a unifying experience that offers a competitive advantage, Ryan said. 

“Exhibitors and attendees at Medtrade West will be getting a head start on strengthening their businesses and preparing for the challenges ahead, both individually and as an industry,” he said. “We’re better together, and nothing brings us together like Medtrade.”