Show floor theme: ‘All together now’

ATLANTA - By including all of its main attractions on a single floor, Medtrade organizers believe this year's layout will make attendees' lives easier. And while it won't give complete relief to the foot-weary, consolidating all exhibits together means show-goers no longer have to navigate a convoluted corridor maze to move between concourses. Everything is located in Concourse B of the Georgia World Congress Center. “This doesn't mean the show has shrunk,” said Denise McClinton, communications director for show sponsor, VNU Expositions. “Part of Concourse B was not available last year, but we have all of it for this show.” That means more than 900 exhibitors will be showcased in a hall that organizers figure is the size of 15 football fields. Also featured will be the New Product Pavilion, Harmer Grand Prix, Meet the Speaker area and two new sections: Grass Roots Central and the Medtrade Book Store. Previously located in the concourse foyer, the New Product Pavilion has been given a prominent location on the show floor this year. The move makes sense, McClinton said, because it will be at the center of the show's activities. “People are in a rush to get to the show floor because that's where the action is,” she said. “By putting new products on the floor, attendees have access to everything else in the same location.” Grass Roots Central is the new name for a section that was located at the entrance last year. By visiting the Grass Roots Central booth, attendees will have access to government relations representatives from state associations, manufacturers and buying groups. In addition, visitors can pick up position papers, regulatory updates and lobbying letter templates. Registration has been designed for convenience this year as well. To reduce standing-in-line time for on-site registration, pre-registered attendees can print out badges by scanning a bar code on their notification letters. HME