Medtrade West

PHOENIX – The success of Medtrade West, the first major in-person event in more than a year, is a good sign that the industry is ready to move on, say show organizers and attendees.  “Somebody had to be the first in the industry and planning this was like nothing I could have ever imagined,” said Show Director York Schwab of his first time at the helm of the show. “But I think the energy in the hall is very positive and the feedback from speakers is that engagement...

PHOENIX – One of the biggest questions HME leaders may have as they step back out into the post-pandemic landscape is, “Now what?”  It’s a fair question for sure, and HME consultants like Miriam Lieber will be addressing it during Medtrade West in Phoenix, July 12-13. Lieber’s session focuses on “Best Practices in a COVID World – A Reality Check,” designed to help HME providers navigate the uncertainty that lies ahead.  “COVID...

PHOENIX - While labor is the No. 1 cost center for HME providers, it’s also the No. 1 thing they can control, says John Skoro, president of Xmed Oxygen and Medical Equipment. Here’s what Skoro, who will be co-hosting a session on how to leverage technology to automate referral processes, had to say about mitigating costs with e-prescribing.  HME News: Why is it so important for HME providers to play an active role in “selling” technology to automate referral processes...

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...

While the Office of Inspector General lays out seven elements for an effective compliance program, Kelly Grahovac, senior consultant at The van Halem Group, says providers should focus on doing a few really well to avoid spreading themselves too thin. HME News spoke to Grahovac, who is co-hosting the Medtrade session, “Your Most Important Profit Center is a Corporate Compliance Program,” about which components to focus on and what mistakes to avoid. HME News: What are the top three...

If you want to manage your staff successfully, consistency is key, says Kit Shellhouse, vice president of operations for ECS North. Here’s what Shellhouse, who will be hosting a Medtrade session on how to monitor employees without micromanaging them, had to say about establishing expectations and what to do when employees don’t meet them. HME News: How should executives manage staff? Kit Shellhouse: Set realistic, mutually agreed upon expectations and communicate often. Provide...

PHOENIX – The organizers of Medtrade West are taking a bold step toward returning the HME industry to normalcy by holding an in-person trade show in Phoenix July 12-14. The live event coincides with a rebranding and relocation of Medtrade’s adjunct spring show and boasts a new associate show director in York Schwab. “We are definitely seeing overall pandemic numbers trending in the right direction and tens of millions have already been vaccinated,” Schwab said about why...

ATLANTA – York Schwab has taken over the helm as Medtrade’s new show director, replacing Mark Lind. HME News spoke to Schwab, who was previously the show’s account executive for the likes of Pride Mobility and VGM, about the future of Medtrade and what he brings to the table. HME News: What have you learned during your four years as an account executive? York Schwab: That you have to provide an experience that’s worthwhile for everyone. I’ve worked with large and...

LAS VEGAS - Medtrade Spring's last hurrah in Las Vegas might have been quieter than in past years, but those who came to the show were ready to roll. “The movers and shakers are wheeling and dealing,” said Joey Graham of Prochant. “The floor is a little quiet, but we're having lots of amazing conversations. This year's show took place March 3-5 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, its home since 2013. It featured 40 new exhibitors and more than 30...

PHOENIX - Medtrade Spring will become Medtrade West and move from Las Vegas to Phoenix in 2021, show organizers have announced. Organizers made the changes after a lengthy analysis of a survey conducted by an outside firm. “Las Vegas has continued to be expensive for us as a show producer, as well as for attendees and exhibitors,” said Mark Lind, show director. “Phoenix showed up as one of the cities of interest in our survey, and it's a great city to host a tradeshow.” Medtrade...