Back in bid-ness: Medtrade adds new track for 2026 

PHOENIX – When Medicare in July announced the return of the competitive bidding program (CBP), Medtrade show organizers didn’t miss a beat, adding a new track to its educational offerings, says Show Director Kerry Tyler. 

The new track will comprise six sessions devoted to CBP led by industry leaders. 

“We definitely re-shifted focus, but without eliminating the other sessions,” she said. “Knowing the importance of competitive bidding and what it means, (we knew we had to) bring to life some of the questions and concerns that everyone's having.” 

Also in at this year’s event: Tech Talks, CRT Live and State Straight Talks, all on the show floor. Out: Ask the Expert roundtables, as show organizers seek to give attendees and exhibitors more time to mingle. 

Here’s what else Tyler had to say about what attendees can expect from year’s show, scheduled for March 2-4 at the Phoenix Convention Center. 

HME News: What are your biggest goals for Medtrade 2026? 

Kerry Tyler: Always the hope is connecting, networking and having the exhibitors show what's new and exciting. I think returning to Phoenix is something that we're looking forward to and is going to kind of bring a fresh start. 

HME: What are you looking forward to among this year’s networking opportunities? 

Tyler: We will align with our partners at AAHomecare for the Stand Up for Homecare. We're also bringing a new feel to what was once Ask the Experts. We're changing that up. Wrapping up the first day after conferences and workshops, we wanted the evening just for the attendees and the exhibitors to connect. We're just wanting to (bring) everybody together in an atmosphere that's casual where they can have (a drink) and just mingle and talk amongst peers. 

HME: How is the show shaping up in terms of attendance, size and scope? 

Tyler: At this point, we're actually pacing ahead of where we were last year by 15%. We're getting a really good push earlier, and seeing an increase definitely gives us hope for a very successful show. We are over 200 exhibitors and we're looking at over 60,000 square feet of exhibit hall space. 

(For education), we currently have over 70 sessions for 2026, working with AAHomecare, as well as our Medtrade Educational Advisory Board. That has helped us align some of the content and some of the tracks, so that it’s not just beginner 101 classes. We found that the CEOs and the higher levels wanted something, too.