The Medtrade West Show Has a New Home - and Should Be Bigger Than Ever

BALLY'S JUST wasn't big enough, say show organizers. Medtrade West simply had to move, or there would not have been room enough to showcase the thousands of products manufacturers are bringing to market. So this year, it's viva Las Vegas Hilton!

"Bally's could no longer accommodate us because the show is growing too rapidly," reported Deb Webb, group show director for VNU Expositions, which owns Medtrade West. "But even though we've moved to a larger place, we've already had to expand the showroom floor to accommodate all of the exhibitors."

VNU officials expect more than 300 exhibitors, and as many as 25 percent of these companies are first-time participants in the show. Overall attendance, show organizers add, should top 5,000.

The change in show venue has also caused a shift in timing, from early May to mid-March. "We've been able to keep the same season, and the timing continues to be a good complement to Medtrade East because it provides some distance," Webb said, noting that Medtrade East 2001 is scheduled for October in New Orleans.

The exhibit hours have also been expanded, by three hours over the two days of exhibits to give attendees more time on the floor. So don't forget your walking shoes - and an extra bag for all that new product literature.

Know-How on Tap

THIS YEAR'S Medtrade West show features more than 50 educational seminars targeted to the needs of home health professionals. According to Louis Feuer, director of education, this is a welcome increase made possible by the show's move to the Las Vegas Hilton.

"The new location allows us to provide more programs," he said, "including some sponsored by the California Association of Medical Product Suppliers, which are geared toward the California audience." Of particular note is a seminar by Robert Achermann, CAMPS executive director, on new state licensing requirements. A number of seminars are being presented or sponsored by the American Association for Homecare, including its annual Washington Update.

On the lighter side, The Braff Group is sponsoring a quiz show called "So You Want to Be a Millionaire?" during the general session on Tuesday, March 27. In the fashion of Regis Philbin on ABC's hit television show "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire," Dexter Braff will host the event, asking industry-related questions to conference attendees brave enough to participate.

As usual, show organizers have also tried to add new topics and speakers of interest to the three-day lineup. "For example, we have a new seminar on new cash-flow options for providers," Feuer said. "This industry is so niche that a major reason we can continue to be a success [with our educational program] is the introduction of new ideas and fresh faces."