And the Show Goes On

First opened in 1979, Medtrade 2004 will mark the trade show's 25th anniversary. “We are excited to celebrate the show's longevity in the industry,” says Show Director Zuzette Estevez. “This year, the focus on Medtrade's anniversary is very exciting in that industry pioneers and newcomers alike will be able to see how far we have come and how far we can go to improve how home health care is delivered in America.”

More than 21,000 home medical equipment providers and home health professionals are expected to attend the annual expo, which will have more than 250,000 products on view from 900 exhibitors. “Attendees will be able to see the newest technology, meet with their suppliers and take advantage of show specials,” Estevez explains.

With the theme of “Building Business and Improving the Quality of Life,” this year's conference program will help home care providers keep up with the latest industry trends and regulatory requirements, Estevez says. The show will offer 180 educational sessions in 11 tracks in the areas of accreditation, business operations, information technology, legal, nursing, pharmacy, professional development, rehabilitation and assistive technology, reimbursement, respiratory and sales and marketing.

On Tuesday, Oct. 26, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m., start your show off with a motivational presentation by David Williams, well-known industry consultant and advocate. In this special session, Williams recounts the story of his decades-long battle with progressive multiple sclerosis and shares the lessons he has learned along the way about life, relationships and controlling your own destiny. Williams will also be at the Invacare booth during the show to sign copies of his just-released first book, Battling the Beast Within.

Other special sessions during the show include the American Association for Homecare's (AAHomecare) “Washington Update,” which will offer an overview of the legislative and regulatory issues that have come up in the last year. On Wednesday, Oct. 27, at 7:30 a.m., the association will outline its plan for representing the industry in Washington.