WITH MEDTRADE RETURNING to Atlanta this year, we at HomeCare — whose editorial office has been based in Atlanta for a year now — consider ourselves the unofficial hosts for what promises to be one of the most successful events in show history. To prepare for the role of host, we brushed up on the etiquette of hospitality. In her 1922 handbook, Etiquette, Emily Post described the responsibilities of the proper host:

1. The invitation. Only very large and general house parties include anyone who is not an intimate friend.

   In the small world of home medical equipment, everyone is an intimate friend. While show attendees' backgrounds are varied, their common purpose — ensuring that patients receive the best possible care at home — binds them together. And whether attendees manufacture, fit, sell, maintain, bill for, explain or distribute the equipment, their paths inevitably converge at Medtrade: an intimate gathering of professional friends.

2. Reading materials. Spare-room books ought to be especially chosen for the expected guest.

   In this issue, we've provided a book list of sorts. Beginning on page 45, you'll find Medtrade's conference program, complete with more than 200 course descriptions of subjects ranging from accreditation to sales, reimbursement to liability. The courses' authors are among the best in the industry, representing national associations, trusted billing consultants and clinical experts.

3. Preparing the equipment. The stables are full of polo ponies and hunters, the garage full of cars, the boathouse has every sort of boat … Every amusement is open-heartedly offered, in fact, especially devised for the guests.

   Because our guests probably will not have time for polo, we left the ponies in the country and are preparing, for our October issue, a different type of equipment for show attendees: a detailed analysis of the issues that matter most to HME providers' business. Stocked with the latest information on competitive bidding, grassroots lobbying, proposed drug reimbursement cuts and direct-to-consumer concerns, HomeCare's October issue will provide food for thought and fodder for questions at Medtrade's seminars. Our show issue also will offer commentary from providers' peers as well as advice from industry experts on how best to prepare for the changes ahead.

4. Finances. Intimate friends in a small house send tips to all the servants.

   We know that traveling is expensive. Rising health care costs and the threat of reimbursement cuts are casting a shadow over even the shiniest of pocketbooks these days. To help you put your personal finances into perspective as you prepare to meet your peers at Medtrade, HomeCare this month features our annual salary survey. Turn to page 24 to find out whether your salary is keeping pace — or whether you should consider flying coach to Atlanta.

See you at the show!