ATLANTA--Nielsen Business Media, producers of Medtrade and Medtrade Spring, announced last week that Kevin Bird will take over operation of the events with his promotion to group show director-health care.

Bird has been with the show organizers since 1998, and has worked with Medtrade in various positions since 2000, most recently as national sales director. Elizabeth Sommerville, who has been the shows' director since December, will join Nielsen's hospitality design division.

Acknowledging the HME industry's coming changes, Bird said both he and Medtrade are ready for the challenge. "Despite the lobbying efforts of AAHomecare and other organizations, competitive bidding is here, and that's the reality ... I know competitive bidding is going to be a huge knock, but I also believe we are a strong industry, and if you have the will to survive, you can find other avenues to keep your business alive."

Bird said he intends to make sure providers can find those avenues at Medtrade, adding that the show will continue its dual role as both a buying and educational event. "Our goal has always been to provide the industry with an event that will give providers the education they need as well as the ability to meet with their manufacturers and to find out about new products on the show floor.

"That, in a nutshell, is Medtrade, and that's what it's always going to be."

Medtrade 2007 will be held Oct. 2-4 in Orlando, Fla.