Medtrade is almost here, and organizers hope to continue the positive momentum generated from 2024. Familiar features are returning, along with a few new ones, Feb. 18-20 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas.
"Medtrade 2024 was fantastic and definitely busier than the last three shows—and steadier," said exhibitor John Burns of Vive Health in Naples, Florida. "We’ve seen a pent-up demand, and that’s the benefit of having one Medtrade per year. Most of the attendees have been serious and engaged. We are excited about coming back" to Dallas.
Attendees will have a chance to attend “Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) Live,” a new series of educational sessions demonstrating each CRT manufacturer’s products, technology and key benefits. Participating companies will be highlighted in the online show guide, on-site signage and Medtrade’s social media outlets.
A new managed care track will be presented by the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) Payer Relations Council, which will include six classes plus two additional classes on complementary topics to complete the track. The managed care track has two different categories: Basic payer relations for newcomers and advanced payer relations strategies.
2024’s "tech talks" generated buzz and had strong attendance. They will return this year, and attendees will have the chance to hear 30-minute live presentations that detail various technological remedies. If attendees like what they hear from a certain company, they can visit that company’s booth to ask additional questions.
Products, education and networking are the main themes at Medtrade. Artificial intelligence (AI) and technology are hot topics, and the tech talks will address this trend—while being comprehensive. Attendees will find everything from the basics to the latest innovations in mobility, respiratory, sleep, rehab and aids to daily living.
The consultant cocktail hour will return on Tuesday, Feb. 18, from 5-6:15 p.m. Everyone with a conference pass is welcome to attend. The welcome to Dallas reception will also return, and will take up the final hour (4-5 p.m.) of expo hall time on Wednesday, Feb. 19. Medtrade will provide drinks and hors d’oeuvres for all attendees.
Beyond that, organizers are continuing to fine-tune based on what worked—and what did not—last year. For example, the earlier Feb. 18-20 time slot is designed to help Medtrade attendees use the knowledge, products and inspiration gained to truly hit the ground running in the new year.
The youngest baby boomers will be 65 or older by the year 2030, and the opportunity is enormous for providers who are learning how to run their businesses in the most efficient way possible. Additionally, boosting the cash retail segment can increase revenue, and Medtrade is a great place to find those retail products.
Feedback from previous attendees suggested a desire for more panel discussions, so the educational advisory board responded by providing 24 total panel sessions for Medtrade 2025. That said, sessions with one or two speakers are not going away, and 47 single or two-speaker sessions will be offered, including workshops.
Medtrade and AAHomecare have had a long, fruitful relationship over the decades, and that bond remains. The AAHomecare update is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, Feb. 19 from 2:15-3:15 p.m.
At Medtrade, providers can examine the finer details and get the long-range view of the businesses. These perspectives can lead to valuable takeaways and inspiration.
All the products, networking and knowledge found at Medtrade are designed to inspire home medical equipment providers to try new approaches to their business—or help them go back to the office with a new mindset.