With more than 500 exhibitors and 120 educational sessions during the industry's biggest trade show, Medtrade 2009 promises to be a can't-miss event for HME professionals.

Just as for the very first "DME Industry Trade Show" — now Medtrade — in 1979, Atlanta will once again play host to the 30th annual Expo and Conference at the Georgia World Congress Center Oct. 12-15.

With more than 500 exhibitors on the Expo floor and 120 educational sessions in its conference component, the industry's biggest trade show promises to be a can't-miss event for home medical equipment professionals.

A keynote session called "The HME Industry: Strategies for the Future" will feature a panel of providers who will present their insights on growth and the future success of the HME industry. Topics will include competitive bidding, business line changes, retailing and overall business strategies that will keep you going for the long haul.

The session will also feature an interactive question-and-answer period. So grab your coffee — provided courtesy of Medtrade, AAHomecare and HomeCare — and get ready for a power hour of provider-to-provider discussion and ideas to get your show in gear. The session will be moderated by American Association for Homecare President and CEO Tyler Wilson, and featured panelists will include:

John E. Geller
President, Medical Service Co.

Tim Pederson
CEO, WestMed Rehab

Robert Steedley
President, Barnes Healthcare Services

Randy Wolfe
President, Lambert's Healthcare

"HME is at risk for additional reimbursement cuts, which have been proposed in the health legislation pending before Congress right now," said Wilson. "So it's imperative for HMEs to not only be aware of the threats but also learn what business strategies can help them to survive and thrive in this environment.

"This roundtable will have some terrific insights from innovative HME providers who will describe their own prescriptions for success based on their experiences."

The keynote session will take place Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. in the Sidney Marcus Auditorium.

For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.medtrade.com and use code Home2000 for $50 off the registration price!

Pre-Show Conferences

Monday, Oct. 12

7:30 am - 5:00 pm (Check individual sessions for exact times)

  • AAHomecare's Continuum of Care
  • AAHomecare's Reimbursement Conference
  • VGM: Sales Training for the Home Care Industry
  • Quantum U Seminar Tour
  • Sigvaris Venous Disease and Compression Therapy Basic Fitter Seminar

Expo Show Floor Hours

Tuesday, Oct. 13

10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday, Oct. 14

10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday, Oct. 15

10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Educational Conferences

Tuesday, Oct. 13

8:00 am - 9:00 am

9:15 am - 10:15 am

Keynote Address: Strategies for the Future

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Wednesday, Oct. 14

8:00 am - 11:30 am

2:45 pm - 3:45 pm

AAHomecare's Washington Update

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Thursday, Oct. 15

8:00 am - 10:15 am

Special Events

Tuesday, Oct. 13

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Welcome Reception: Medtrade Oktoberfest (On the Expo floor)

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

AAHomecare's Stand Up for Homecare Reception (Georgia Aquarium)