DALLAS, Texas—The first “annual” Medtrade took place in Dallas from March 28 to 30. Before the Dallas edition of the show, the largest home medical equipment trade show in the U.S. was held twice a year at “East” and “West” shows. However, in 2023, the conference officially merged, becoming one large central show that will be held once a year.
Greg Thompson, media relations director for Medtrade, said countless exhibitors asked for the show to be held in Texas due to its central location and the ease of travel. Thompson and other Medtrade officials said the show was a success and attendees’ high expectations were met.
“Medtrade has been very good,” said Tim Barnes with Access4U. “In Atlanta, we saw repeat customers, but this year in Dallas we are making more new contacts. The majority have been serious inquiries. Exhibiting here at Medtrade is helping to get our name out to the dealers. We’re planning to be here next year, and we have already picked out our booth. The Omni attached to the convention center is also a big plus. The rooms are great.”
In addition to the showroom floor seeing high attendance, Medtrade’s conference sessions also received high attendance rates throughout the show.
“I am enjoying the education at Medtrade and I’m excited about the exhibit hall,” said Donna Daugherty, Lawton Medi-Equip. “It’s difficult to find quality industry-focused education, so Medtrade is the place to be.”
Despite a change in tradition, the shift from two shows to one has been met with positive reactions from exhibitors. In fact, some exhibitors have secured their booth for the next year. It has already been announced Medtrade 2024 is set for March 26-28, 2024 and will be held again at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas.
“Medtrade has had much better attendance this year in Dallas than it did last year with the two shows,” said Frank Holman and Andrew Plourde, Somnoware. “We’ve been speaking with decision makers such as clinical directors here at Medtrade and it is helping us to form relationships.”
“The show has been fantastic,” said Darrel Druckman, My Crutches. “Medtrade in Dallas is definitely stronger in Dallas with much heavier foot traffic. We are getting a lot of attention. The city and the operations have been convenient with no problems.”
