The industry is filled with a surplus of questions, and four days in Orlando, Fla., will provide answers. This year’s Medtrade—the nation’s largest home medical equipment (HME) expo and conference in the United States—takes place Oct. 8-10 at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in the heart of Central Florida. Just minutes from the Orlando International Airport, the location is convenient to an assortment of lodging and dining options.
Connecting the HME industry for 34 years, Medtrade features a large expo floor filled with leading HME manufacturers and their DME products. Thousands of DME providers attend the show to find everything from the basics to the latest innovations in mobility, respiratory, sleep, rehab and aids for daily living.
The most important addition to the structure of Medtrade this year is the introduction of the 6-4-18 series. For the attendee, this translates to “6 educational sessions 4 survival and success in the next 18 months.”
“Competitive bidding round two has really changed the game,” says Kevin Gaffney, group show director for Medtrade. “These six sessions are designed to help providers gain vital information and assist them in developing new or improved business practices for survival, and ultimately success, as they navigate the rough waters of this ridiculous program.”
These six sessions will cover an array of hot-button key subjects such as effective collections; purchasing and cash flow management; reducing risk; diversification and operational efficiencies; mergers and acquisitions; and also transformation in business. These sessions are all included with the purchase of your Medtrade conference pass.
Recommended sessions to make the most of the 6-4-18 series:
Assessing the Financial Health of your DME Company Speakers: Jason Mangus, CPA, ABV, Somerset CPAs; Craig Hittle, Senior Manager, Somerset CPAs; Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.; Track: Business Operations
Improving Cash Flow with Business Analytics Speakers: Gregg Timmons, President and CEO, MedAct Software; Geoff Kearney, CEO, Praedx; Tuesday, Oct. 8, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Track: Alternative Revenue Opportunities
Diversification and Operational Efficiencies for Greater Profitability Speaker: Bruce Brothis, President, Allegient Billing & Consulting, Inc.; Wednesday, Oct. 9, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Track: Non-Medicare Payers
HME Transformation: Leading in Times of Crisis Speaker: Michael Sperduti, CEO, Emerge Sales, Inc.; Wednesday, Oct. 9, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Track: Sales & Marketing
Why Your Purchasing Model Must Evolve in the New HME Industry Speakers: Brian LaDuke, Vice President, Enterprise Marketing; Bill Corcoran, Vice President, Invacare Credit Corp, Invacare; Tuesday, Oct. 8, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Track: Business Operations
Exploring Strategic Options – Developing M&A Strategies for Healthcare Reform Speaker: Jonathan Sadock, Managing Partner/CEO of Paragon Ventures; Wednesday, Oct. 9, 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.; Track: Business Operations
Those who enjoyed last year’s Retail Design Center will be pleased to know that Medtrade 2013 will feature an improved and expanded version that takes the idea of a retail store concept to the next level.
The familiar Washington Update has been moved to Tuesday (Oct. 8) morning as part of the kick-off to the show. Everyone will have the opportunity to attend this event, and there may be a few surprise guests. AAHomecare’s Stand Up for Homecare Reception is also back this year, scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.medtrade.com.
A brand new “power lunch” session will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 9 from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 a.m. and will cover the following categories:
- Retail HME
- Legal Issues Roundtable
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Cash Management/Accounting Efficiencies
- Regulatory Compliance
- Short Term Strategic Planning, Turn Around Strategy
Beyond the expo hall, HME industry leaders will present the latest updates and provide unmatched educational offerings that help providers find and leverage new opportunities. The Medtrade conference program is loaded with insight to help attendees understand the changing legislative and regulatory environments in which they work.
Medtrade is known for its extensive and well-rounded DME conference and knowledgeable presenters. With 120 sessions covering 14 tracks, providers will find real-world solutions that directly apply to their business.
Attendees will notice a strong consumer advocacy presence at the show designed to keep the focus on the patient. With this in mind, Medtrade is working with the online community Wheel:Life to offer the Wheel:Life Community Reception on Wednesday, Oct. 9, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. See more at www.medtrade.com.
