Recession Year
Medtrade Bigger Than Ever
If Medtrade attendees are worried about the economy’s impact on their business, it certainly isn’t showing in attendance figures. VNU Expositions, the company behind the Medtrade shows, expects that 25,000 people will pack the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, site of this year’s show, from October 23 to 25. This is up from the 24,000 who attended Medtrade in Orlando, Fla, last year, says Tom Reidy, spokesperson for VNU.

The increasing attendance points to the importance Medtrade—the largest tradeshow and conference in home health care—has taken on for HME providers, pharmacists, manufacturers, distributors, and purchasing agents, as well as representatives from hospitals, long-term care, rehabilitation, and extended care facilities.

For many companies, the chance to see and be seen at Medtrade is vital. “At Medtrade, they have the opportunity to network and share ideas with peers as well as attend a conference with over 200 programs on how to operate their business more efficiently,” says Corey Smith, director of sales for VNU.

There are over 15 sessions alone on the privacy legislation for patient information included in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which will go into effect on April 14, 2003.

“It is also important to hear a variety of interpretations of the law and what steps companies must take to be compliant,” says Louis Feuer, director of education for VNU. “The media continues to highlight the importance of these new regulations and we have as well.”

But the driving force behind the success of Medtrade, of course, is products—especially the new ones. Smith expects 1,050 exhibiting companies at this year’s show and many are unveiling their latest offerings. A new product pavilion will showcase the latest in categories from HME and respiratory care to orthotics and incontinence products.

For more information about the show, including a map of the show hall, attending companies, and a complete list of conference sessions, visit the show Web site at www.medtrade.com.  You can also contact the show organizers at (877) 693-1013.

CMS Administrator To Give Keynote Address
What a difference a year—and a name change—can make. Last year the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) did not send a single representative to Medtrade. This year, Tom Scully, administrator of the renamed HCFA, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), will give the keynote address.

“The home care industry being recognized by Mr Scully as an integral part of the entire health care arena is what is important,” says Louis Feuer, director of education for VNU. “We are happy about him coming to Medtrade to meet and speak with representatives of the home care industry. Medtrade tries to be a conduit between all parts of the home care industry and his participation is just one more important component.”

Scully will present a “Washington Update” on recent issues concerning Medicare and Medicaid on Thursday, October 25 at 3 pm. “CMS plays such an important part in the operations of the home health care industry and can provide the very latest insights and information,” Feuer says. “I hope this is just the beginning of Medtrade’s relationship with CMS.”

Here’s Your Roadmap to Medtrade 2001
There’s a lot going on at Medtrade. With over 1,000 exhibiting companies, 200 conference programs, and 4 days of show to keep track of, the unorganized person is easily overwhelmed. Don’t be that person. Keep crucial information at your fingertips with our first-of-its-kind Medtrade bookmark. The front commemorates Medtrade returning to the intriguing city of New Orleans. The back features our bookmark sponsors and their booth numbers. Stop by and see them. The bookmark is their gift to you!