Each year the annual Medtrade conference and expo offers a variety of key conference sessions and a show floor packed with new HME offerings, and this year’s show is no different. In fact, there are several must-see offerings attendees won’t want to miss.
Slated for Oct. 23-15 at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center, the 2017 edition is no different. For starters, the conference now features more panel discussions and “town hall”-style formats. In terms of educational tracks, this year’s sessions will cover audits and compliance; business operations; competitive bidding; executive leadership; “keeping it legal;” Medicare updates; networking/special events; retail; sales and marketing; and strategic planning.
In line with Medtrade’s educational offerings is AAHomecare’s Washington Update, which runs 8 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. on Oct. 24. This long-standing Medtrade feature covers developments on legislative, regulatory and payer relations issues from American Association for Homecare senior leadership. This year’s topics will include long-term fixes for the competitive bidding program; audit reform; AAHomecare’s increasing engagement with state Medicaid agencies, Medicare Advantage plans, and other private payers; and continued efforts to simplify the stream of rules and requirements that stands between suppliers and patients.
But before AAHomecare gets started with the update, it will first turn the state to the VGM Group’s presentation of the 2017 HME Woman of the Year award to an individual whose strong sense of purpose and commitment to values transforms quality health care from a priority to a passion, and helps inspire others in our industry.
On the expo floor, Medtrade will once again feature its New Product Pavilion, which showcases new and innovative HME offerings that have been on the market for less than one year. For retail minded providers, VGM’s Ideas in Caretail exhibit Point-of-Purchase & Small Spaces area will showcase point of purchase (POP) displays that are either vendor supplied or racks that you can fill with your choice of products to create a custom POP display.
Turning to social events, Oct. 23’s Audit “Happy” Hour, which runs from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. features experts from The van Halem Group who will meet with attendees to discuss the latest developments in audits over a friendly drink. This special event requires an additional registration fee.
AAHomecare’s Stand Up for Homecare Fundraiser Reception runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Oct. 24 off site at the Glenn Hotel’s Skylounge. In addition to raising the profile of HME, this important industry fundraiser has funded research that underscores the value of HME and the importance of providers in U.S. healthcare. The reception is also a major networking event attended by key leaders in the HME community. Registration details are at https://www.aahomecare.org/advocacy/stand-up-for-homecare.
In addition to the new conference session formats, Medtrade’s Oct. 25 Power Lunch, which runs from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., combine networking and education. The Power Lunch lets attendees grab a quick lunch and sit at an assigned table to engage in group discussion led by experts on topics such as audits, billing, retail, managed care, home access, leadership, data, social media and web marketing
On Oct. 25 from, 3:45 p.m. to 5 p.m. Medtrade will host its Closing Reception and Cash Giveaway. The reception will include snacks & beverages, and a $5,000 giveaway. Details about entering the cash giveaway will be found in the onsite directory, and attendees must be present to win.