Medtrade Fall, scheduled for Oct. 12 to 15 at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center, will shine the spotlight on HME industry advocacy and government affairs, as well as continuing education and training, according to a statement from Nielsen Business Media.
The show’s goal over time is to draw more healthcare professionals and consumers of HME into Medtrade programs, according to the statement, which adds this should help in the effort to get more of the homecare community involved in lobbying programs.
“Expanded attention to advocacy, education, and clinical issues is important because the HME sector plays a key role in controlling healthcare costs and it should be part of the healthcare reform equation,” said Medtrade show director Kevin Gaffney. “Medtrade will help the HME sector speak with a strong, united voice about the value of homecare.”
Also, Nielsen recently renewed its agreement with the American Association for Homecare so that Nielsen will provide increased financial support to the national association, which conducts government relations work on behalf of the industry and organizes various industry lobbying and advocacy initiatives.
“With changes and challenges coming from all directions, HME companies should take advantage of Medtrade as a place to strengthen their businesses and also fight for homecare,” said Tyler Wilson, president of The American Association for Homecare, which endorses the event and organizes the pre-show Continuum of Care conference. Wilson added that the event is “a place to focus on government relations, Medicare issues, and strategizing about how homecare companies can be better advocates.”
The move toward advocacy has already helped draw HME manufacturer Invacare back to the event.
“The HME industry needs to come together with one voice, and Medtrade represents the ideal opportunity to do that,” said Carl Will, senior vice president, Invacare HomeCare. “Invacare is returning to Medtrade because we believe that the show can be more than just demonstrating new products. Medtrade should represent the best that homecare has to offer for everyone to see — providers, patients, homecare professionals and government officials.”
In terms of professional training, key Medtrade supporter Pride Mobility and Quantum Rehab has said it will provide enhanced education to show attendees.
“The show allows us to educate providers and clinicians in a very cost- and time-efficient manner,” said Kirsten DeLay, senior vice president of sales management & operation planning, Pride Mobility Products Corporation and Quantum Rehab. “The relationship Nielsen has developed with AAHomecare signifies the positive direction that Medtrade is taking in regard to the education component of the show and clearly demonstrates their understanding of the role education plays in the industry.”
