Medtrade exhibit space near stable despite pressure on industry

The amount of exhibit space at Medtrade Spring is relatively stable despite increasing pressure on the HME industry caused by competitive bidding, the show’s director reported last week.

The total area occupied by all booths at last year’s Medtrade Spring was about 57,000 square feet. This year, it will be just over 56,000.

“Slightly reduced space commitments may be a reaction to uncertainty over Round 2 of competitive bidding, and that is understandable,” said Kevin Gaffney, group show director, Medtrade. “However, it is telling that the numbers are so close to last year. Despite the recent setback with the doc fix and the Market Pricing Program—that still may replace competitive bidding—no exhibitors have chosen to back out of Medtrade Spring in Las Vegas.”

In fact, a host of industry leaders expressed optimism about the continuing necessity for the two Meditrade shows, one in the spring and the other in the fall.

Ron Bendell, president, VGM & Associates, said the face-to-face nature of trade show gatherings is still the best way to cement relationships and relay information.

“We are exhibiting in the same 20- by 30-foot booth space as last year,” he told Medtrade officials. “By the Medtrade Spring 2012 show, those that are in the Round 2 areas will have completed their bids. If they haven’t started already, they need to prepare their businesses now, whether they win or lose those bids. Meeting face to face at Medtrade Spring, and Medtrade in the fall, presents providers with an efficient opportunity to gather knowledge, so that they can prosper in these challenging times.”

Medtrade Spring early bird rates end March 12. Conference passes are $99, and expo passes are $25 through that date. Go to Medtrade’s website for more information.