Articles
New HME Show Launches in Spring 2009
Providers wishing an industry event would take place near Washington, D.C., no longer have to wish. The HME Exposition & Conference is scheduled to launch April 21-23, 2009, in Baltimore.
"We felt like the industry was going through a lot of change," says Cory Smith, vice president of marketing, Access Business Media, the founding company of the show. "We felt like there was an opportunity for a new model. We felt like the industry needed and had the opportunity to have more than a voice in the D.C. area. We wanted to give the industry a face and showcase the positives that the HME industry does as part of the health care continuum."
The show seeks to focus on industry collaboration. To that end, advisory councils will be established for both manufacturers and attendees. In addition, the group is in the process of establishing a reinvestment fund to support advocacy efforts at local, state and national levels. The fund will be directed by an advocacy council.
Though the program for the inaugural show is still in the planning stages, Smith expects the show to include outreach to Congress as well as possibly bringing legislators to the show.
One focus for the HME Expo is education. "People are being forced to do business in a very different way," Smith says. "Our plan is to bring presenters from outside of the industry; that will be one part of it. We're trying to identify businesses that have gone through similar type change and some of the things that they've done to overcome and to reposition their businesses."
The day prior to the show will include a summit and hands-on workshops.
Smith hopes the expo will be more cost-effective as well and is working to reduce the cost of services surrounding space in the exhibit hall.
"It's obvious there are going to be comparisons with Medtrade," Smith says. "What we're trying to do is really trying to focus on the positive things that we think we can bring to the table. At the end of the day, I think the industry benefits because it puts everyone in a position where hopefully they have to raise the bar."
Also with Access Business Media are Art Ellis, vice president of business development; Grayson Lutz, vice president of operations; and Kevin Bird, vice president of sales — all of which have experience in the tradeshow business.
For more information, visit www.hmeexpo.com.
