Once you arrive at Medtrade Fall 2017 in Atlanta… how do you make your time really count? As you take in the show and surrounding sights, here are our top five picks on what not to miss.

1. Keep a sharp lookout for show specials that can save you time, effort and money. You will find them scattered throughout the show. For example: stop by OxyGo® (booth #1129) and find out how you can try the OxyGo or OxyGo FIT™ portable oxygen concentrator for FREE—and why the OxyGo family of POCs is your “non-delivery” ticket to enhanced revenues.
2. Arrange for a tour of the dazzling new Mercedes-Benz stadium next to the show hall. Visit the new home of the NFL Atlanta Falcons. See the jaw-dropping 73,000-pound stainless steel sculpture of a falcon outside the stadium. It’s sure to become an Atlanta landmark meeting spot. Here’s how the stadium authority promotes tour availability: “Whether you are a Falcons fan or not… or interested in a guided walk to explore the architecture, technology or art within the space… we can arrange a custom tour for you.”
3. Wise up and learn something new from the many great conference topics being offered. Here’s our top recommendation on the best session to attend each day.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 23 | 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM

“Hot Button issues for DME Suppliers”

Learn more about: restarting the 36 months for oxygen, patients switching suppliers, avoiding telehealth traps, and assisting hospitals in preventing readmissions.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24 | 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

“Aging in Place: the future is so bright, you need to wear shades”

Learn the ins and outs of this evolving market because it promises a financial windfall for those who play it correctly.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25 | 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

“Helping patients with out-of-pocket costs and financing”

Special financing has worked in many industries. This session will tell you how financing will help your patients purchase the DME they need and want. For a true story on how creative financing programs immediately opened up lucrative new revenues for a DME, stop by OxyGo (booth #1129) and ask about new OxyCare Total Advantage™ and Care Credit patient financing options.

4. Stop and visit Medtrade’s New Product Pavilion. It’s where you will see the most innovative HME products that have been on the market for less than a year. And it will give you a chance to cast your vote for your favorite new product.
5. Chow down at the Medtrade Power Lunch on Wednesday, October 25th. Fill your plate with a quick buffet-style lunch and then head to a pre-selected table where a moderator will kick off your roundtable group discussion. There are many topics to choose from. Take the best new ideas back to your office and implement them! (see the article on page 9 of this issue for one example)

PLUS … 12 more Medtrade Tips!

1. Realize there are people at Medtrade you would otherwise have a difficult time seeing. Make it a point to see these usually hard-to-reach people. Don’t squander the opportunity. There are no gatekeepers at a show.

2. Bring two pairs of comfortable shoes and wear them on alternating days.
3. Save time. Register in advance.
4. Do your homework. Look over exhibitor lists in advance and make a plan. See the most important products and people to your business products first.
5. Don’t forget to bring business cards.
6. Bring a zip lock bag for saving receipts. Then, when it comes time to do an expense report, you will be organized and have all the information and documentation you need at your finger tips.
7. Pick your spots and stay away from crowded booths. Circle back when the traffic thins at a particular booth you want to visit.
8. Dress well to be taken seriously.
9. The earlier you attend each day, the less crowded Medtrade is likely to be. The first 90 minutes each day of Medtrade are usually the least crowed time to walk it each day.
10. Use your smartphone to take pictures, where allowed. One photo can save 20 minutes of jotting down notes.
11. Learn something new! Do yourself a favor and attend at least one of the many Medtrade conference sessions.
12. Follow up with the important people you meet. A simple handwritten “It was nice to meet you” note is likely to go a long way.