Nielsen's Medtrade Fall Show Nearly Sold Out of Exhibit Space

August 18, 2012

Nielsen Expositions’ Medtrade 2012 still is two months out from opening its doors Oct. 16-18 at the Georgia World Congress Center, but it already has nearly sold out of all of its exhibit space.

Space sold quickly, with 90 percent of the floor booked just two months after its April show wrapped with the trend continuing through the summer months.

Medtrade Group Show Director Kevin Gaffney said he expects to sell all of the remaining space prior to the show’s start date.


“The strong early bookings show a cautious optimism among manufacturers who know that patient demand in the coming years will be robust,” he added.

Gaffney said, “The numbers are a firm indicator that manufacturers are ready and willing to work with HME providers who survive the carnage of competitive bidding. At the same time, they no doubt hope the market pricing program will ultimately win out.”

In order to stay competitive, several exhibitors said they think it’s necessary for them to be on the Medtrade showfloor, according to show organizers.

“We believe that Golden must be at Medtrade to support our industry and the dealers within it,” said Jason Davis, vice president of sales for Golden Technologies.


Steve Neese, president of Power Mobility, Drive Medical Design & Manufacturing, said he understands the financial pressures of the providers he serves.

Despite those pressures, Neese wants to meet customers in a face-to-face environment.

“When tough times come for an industry or an economy, you put more money into marketing,” Neese said.  “That philosophy has served me well over the years.”

Jeffrey S. Baird, who serves on the Medtrade Educational Advisory Board, said. "Those who survive the tough times ahead can really help themselves by coming to Medtrade this year and taking advantage of the educational sessions.”

He added, “Now is not the time to hunker down and rely on what you did in the past. It's true that there is time and expense involved in making the trip to Atlanta, but the knowledge you acquire is invaluable."

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact