This year’s MD Expo Orlando was phenomenal with record-setting attendance, outstanding educational sessions and abundant networking activity throughout the three-day event.
The records were shattered before the show even began with 355 pre-registered attendees. The numbers continued to climb throughout the show with another 113 walk-up attendees. The MD Expo sold out early with 118 companies that exhibited with 309 exhibitor personnel also in attendance for the annual fall show. MD Expo’s partnership with the Florida Biomedical Society was a key reason for the show’s success.
Golfers teed off Wednesday morning at the prestigious Waldorf Astoria Golf Club course. DirectMed Parts sponsored the golf tournament with prizes and a delicious awards buffet lunch. Networking continued that evening with the Welcome Reception sponsored by AllParts Medical.
The first full day of the MD Expo kicked off with educational sessions. Attendance was high as HTM professionals from 34 states earned CE credits. The exhibit hall opened at noon with a grand opening sponsored by Block Imaging. Exhibitors reported consistent traffic flow and high-quality interactions with attendees. An attendee/vendor happy hour sponsored by Advanced Ultrasound Electronics (AUE) served as an ideal forum for great interaction and networking as the exhibit hall closed for the day.
The Manager’s Breakfast with keynote speaker John Maurer from The Joint Commission had a packed room Friday morning. Extra tables had to be brought in to accommodate the Health Tech Talent Management-sponsored event. Attendees and vendors alike learned the latest news and updates from TJC.
The MD Expo Awards Gala and After Party, sponsored by AIV, capped off the amazing three-day event. Leaders in the industry were recognized for their hard work and accomplishments with the TechNation Department of the Year, TechNation Professional of the Year, Medical Dealer Humanitarian of the Year and Medical Dealer Lifetime Achievement awards. A state-of-the-art video about each winner was presented on a large screen as the awards were presented.
TechNation Department of the Year: ProHealth Care Biomedical Engineering Department
The ProHealth Care Biomedical Engineering Department manages about 15,000 pieces of medical equipment. Also, the team has developed a capital planning process for projecting the replacement of certain medical devices. The hospital staff from the nurses and doctors all the way to the highest levels of the C-suite value the members of the biomedical engineering department. The group of experts has developed a complete in-house program that covers all modalities of imaging and biomed. The process developed by the shop even includes a parts procurement specialist.
TechNation Professional of the Year: Robert Preston
Robert Preston, CBET, A+, St. Anthony Hospital, Catholic Health Initiatives, is a leader and dedicated HTM professional. He has donated time to visit Vietnam where he trained biomeds and set up donated equipment. He has excelled in the workplace advancing at a steady rate to his current position as Account Manager II. He has also worked tirelessly with the Colorado Association of Biomedical Equipment Technicians (CABMET) having served as vice president and is always involved in coordinating the group’s annual symposium.
Medical Dealer Humanitarian of the Year: Lynda A. Hammond
President and CEO of ATS laboratories Inc. Lynda A. Hammond is a successful businesswoman. She is known throughout the industry for her company’s products and her ethical business practices. She is also well known for giving her time and resources to help others. She is a longtime supporter of the Rotary Club, but her desire to help extends beyond her local community. She has been involved in the International Children’s Heart Foundation for over a decade and has been instrumental in the procurement of equipment and funding grants. She is also instrumental in the success of the St. Martin de Porres Academy in New Haven, Conn. The school uses the Nativity Model to reach disadvantaged youth and provide them with a quality education and an environment of support. These are just a few of the reason she is the Humanitarian of the Year.
Medical Dealer Lifetime Achievement: Frank Magnarelli
Frank Magnarelli is a legend in in the industry for his accomplishments, readiness to help others and years of educating the next generation of HTM professionals. He is a founding father of the Florida Biomedical Society that continues to serve biomeds throughout the state via its various chapters. He has shaped careers and impacted the industry in countless ways. Despite his retirement, he continues to have a strong presence in the industry as a speaker, presenter and valuable go-to expert on a variety of topics.
