By John Wallace
MD Expo 2022 in Atlanta was a home run! The twice a year healthcare technology management (HTM) conference celebrated its 20th anniversary in style in the city where it all began. More than 800 HTM professionals – including students, biomeds, managers, business owners and more – came together for first-rate educational sessions, signature networking events and a packed exhibit hall featuring the latest and greatest from throughout the industry.
MD Publishing President and Founder John Krieg reflected on the past 20 years of the conference. He is proud of the work the MD Publishing team has done to help elevate the HTM industry. From the very first MD Expo in Callaway Gardens, Georgia, the philosophy has always remained true; provide the latest in HTM education, use the best presenters, have a world-class exhibit hall and sprinkle in some exciting and fun networking opportunites … and, last but not least, never charge a hospital employee, military member or student to attend.
“After more than two years of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, things are getting close to normal in regard to conferences,” Krieg said. “It is fantastic to come ‘home’ after 20 years, and see so many people attend MD Expo Atlanta, including many who were at the very first one 20 years ago. It is exciting to see the next generation of biomeds and their excitement to participate in the educational sessions, networking events and walk the exhibit hall.”
“It is also nice to visit longtime attendees and exhibitors who have supported MD Expo over the years,” he added. “There is good energy at this MD Expo and I can’t wait for the next one in Southern California.”
Chace Torres, a.k.a. The Bearded Biomed, said this was his very first MD Expo. He recorded several podcasts with attendees while at the conference and met a man who became inspired to become a biomed because of the podcast series.
“For me, (my favorite part) was setting up my booth and interviewing folks helping the HTM industry in their own unique way. Doing a live show at the MD Expo was a surreal validating experience I’ll never forget,” Torres said. “The MD Expo is an opportunity to network with someone from a broad spectrum within our field. An event like no other – filled with technology, solutions and people that just might make your job as a biomed more effective.”
When asked to describe MD Expo in three words he said, “networking, educational and fun.”
His experience included many connections.
“I made several connections with biomeds and vendors doing wonderful things that will be showcased in upcoming podcast episodes. Companies that provide third-party solutions to allow biomeds to continue taking care of our EOL medical devices. I made connections with longtime supporters of the show that I got to bring on the show and give them much deserved limelight for their work,” he explained.
Allison Woolford, CBET, who works at UNC REX Healthcare said her first MD Expo was a blast.
“I absolutely had a marvelous time,” Woolford said.
She said the education portion of the MD Expo was her favorite part, but that it was all great.
“I made numerous connections at MD Expo Atlanta. I also teach at Durham Technical Community College in the biomedical program. I was able to connect with Dr. Monty Gonzales with the College of Biomedical Equipment Technology as well as with Danielle McGeary from AAMI who are both willing to provide assistance for me to help improve the biomedical program at Durham Tech,” she added. “I also spoke with Rigel Medical. They offered to come to the college and demonstrate their various test equipment to the students.”
“The education that was offered at MD Expo Atlanta was sensational,” she continued. “There were so many good topics that were discussed and ideas shared. Learning about HTM in a Box was fundamental. That presentation makes it so easy to go out into the public sector and explain what HTM is. Also, learning tips of the trade, how to help improve workplace relations, and how to fill vacancies are all essential facts that will help me down the road as I grow and advance in the field.”
“I would give the exhibit hall a 5-star review. I enjoyed walking around and talking to all of the vendors. All of the goodies they handed out is also a plus,” Woolford said. “The Young Professionals social was also great. It provided me an opportunity to interact with adults within my age group. I am excited for the next MD Expo in California.”
Integrity Biomedical Services Owner Michele Shahbandeh said this was her first conference since the COVID-19 pandemic began. She did not appear to be the only one based on the high number of people in attendance at the conference. However, it was not the high number of attendees that impressed her the most.
Shahbandeh said the quality of the attendees was outstanding because the people in attendance were the people she needed to connect with as a business owner with lots of managers and decision makers in classes and the exhibit hall.
AIV Inc. Vice President of Sales and Product Development Jeffrey Taltavull said this MD Expo included a “walk down memory lane.”
“It was great to see the history and all the old photos. I’ve been in the industry for 23 years and have only missed three MD Expos that I remember. Lots of history,” he said. “I made multiple connections and was able to see people we haven’t seen in years. It was great to reconnect with the Atlanta community. On top of that, as we start to get back to some resemblance of normality, it was great to see the more familiar faces back out.”
More people seem willing to gather as the COVID-19 pandemic lingers and that was evident at this MD Expo.
“The traffic wasn’t at the volumes it has been in the past, however the contacts were fresh and seemed to be more meaningful. It was great to see some C-level decision makers walking the floor,” he added. “MD Publishing is a great partner in our industry. We appreciate the effort that goes into helping vendors support the industry and keeping those connections available.”
When asked to describe MD Expo in three words, Taltavull said “Opportunity, Relationships, Education.”
Samuel Hill, director of product marketing for Medigate by Claroty, presented at MD Expo Atlanta. As a first-time attendee, Hill said the conference exceeded his expectations.
“It was my first MD Expo – I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting and interacting with this community, mostly through the MD Publishing family of publications, but seeing the group live and in person was special! What I liked about the show was the overall lack of pretense. Sometimes, at other health care trade shows, there is an air of self-importance. I found it refreshing to interact in real ways with real people, without some of the normal ‘preening’ of other shows,” Hill said.
“I think the quality of attendees was good. Most everyone came ready to learn, hear new ideas and find ways to improve their day-to-day operations,” Hill added. “We left the show having begun lots of great conversations with existing clients, potential clients and industry partners.”
Steve Santos, executive director of clinical engineering at Broward Health, participated in the Leadership Summit and the MD Expo.
“I thought it was good with a great group of vendors there considering all that we have been going through the past couple of years,” he said. “I was in the leadership summit and I think the keynote speaker was great. A great group of vendors. I met some good people out there from a leadership standpoint. The location was great. It was good a venue.”
Greg Goll, manager of projects and medical imaging services department at WellStar, has attended several MD Expos. He said this one reminded him of “pretty much the old days.”
“I thought it was back to the one in Florida I did right before COVID. I was surprised there were this many people. It felt like a throwback to 2017,” Goll said. “It was almost like Stone Mountain.”
He said the MD Expo does a tremendous job of helping like-minded people connect and share solutions.
“When people are going to the MD Expo they are looking to connect with people who provide them with a service they need,” Goll said.
When asked to describe MD Expo in three words, Goll thought about the question for several seconds before answering “Very informative networking.”
Matin Kondori from SakoMed also attended his first MD Expo and was blown away.
“Yes, it was our first time to be at MD Expo and it was a great experience, everything was well organized and super easy for exhibitors,” he said. “I was surprised of seeing top biomeds of the big facilities and hospitals at the show.”
He said MD Expo is a great conference to exhibit or attend to get familiar with the trusted companies and new items and technology they can offer to make a biomed’s life easier.
University of Colorado Hospital Senior Biomedical Technician David Scott has also attended several MD Expos. He estimates that he has attended 20 over the years.
“I thought it was really good. I liked it,” Scott said. “It seemed more back to normal with lots of people there. The trade show was pretty full. The education was really good. I really enjoyed every session that I went to.”
He added that a “return to normal” is something that he was looking forward to.
When asked to describe this MD Expo in three words he said, “Best one ever!”
The next MD Expo is set for Southern California this October. For more information, including a Call for Presenters, visit MDExpoShow.com.