A Note from the Editor
Do We Really Need Another Trade Show?
"See you in Amsterdam." That's how I've been ending my conversations lately. Based on the responses I've been getting, it seems that I will be shaking a lot of hands at the Medical Equipment Design & Technology Exhibition & Conference (MEDTEC) at the RAI Exhibition & Conference Centre on 2123 October. I'm truly looking forward to it.
In all fairness, I have also been privy to some grumbling from members of industry. Do we really need another trade show? they ask. My answer is no, we most certainly don't. What industry does need, however, is a show that fulfills the sourcing and information needs of Europe's medical device manufacturers. That is what MEDTEC was designed to accomplish.
Granted, I have a vested interest in promoting MEDTEC. The show and conference is organized by Canon Communications LLC, which publishes European Medical Device Manufacturer, and the event is sponsored by EMDM.I can say this, however: Canon and EMDM would not put their names on an event that did not meet the highest professional standards. Don't take my word for it--just ask anyone who has attended one of the Medical Design and Manufacturing (MD&M) events that Canon has been organizing for more than 15 years. These annual shows and conferences routinely bring together 1500 global suppliers and more than 20,000 purchasers of medical components, services, and OEM products. But enough about us . . .
If you're unsure about which show or shows to attend this year, perhaps I can be of some assistance. I have compiled a checklist to help you winnow out the less-worthy events. Just answer yes or no to the following questions and--trust me--the best choice will be obvious.
Is the show exclusively dedicated to bringing together medical device manufacturers and qualified suppliers of materials, components, equipment, and services?
* Is there a sufficiently broad range of products and services on display?
* Are the exhibiting companies able to supply all of Europe's manufacturers?
* Has an effort been made to showcase cutting-edge technologies that have the potential to dramatically affect the way medical products are designed and manufactured?
* Does the exhibition have an accompanying technical conference?
* Do the conference topics address the complete range of issues that affect device manufacturers, from regulatory concerns to design and manufacturing technologies?
* Are the speakers recognized authorities in their fields?
* Does the technical programme have the support of Europe's major professional associations?
* Is the show held in a centrally located city that is easily accessible from all parts of Europe?
* Does the company that is organizing the event have a documented track record of putting together successful exhibitions and congresses specifically for medical device manufacturers?
* Most importantly, does the company publish the only pan-European magazine designed to facilitate sourcing for manufacturers of medical equipment, thereby giving it tremendous insight into the needs of the device industry?
* There you have it, a perfectly scientific checklist that will take the guesswork out of choosing the show or shows that matter.
* So . . . see you in Amsterdam?
Norbert Sparrow
