Medtrade is making changes to attract more Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) exhibitors to its February 2025 event in Dallas.
In an Aug. 28 news announcement, Medtrade said it’s created a new feature — CRT Live — to focus on seating and wheeled mobility manufacturers.
Among the CRT exhibitors committing to Medtrade’s next show is Rifton, the New York-based manufacturer of gait trainers and hygiene equipment, among other assistive technology, for people with mobility-related disabilities.
“The new CRT Live showcase, planned for the 2025 show, reflects Medtrade’s and AAHomecare’s [American Association for Homecare] commitment to spotlighting CRT,” said Derek Meier, Rifton’s government affairs director, in the announcement. “Each participating company (exhibitor) has an opportunity to highlight their new technologies and innovative solutions.
“Rifton, the educational advisory board of Medtrade, and AAHomecare are all committed to bringing CRT back to the show floor. CRT Live is the first step in this process.”
A ‘renewed commitment’ to CRT
The news announcement heralded a “renewed commitment” to the CRT niche, which years ago occupied large portions of the Medtrade expo floor.
But in 2007, major CRT manufacturers, including Permobil and Invacare Corp., announced they would not attend Medtrade’s 2008 events, which at the time included Medtrade Spring and Medtrade. Permobil, Invacare, and other CRT manufacturers cited falling Medtrade attendance figures as well as a preference for conferences with more CRT-focused content.
Other CRT manufacturers soon joined the exodus, which greatly depleted rehab’s presence at Medtrade.
Now, Medtrade is once again courting CRT’s manufacturers and CRT professionals.
“I’m excited that Medtrade’s programming reflects how CRT is changing lives for patients and caregivers,” Alexis Ward, AAHomecare’s senior director of payer relations, said in the announcement. “I’ve worked in the CRT space for 27 years and believe the time is right to put a new spotlight on CRT at Medtrade, the HME industry’s premier show.”
“Succeeding in the CRT realm requires a significant commitment of expertise and resources,” said Kerry Tyler, Medtrade’s associate show director. “For Medtrade attendees who may want to add CRT services to their business, CRT Live will be a great opportunity to see the latest technology and gain additional knowledge.”
Medtrade — which has consolidated into one annual event in Dallas — returns to the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Feb. 18-20, 2025.
