Joe Randall is the new show director for Medtrade Spring and Medtrade, according to a spokesperson for the industry events.

In a statement on March 26, Nielsen Business Media said, “Joe Randall, senior vice president, Nielsen Business Media, is returning to the leadership role of the Medtrade portfolio, which includes Medtrade and Medtrade Spring. Randall’s involvement in the Medtrade events began in 1984. Since 1997, the Medtrade portfolio has been part of his overall responsibility for Nielsen Business Media.”

Most recently, Kevin Bird was the Medtrade events’ group show director.

In the midst of challenging times for the home medical equipment industry, a number of prominent mobility/rehab players have indicated to Mobility Management that they will not be exhibiting at Medtrade Spring, taking place in May in Long Beach, Calif.

Among the mobility and/or rehab companies skipping Medtrade Spring are Alumiramp, Bodypoint, Drive Medical, Innovation In Motion, Invacare Corp., Magic Wheels, Permobil, Therafin Corp. and Wenzelite Re/hab.

Several companies, including Invacare and Permobil, have also indicated they will not exhibit at Medtrade in Atlanta this fall.

This is a Breaking News story. Please check back for updates.