Medical device stakeholders who are active in the Latin and North American market need no introduction when it comes to the annual FIME conference. It’s an opportunity to forge new partnerships, catch up with old friends and get your finger on the pulse of the market.

In anticipation of the upcoming event, HealthCare Business News spoke to exhibition sales manager at Informa Markets, Gil Alejo, to find out what attendees could expect from this year’s meeting.

HCB News: Can you provide an overview of what attendees can expect from FIME this year, and what makes this exhibition and conference unique compared to other healthcare industry events?
Gil Alejo: FIME is set to offer an exciting edition this year, packed with new conference tracks and features on the show floor. What sets FIME apart from other healthcare industry events is its unique ability to bring together buyers and sellers from the Americas under one roof for three days.

FIME provides a comprehensive platform to explore technologies across the care continuum. Through collaborating vendors, the event highlights compelling use cases that demonstrate the seamless interoperability of multiple technologies with state-of-the-art medical equipment, ultimately improving the patient care environment. This pivotal area of the exhibition gives equipment manufacturers, e-Health solution providers, and digital health disruptors an opportunity to showcase their solutions and products to a wide audience, including key decision-makers, government authorities, and healthcare professionals from across the Americas.

One of the notable highlights at FIME is the debut of the Danish pavilion. Additionally, attendees can experience the Intelligent Health Pavilion (IHP), which showcases the next generation of healthcare advancements. Collaborating vendors present live use cases of sustainable healthcare technology, offering enlightening demos in a groundbreaking digitally enabled intensive care unit. The IHP, in partnership with the Intelligent Health Association (IHA), is truly a "show within the show."

The IHP is designed to be educational and interactive. It features illuminating demonstrations of the latest transformative technologies and integrated health and wellness apps. With a focus on precision medicine, the pavilion showcases innovative hardware and software solutions that contribute to the delivery of personalized and precise healthcare.

Furthermore, FIME incorporates leadership theater conference sessions within the IHP, allowing visitors to hear from industry thought leaders and providing companies with a platform to share information about their latest technologies. The event also features a Symposium on Sustainability in Healthcare, which offers insights into industry considerations and initiatives aimed at improving the environment for both patients and staff.

Another important session is "The Rise of Digital Healthcare and the Intelligent Healthcare System," which highlights the diverse technologies and integrations used to enhance patient care, optimize workflows, and improve the overall patient experience and safety.

Lastly, FIME includes a symposium and hands-on workshop on ChatGPT, Generative AI, and VOICE, showcasing the next generation of AI for healthcare. Attendees will have the opportunity to witness Voice and ChatGPT in action and engage in their own hands-on scenarios. FIME's diverse range of offerings and focus on cutting-edge technologies make it a unique and highly anticipated event in the healthcare industry.

HCB News: How does FIME cater to the needs of different types of attendees, such as healthcare professionals, medical equipment manufacturers, distributors, and investors?
GA: FIME caters to the diverse needs of different types of attendees in the healthcare industry. Healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and administrators, can benefit from attending informative sessions, gaining insights from industry thought leaders, and experiencing the latest technological advancements firsthand. Medical equipment manufacturers and distributors have the opportunity to showcase their products and engage with potential customers and partners. Investors can explore emerging start-ups and innovative solutions at events like the Innov8 start-up competition. FIME provides a platform for all attendees to connect, collaborate, and explore opportunities in the healthcare sector.

HCB News: What are some of the key trends and innovations in the healthcare industry that will be showcased at FIME this year, and how will they impact patient care and outcomes?
GA: FIME showcases key trends and innovations that are shaping the healthcare industry and have a direct impact on patient care and outcomes. Some of the featured trends include precision medicine enabled by transformative technologies, integration of various technologies to enhance patient care and optimize workflows, and the rise of digital healthcare systems. These innovations aim to improve the overall patient experience, safety, and treatment outcomes. By exploring these advancements at FIME, attendees can stay updated with the latest trends and understand how they can implement them in their own healthcare practices.

HCB News: Can you discuss any presentations that will take place at FIME this year, and what insights attendees can expect to gain from them?
GA: Certainly! FIME offers a variety of presentations and sessions that provide valuable insights and thought leadership. For instance:

Innov8: This feature highlights the next generation of healthcare pioneers who are disrupting the industry with their groundbreaking ideas and solutions. Attendees can witness these innovations and learn from the forward-thinking entrepreneurs driving change.

Start-up Competition: The international start-up competition provides a platform for top 20 start-ups to pitch their ideas and solutions. Industry leaders and investors serve as judges to determine the winner, offering valuable feedback and potential partnerships.

Sterilization & Decontamination Conference: Led by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA), this two-day conference focuses on the latest developments, technologies, and processes to increase safety for patients and staff. Attendees can gain collaborative insights and stay informed about best practices.

Scientific Poster Zone: FIME introduces the Scientific Poster Zone, dedicated to giving healthcare professionals a platform to gain recognition and get published. This zone promotes knowledge sharing and showcases the research and findings of talented professionals.

HCB News: How does FIME foster collaboration and partnerships between healthcare professionals and industry stakeholders to drive innovation and progress in the healthcare sector?
GA: FIME is committed to fostering collaboration and partnerships between healthcare professionals and industry stakeholders, aiming to drive innovation and progress in the healthcare sector. One significant initiative in this regard is the "Doing Business in the Americas" program, which offers interactive sessions covering a range of topics relevant to the industry. These sessions delve into areas such as import-export practices, medical device procurement, FDA regulations, and conducting business in Latin America.

Another avenue for these collaborations is through our thought-provoking session called "Transformation Talks." it feature healthcare leaders and trailblazers who discuss the profound impact of technology on healthcare and offer insights into what the future holds.

At FIME 2023, we have curated an impressive lineup of A-list keynote speakers who will share their expertise and vision. These renowned speakers include Dr. David Rhew, Global Chief and VP of Healthcare at Microsoft, who will provide valuable perspectives on leveraging technology for healthcare advancement. Dr. Garth Graham, Director and Global Health at Google and YouTube, will shed light on the intersection of technology and global health. We are also excited to host Ida Tin, Creator of Femtech and Co-Founder & Chairwoman of Clue, who will share her pioneering insights into the transformative potential of Femtech.

By bringing together such influential voices, FIME aims to inspire collaboration, ignite discussions, and drive innovation in the healthcare industry. These Transformation Talks offer attendees a unique opportunity to engage with thought leaders, gain valuable knowledge, and foster partnerships that can shape the future of healthcare.


By providing a platform for knowledge-sharing and networking, FIME creates an environment where professionals can forge meaningful connections and collaborate on innovative solutions.

HCB News: What do you expect to be some of the big topics of conversation among attendees this year?
GA: At FIME, attendees can expect a diverse range of topics to dominate conversations. One notable subject of discussion is the emergence of ChatGPT, a technology that has garnered both curiosity and concerns. Conversations will revolve around the potential impact of these technologies on various aspects of life, including work, family dynamics, and even the implications for children. Additionally, participants will engage in discussions surrounding the growing Latin American healthcare market and its notable growth drivers, such as increased healthcare expenditure, the rise of chronic diseases, and the expanding aging population. Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia are expected to be focal points as the largest markets in the region.

Over the past few decades, governments in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) have implemented progressive policies and interventions aimed at achieving universal health coverage (UHC) and strengthening health system performance. These efforts have focused on reducing fragmentation in healthcare financing and organization, ensuring consistent quality of services, and utilizing public-sector financing in a comprehensive manner. Governments have also incentivized improved health outcomes and financial protection through measures like explicit entitlements, enforceable guarantees, and supply-side incentives. Moreover, governance and accountability have been prioritized in health policy efforts.

HCB News: Any advice for first time attendees hoping to make the most of the event?
GA: For first-time attendees, we have a few suggestions to help you make the most of your FIME experience. Firstly, we recommend pre-registering online to avoid long lines and ensure a smooth check-in process. Additionally, make sure to download the FIME 2023 Mobile app, which will provide you with all the necessary information and updates about the event. Take advantage of the app's features, such as personalized schedules, interactive maps, and networking tools, to enhance your overall experience. Lastly, consider reserving your hotel room through On-Peak to secure convenient accommodation options in close proximity to the event venue.