Medical device stakeholders who are active in the Latin and North American market have long recognized the annual FIME conference as an opportunity to forge new partnerships, catch up with old friends and get their finger on the pulse of the market.

This year, FIME is being rebranded as WHX-Miami and taking place from June 11 to 13. To learn more about what attendees can expect this year, and what the rebrand means for the event itself, HealthCare Business News spoke to our long-time friend, Gil Alejo, who is the exhibition sales manager at Informa Markets. Here's what he had to say.

HCB News: Informa has rebranded FIME as WHX-Miami. What does the new label say about the event?
Gil Alejo: FIME has been a leading healthcare trade event in the Americas for over 30 years. As the industry evolves, we are expanding our global reach and opportunities for exhibitors. The rebrand to WHX Miami aligns the event with the World Health Expo (WHX) network, connecting exhibitors with an even broader international audience while maintaining our strong presence in the U.S. and Latin America.

WHX Miami now offers exhibitors access to a global healthcare community of 600,000+ professionals, 10,000+ exhibitors, and 110+ conferences across 15+ international events. This means more networking, lead generation, and business expansion opportunities than ever before.

HCB News: How will this year's WHX-Miami conference be different from previous FIME conferences?
GA: This year WHX Miami marks a bold shift from the FIME. It’s no longer just a marketplace, it’s a strategic forum where global healthcare leaders come together to lead, collaborate and confront uncertainty. With deeper conversations, insight-driven sessions and a focus on long-term partnerships, WHX Miami goes beyond product showcasing to become a platform for shaping the future of healthcare trade.

HCB News: For people who don't know, what does WHX-Miami offer to medical equipment stakeholders?
GA: WHX Miami offers medical equipment stakeholders a dynamic platform to discover latest products, connect with trusted global suppliers and gain insight into evolving market needs. More than just a trade show, it’s a space to forge strategic partnerships, stay ahead of regulatory and industry shifts and be part of conversations that shape the future of healthcare delivery and innovation.

HCB News: Why are North and Latin America important markets for medical device manufacturers?
- Population Size: North and Latin America combined represent a significant portion of the world’s population, making them important markets in terms of potential patients and customers.
- Healthcare Spending: Both regions have a relatively high healthcare expenditure per capita compared to many other regions, meaning there is a market for high-quality and potentially more expensive medical devices.
- Infrastructure: North America in particular has a highly developed healthcare infrastructure, with many hospitals and clinics equipped to utilize advanced medical devices.
- Market Accessibility: The regulatory environment in North America is relatively stable and predictable, making it easier for manufacturers to navigate and get their products to market.
- Emerging Market Potential: Latin America presents opportunities for growth due to increasing healthcare needs and an expanding middle class. Several countries in Latin America have taken steps to improve their healthcare infrastructure, which creates demand for medical devices.
- Research and Innovation: North America is home to many leading medical research institutions and companies, creating opportunities for partnerships and innovation in medical device development.
- In summary, these regions present a sizable market opportunity for medical device manufacturers due to their population size, healthcare spending, infrastructure, accessibility, emerging market potential, and environment conducive to research and innovation.
- Also worth noting the U.S. is the largest medical device market in the world. It’s also projected to continue growing in the coming years. Some estimates place the market size at around USD 188.68 billion in 2024, with projected growth to USD 314.96 billion by 2032. This growth is driven by various factors, such as the aging population, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and a well-developed healthcare infrastructure.

HCB News: Are global politics impacting the device market in any meaningful ways? If so, how?
GA: Yes, global political dynamics do play a role in shaping the medical device market. Factors like evolving trade policies, regional regulations, and international collaborations can influence how devices are developed, distributed, and accessed across different markets. Staying informed and adaptable helps manufacturers respond to these changes and continue delivering innovative healthcare solutions worldwide.

HCB News: Are there any "must-see" events for WHX Miami 2025 Expo?
GA: Experience the future of healthcare at WHX Miami, where 15,000+ global attendees, 1,300+ exhibitors and visitors from 120+ countries come together under one roof. Discover cutting-edge medical technologies, connect with leading global innovators and explore must-see features like the Xcelerate Start-up Competition, Business & Innovation Health Hub and the VIP Buyer Program.

With exhibitors from 60+ countries, this is more than a trade show, it's a global healthcare strategy summit.
Miami Beach Convention Center | June 11–13, 2025

HCB News: What kind of issues do you expect will dominate conversations at this year's meeting?
GA: At WHX Miami 2025, the key conversations will revolve around navigating global supply chain disruptions, accelerating digital transformation through AI and connected care, and fostering strategic cross-border partnerships. With the evolving demands in healthcare, themes like sustainability, regulatory harmonization, and innovation in patient care are also expected to take center stage, making the event a crucial forum for shaping the future of healthcare trade.

HCB News: Do you have any advice to help attendees make the most of the event?
GA: Register online to avoid the long lines on site, utilize and leverage WHX Events App to make the best of your connections and finding the right suppliers. Downloading the WHX mobile app.