As healthcare innovation and cross-border collaboration continue to accelerate, WHX-Miami is positioning itself as a key meeting point for medical device manufacturers, distributors, healthcare providers, and technology leaders across the Americas.

Formerly known as FIME, the event (taking place June-17-19) has expanded its focus beyond traditional medical equipment to include digital health, AI, and emerging healthcare technologies shaping the future of patient care and healthcare delivery. In this Q&A, Gil Alejo, exhibition sales manager at Informa Markets, discuss the evolution of WHX-Miami, the trends expected to dominate this year’s event, and why the gathering remains an important marketplace connecting North and Latin American healthcare markets.


HCB News: Last year, FIME rebranded as WHX-Miami. How did that change impact the event?
Gil Alejo: The rebrand from FIME to WHX Miami reflects the event's evolution beyond traditional medical devices to encompass the entire healthcare ecosystem. The new name reflects our broader global reach and expanded scope, bringing in areas like digital health and healthtech startups with a stronger focus on innovation. We've kept our core identity as the go-to marketplace connecting the US and Latin America, but WHX Miami now positions itself as a comprehensive platform for healthcare transformation with greater international ambition.

HCB News: In what ways will this year's event be different from last year's?
GA: We're bringing some exciting new features to WHX Miami 2026. Xcelerate Zone is a brand-new startup accelerator space where healthtech innovators can pitch directly to investors. Charity Zone will be a dedicated area spotlighting organizations that are working to improve healthcare access in underserved communities.

We're scaling up, expecting over 1,300 exhibitors from over 60 countries and over 15,000 attendees from more than 120 countries. You'll see much more emphasis on AI-enabled digital health devices, telemedicine, and remote monitoring. What's also significant is timing, the event wraps up a crucial 7-week stretch of major health events for Latin American professionals, making it the culminating healthcare innovation event in the Americas.

HCB News: For people who don't know, what does WHX-Miami offer to medical equipment stakeholders?
GA: WHX Miami is really the bridge connecting North and Latin American healthcare markets. For Manufacturers, it offers direct face time with distributors and buyers, chances to demo your products, and a stage to launch your innovations to an international audience. For buyers, it means access to over 1,300 exhibitors showing off the latest medical technologies, live demos, and the chance to compare products from 60+ countries all in one place. Whatever your role, there's networking with industry leaders, educational sessions led by experts, business development opportunities, and valuable market intelligence on the latest trends and regulations.

HCB News: Why are North and Latin America important markets for medical device manufacturers?
GA: North America is the world's largest healthcare market, holding about 40% of the global medical device market share. The infrastructure is advanced with a strong innovation ecosystem, there's serious purchasing power and reimbursement policies that work in favor of new technologies, and the FDA provides clear regulatory pathways that actually encourage innovation.

The healthcare sector in Latin America is expanding rapidly with major investments in modernization. Digital health and telemedicine are absolutely booming. It's becoming a cost-effective manufacturing hub. Mexico alone represents $22 billion in global medical device trade.

Miami sits right between these two powerhouse markets, which makes WHX Miami the perfect spot for manufacturers looking to break into or grow in both regions at once.

HCB News: In what ways are global affairs impacting the device market in these regions?
GA: Let's start with trade developments. The USMCA review happening in 2026 is going to affect investment flows and how regional supply chains develop. Recent US Supreme Court decisions have actually reduced some of the tariff uncertainties that were worrying medtech importers, meanwhile nearshoring trends are giving Latin American manufacturing hubs a real boost.

Then there are market dynamics. Supply chains are being relocated to create more resilient regional networks. Medicare's expansion of remote-monitoring codes is speeding up adoption of home-based devices. We're seeing more public-private partnerships in Latin America focused on making healthcare more accessible.

HCB News: Are there any "must-see" events for the 2026 Expo?
GA: You don't want to miss the Xcelerate Startup Zone, which will feature cutting-edge healthtech innovations from up-and-coming companies. Then there's the Live Product Demonstrations where you get hands-on with surgical equipment, diagnostic imaging, and digital health solutions. And also the Charity Zone, where attendees can learn about initiatives that are making real differences in healthcare access for underserved communities.

Programming at WHX-Miami will include expert-led workshops covering AI in healthcare, regulatory compliance, and supply chain resilience. There will be panel discussions with industry leaders, and networking sessions that connect manufacturers, distributors, and healthcare decision-makers.

HCB News: What kind of issues do you expect will dominate conversations at this year's meeting?
GA: On the technology and innovation front, people will be discussing how AI is being integrated into diagnostics and what the regulatory pathways look like for AI validation, digital health transformation, telemedicine, remote patient monitoring, all of it. Connected medical devices and predictive maintenance will also be big.

In terms of regulatory and compliance, conversations will revolve around modernizing quality systems with enhanced FDA oversight, and getting regulatory frameworks aligned across the US, EU, and Latin American markets. Supply chain and manufacturing will focus on nearshoring strategies and what the USMCA review means for everyone, as well as sustainability initiatives and greener manufacturing practices.

Market access viewpoints will explore how to successfully penetrate Latin American markets. solutions for managing chronic diseases in growing markets, and making healthcare accessible to underserved communities.

HCB News: Do you have any advice to help attendees make the most of the event?
GA: Research exhibitors and schedule meetings in advance of the event. Download the event app and map out your schedule. During the event, don't skip the educational sessions, they're packed with industry insights, and make sure to visit the new zones like Xcelerate and the Charity Zone. After the event, follow up with your new contacts within 48-72 hours while everything's still fresh. Debrief with your team and share what you learned.