by
Brendon Nafziger, DOTmed News Associate Editor | April 03, 2013
From the April 2013 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine
DMBN: The HCP conference is known for its reverse expo sessions. When did you start offering them and what’s the appeal from a provider perspective?
NH: We started in 2006, so this is our seventh year hosting Reverse Expo format conferences. One of the key reasons David Mason and I co-founded Health Connect Partners was that we knew how difficult it was for health care provider executives to make time to evaluate new products and services, even though they are responsible for remaining innovative and continually finding the most cost-effective solutions for their facilities and health systems. We saw a solution in the Reverse Expo model, and from the beginning it’s been very successful.
DMBN: What’s new this year?
NH: We are pleased to announce our Supplier Showcase as a new opportunity for our suppliers to expand their presence and networking time. Our Supplier Showcase will allow select suppliers to display their products, services and technologies for the providers to interact with during the first four hours of the conference. We have also brought in a new senior account manager, Matt Ehrlich, to handle the sales for the Radiology & Imaging Conference. Matt comes to us with an extensive health care sales background — over 15 years of experience.
DMBN: What’s your favorite thing to do in Atlanta?
NH: When I’m in a city for our conferences, I don’t have a lot of free time! But I am really looking forward to each of our Dinner & Entertainment evenings, which will be held at the incredible World of Coca-Cola. It is such a unique experience and there is nowhere else in the world like it.
DMBN: RSNA attendance declined 9 percent this year. Do you think in the future imaging trade shows will go virtual or get smaller? How is HCP adapting to changes in the industry?
NH: No, I do not believe that future imaging trade shows will go totally virtual or get smaller. I believe the declining attendance of trade shows is due to our still-struggling economy and the uncertainty over the new health care laws and reimbursement to hospitals and imaging centers. We believe that no matter how great technology becomes, people (hospitals, imaging centers and their suppliers) will always want and need the face-to-face contact that they get in tradeshows. You cannot replace the ability to actually touch and feel the products you intend to purchase, and there is no substitute for looking someone in the
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