by
Gus Iversen, Editor in Chief | October 12, 2018
From the October 2018 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine
HCB News: In what way is MEDICA influenced by the global economic crisis and political climate? Do political conversations make up a large part of the event?
HG: The market for medical technology and medical products is, and always has been, a growth market. However, in many sectors the current tendencies toward more restrictions in trade policies, certain political tensions or exchange rate fluctuations are not beneficial for business. This is also true of the medical technology sector. The increasingly strict regulations for product approvals on a transnational level present a challenge. This affects manufacturers and their suppliers equally. Particularly, small and midsized companies struggle intensely with the obligations of increasingly extensive documentation and reports as a result of a multitude of EU regulations and guidelines, for example the Medical Device Regulation or REACH (Registration Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals).
Due to such market characteristics, visitors and exhibitors to our MEDICAlliance trade fairs, which are organized worldwide, are faced with many questions in order to put their own business on the right track internationally and to get together with the right partners. We offer them the communication and information platforms tailored to their specific needs. For example, the MEDICA TECH FORUM provides information on legal aspects of product approval, interesting export markets – including the consideration of political developments or, among other aspects, current issues in connection with data protection and cybersecurity.
HCB News: What percentage of visitors and exhibitors came from the USA last year and what feedback did they give you?
HG: Of the total 5,115 exhibitors at MEDICA 2017, over 400 came from the U.S. This is one of the nations that traditionally count among those with the most registrations, behind Germany. This year we are expecting a comparable amount of registrations. The rate of returning exhibitors is very high, which indicates how satisfied the American exhibitors are with MEDICA. Last year, just over 4,000 of the total 123,000 visitors came from North America.
HCB News: Do you have any tips for new exhibitors at the trade fair?
HG: Every exhibitor, whether he has been at MEDICA for years or for the first time, should "drum up advertising" for his MEDICA participation. We offer a wide range of services to support exhibitor promotion and inform all participating companies well in advance of the start of MEDICA.
