The trade association for the used medical equipment industry held its 4th annual European Conference September 13-15 at the Hotel de L'Europe in Amsterdam. About 40 industry professionals made the trip to hear experts on a number of topics in part because Europe is fertile ground for remarketing medical equipment.

"Smart Americans are going over to Eastern Europe to look at that market," said Diana Upton, President of IAMERS.

One highlight of the meeting was GE Healthcare's Joe Shrawder who spoke on emerging medical markets, highlighting Brazil, China, and India. Also at the meeting was Dr. Anton Koning of Crosslinks/Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam presenting some high-tech, interactive 3D software for molecular imaging.
Other speakers included Ed Brzytwa, U.S. Department of Commerce, who spoke on world markets; Wayne Webster, Diagnostix Plus, Boston, who spoke on digital X-ray imaging technologies and markets; Christos Salvanos, Siemens Financial Services, Munich, who spoke on asset value considerations of a leasing company; Robert Kerwin, Esq., Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, Boston, who spoke on international intellectual property protection; Rinze van Minnen, Esq., Baker & McKenzie, Amsterdam, who spoke on EU corporate tax, and Philip Jacobus, DOTmed.com, who spoke on the Internet and the marketplace.

A key takeaway for American business people was summed up by Upton: "The dollar today is really low compared to the Euro. Eastern Europe should be looking to Americans [to buy medical equipment]," she said. "It's a great time for Americans to go to Europe to sell to that market."

Amsterdam is a perfect spot for the conference for the city's convenience and surroundings. Next year's conference will be held there September 11-13, 2008.

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