Ralph Martinez, Director of Imaging at the Valley Baptist Medical Center of Harlingen, TX told DOTmed at HCP's Spring Radiology and Imaging Conference in Miami, FL that reverse trade shows are great for imaging directors because it's a way for them to get attention from vendors who might otherwise overlook their small facilities in rural areas despite their ability to make large purchases.

"My hospital is way down south in Texas and I don't get a lot of salespeople passing my way. But here, there are all these companies with new technology and products that I want to know about and I can really learn a lot in a short amount of time. That's really worth it to me," said Martinez.


With the FAH Conference & Reverse Expo in its 20th year and the others getting closer to that mark, tradeshows are providing valuable networking opportunities not only through the reverse concept held during expo hours, but also during hospitality suites and parties hosted by major GPOs.

While the cost of admission, typically higher than a standard trade show, might frighten vendors, the return on investment is also often higher and to offset that expense.

"At a big show like the RSNA, there are all different types of professionals, and finding the prospects you want can be time-consuming and hit or miss," said Tom Spees, Director, US Sales for the Dunlee Division of Philips Healthcare. "Here, you can target your market."


Upcoming Health Care Reverse Trade Shows


Fall 2009 IDN Summit & Expo at the Gaylord Texan Resort, Dallas, TX, September 23-25
Based upon a record turnout for the 2009 Spring IDN Summit, IDN estimates more than 150 senior health care executives to be in attendance. These 150 senior health care purchasing executives will represent billions of dollars in total health care spending. Health systems attending the 2009 Spring event represented over $15 billion in total health care supply spending.

Fall 2009 HCP Fall Radiology and Imaging Conference at the Marriott Tampa Waterside Hotel in Tampa, FL, Sept. 23-25
About 100 Hospital Radiology Executives will "host & man" the Exhibit Booths while the Vendors, Suppliers and Manufacturers will walk the trade room floor visiting each Hospital and Health System booth to converse with the Hospital Radiology Director's about their products & solutions at HCP's Fall 2009 Radiology & Imaging Conference. With a three-to-one Vendor to Radiology Executive ratio guarantee, as an "attendee" at this Conference you will have the opportunity to share meals, educational sessions, and attend both the reverse expo and networking receptions with the top Hospital & Health System Radiology Executives in the United States today.

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