Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association’s 2014 Annual Meeting Addresses Ever-changing Healthcare Industry Landscape

June 23, 2014

If the standing-room only crowd in the “Healthcare Industry Trends Changing the Events Experience” session during the Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association’s 2014 Annual Meeting was any indication, it was obvious that top of mind for a lot of suppliers, health care corporate exhibitors and medical associations was the topsy-turvy times in their industry.

Chris Metzger, Freeman’s vice president of corporate accounts, led the session on the first full day of the meeting at the Cleveland Convention Center.

“Medical and healthcare events have had a harder road to climb after the great recession,” Metzger said.

From 2003-2008 were boon years in the industry, with a lot of blockbuster drugs hitting the marketplace. But, besides the decline of that market and the overall recession in general, the industry also has had other headwinds, including several new healthcare laws and a lot of mergers in the industry.

Not to worry, though, he added, “More growth is anticipated in 2014 and 2015.”

Randy Bauler, corporate relations and exhibits director for the American Association of Critical-care Nurses, who was in the audience at the session, said his biggest concern was “dealing with the unknown every day.”

Others agreed, pointing out how the Sunshine Act, which placed strict regulations on “gifts and payments” to healthcare providers, among other things, had now started expanding from the federal to state level.

Metzger encouraged people to focus on the human element of their events by creating memorable experiences that touch their attendees emotionally, make networking fun and easy and to utilize technology to make the experience more customized and personable.

Even with the challenges in the industry, Mike Pennington, HCEA’s executive vice president, said the total attendance of all the medical shows on the top 50 list recently released by the organization had increased, compared with last year.

“It’s been steadily climbing,” he added.

At the HCEA annual meeting, attendance dipped some from the previous year to 430 attendees, but Pennington said one of the main reasons was there had been a lot of industry consolidation.

“(Attendance) was a little lighter than we have seen in the past, but not unexpected,” he added. “When two members merge, we lose a member.”

Education is a major focus at the annual meeting, with three days of sessions ranging from “Turning Your Clients Into Raving Fans” to “How Changing Transparency Policies Will Affect the International Attendance at Congresses.”

Another session, led by Bauler, with a panel of three medical meeting show organizers, detailed different ways associations chose to do their advance space selection.

One show started their space selection for the following year before the current year’s show, another did most of it at the actual show and the third started the process after the show.

Natalie Morris, exhibits manager for the America Society of Oncology, said that their show is held at Chicago’s McCormick Place every year, so it makes it easier to start the space draw 13 months out.

“It gives us the rest of the year to market and push other things, like attendance,” she added.

Besides the education and networking, which included an opening party at the House of Blues and a closing party at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, there also were a few opportunities to give back to the local charity chosen by HCEA this year – the Garden Valley Neighborhood House, which helps people in need.

Attendees could take part by assisting with painting, landscaping, re-finishing floors, etc., at the actual house or playing in the HCEA’s annual “Chip for Charity” gold tournament, as well as each attendee received colored stickers when they picked up their badge that they could give to booths on the showfloor and each sticker represented monies the exhibiting company would donate to the charity.

Pennington said of the overall meeting, “HCEA is the meeting where people go to get the education that they can’t get anywhere else. We want people to take things home they didn’t know before they got here.” 

Add new comment

Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.