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In the spring of 2022, we were live at the trade fair ourselves for the first time, after it had long been unclear how transatlantic business travel would continue in 2022 and the question of when and if conditions would return to normal hovered over every step of the work.
Since 2014, IVAM has been regularly present with a joint booth at the largest American medical technology trade show Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) West in Anaheim near Los Angeles. The special exhibition area "IVAM Micro Nano Area" at MD&M West in Anaheim is already a tradition!
The trade show is held synergistically with the WestPack, ATX West, D&M West and Plastec West trade shows embedded in IME West at the Covention center in Anaheim.
All the fairs together offer a comprehensive overview of the state of medical technology, from component manufacturers and equipment manufacturers to packaging and logistics companies. High-tech components are needed everywhere.
As usual, consumables, high-tech components, equipment, but also production technologies and many laser companies were represented on site.
We didn't see any particular trend that stood out. It seemed as if all international exhibitors were very happy to be able to show something at all again. Most of them simply wanted to show their colors again, maintain their existing contacts, but of course also win new customers.
Our exhibitors were very satisfied and also visibly relieved about the minor restrictions that were necessary in April in Anaheim. "Finally a presence fair without distance and mask again!"
Often the first day of exhibitions starts slower with an increase in the second day which was not the case in 2022. The first day was very well attended as well as the the second day. Our exhibitors and our members on the spot were very pleased with the quality and quantity of contacts because it exceeded their expectations.
On the exhibitor side, however, there were slightly fewer companies overall than in previous years. Many probably still have "Corona concerns".
Asian companies were practically not represented. The usual large joint stands from Japan and China were not there and also almost no visitors. A few companies from Asia were represented sporadically.
In order to get in touch with other exhibitors and to expand one's own international business network, IVAM as well as the trade show organizer offered good networking opportunities which was very much appreciated through the exhibitors. In 2022, for example, there was an open-air exhibitor evening on the first day of the trade fair, where the exhibitors could network by enjoying their drinks, food and listening to live music.
On the following days there were further networking options such as the Beer Garden Happy Hour after the end of the fair and the traditional IVAM Get Together, where exhibitors could continue and intensify their conversations.
We are now already fully engaged in planning the trade fair appearance for the upcoming year. In 2023, the Anaheim Convention Center will open its doors to the world of medical technology from February 07-09. For the tenth time, IVAM will offer international suppliers of medical technology the opportunity to present their innovations to the American audience. The IVAM joint booth will again be highlighted as a special exhibition area "Micro Nanotech".
Is your company also active in the medical technology sector and would like to focus more strongly on the US market in the future?
Or have you already gained experiences at MD&M West and would like to exchange some learnings? Please feel free to contact us! We would be happy to examine how we can support your business in the international medical technology market.
