NDC Exhibition 2018 brings together medical, physical rehab and home care market-makers
Jan Hargrave
The NDC Exhibition 2018: Power of Partnership hosted a record number of attendees at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee, March 25–27. Show producers report a 30 percent increase in attendance over the prior year, with over 900 distributor and manufacturer representative attendees. This year’s Exhibition ran concurrently with the NDC Physical Rehab Sales Meeting, bringing together a display of the NDC network across the medical, physical rehab and home care markets.
The Exhibition built upon the “Power of Partnership” theme, which NDC initiated in 2015. By bringing together independent distributors, manufacturers and GPOs, NDC is able to showcase the “simply powerful” opportunities that are available within the NDC network, says Ian Fardy, vice president of marketing.
In his opening remarks, NDC President and CEO Mark Seitz provided an update on NDC initiatives and unveiled new strategies and investments in the core business. Seitz reaffirmed NDC’s commitment to independent distribution and announced that NDC will continue to put the pieces of the puzzle together to provide meaningful fulfillment solutions to distributors looking to expand into new markets, such as home care and pharma.
Midmark Corporation sponsored this year’s featured keynote speaker, Molly Fletcher. In her address, “Peak Performers,” she shared the unconventional techniques that made her one of the first female agents in the world of professional sports and a successful entrepreneur. One of the nation’s top 5 speakers of 2017, Fletcher left attendees energized, excited and inspired.
Bryan Offutt, vice president for global branding, Under Armour, shared the company’s journey from a t-shirt maker based out of a garage, to a $5 billion sports performance company. Offutt reinforced the importance of continually building your brand to “Protect Your House.” In addition, Conor Cunneen, IrishmanSpeaks, presented the “Gift of GAB: Goals, Attitude and Behavior,” and Jan Hargrave shared her knowledge as a forensic body language expert in her sales session on understanding nonverbal selling power.
Award winners
Recipients of 2017 Medical Awards were:
- Member of the Year: US MedSource, LLC
- Fast Track: United Medical Supply
- Medical Trendsetter: Mountainside Medical Equipment
- Outstanding Performance Vendors: BD, GMAX, Metrex, PDI, Quidel
Recipients of 2017 Physical Rehab Awards were:
- Member of the Year: Advanced Rehab Systems
- Equipment Trendsetter: Isokinetics Inc.
- Warehouse Performance: Cornish Medical Electronics
- Vendor of the Year: PrePak Products Inc.
BD sponsored the closing night party at the world-famous Wildhorse Saloon, featuring Barrett Baber, finalist of NBC’s “The Voice.” Baber came up with a mix of original and cover songs, including the first encore in NDC Exhibition history.
Next year’s NDC Exhibition 2019 will return to the Gaylord Opryland Hotel & Convention Center, Nashville, Tennessee, April 7–9.