Courtesy of NDC
The NDC Exhibition 2024, held May 13-15, made its grand return to downtown Nashville, Tennessee, and was a convergence of innovation, education, and strategic networking for the independent healthcare distribution industry. The agenda featured inspiring speakers, hands-on training and vibrant entertainment, fostering professional growth and industry advancements.
The “Rock the Pool Deck” opening reception was more than just a kickoff event; it was a celebration that set the tone of NDC Exhibition 2024. The combination of networking opportunities, unique attractions, and fantastic entertainment against a backdrop of panoramic views of Nashville’s skyline provided an unforgettable experience. One of the highlights of the evening was the live entertainment from industry legend, Gerry LoDuca and his band, The Defibrillators.
Jack Stephens, NDC’s President and CEO, kicked off the Opening General Session with an overview of the NDC network’s collective impact on healthcare. He shared strategies and initiatives NDC is actively pursuing to evolve their partnerships with distributors and suppliers. Following Jack’s remarks, Victoria Arlen’s keynote address, sponsored by Midmark, was a standout moment. Victoria’s compelling story of overcoming immense personal challenges to achieve success resonated deeply with the audience. The energy in the room was palpable, and attendees left feeling inspired and motivated to overcome their own challenges. The follow-up meet-and-greet event allowed for personal connections, adding to the keynote’s impact.
The Awards luncheon celebrated the achievements within the NDC network, providing a platform to recognize excellence. The celebratory atmosphere fostered a sense of community and appreciation among peers. Following the awards presentation, Rebecca Love’s session on healthcare innovation emphasized the critical role of nurses and the importance of creating efficiencies to support a strained workforce.
The Manufacturer Hall sessions provided crucial opportunities for distributor attendees to engage with suppliers and conduct strategic business meetings in a roundtable format. This event provided a vital platform for networking and partnership advancement. This year, the sessions were supplemented with a Dedicated Sales Track, which was developed based on feedback from the NDC Leadership Advisory Council. To kick off the sales track, NDC hosted a breakfast panel discussion that offered insightful perspectives from leading NDC distributors, setting a thoughtful tone for the day. It was a valuable session for attendees to gain a broader understanding of industry trends, challenges and solutions.
Following the panel, distributors participated in Marketplace Product Training Rotations, hosted by NDC supplier partners. These hands-on product training sessions were crucial for sales teams, providing practical knowledge and skills that attendees could immediately apply in their professional roles. The interactive format was well-received, emphasizing the importance of practical, applicable training.
To continue supporting the product training initiative, Repertoire Magazine Publisher Scott Adams announced a new training resource available to distributor attendees. NDC has partnered with Share Moving Media to allow distributors access to the Online Product Training Series, powered by Repertoire Magazine, which will be available on-demand throughout the year.
Wrapping up the sales track, Jim Niekamp’s “Owning the Customer for Life” workshop offered intensive and practical sales training, which attendees found exceptionally beneficial due to its high level of interaction and real-world applicability.
Another notable highlight was the Supplier Panel, moderated by Laura Reline, NDC. This panel explored innovative strategies and collaborative efforts through which suppliers are partnering with NDC to enhance supply chain efficiencies and drive growth. Panelists shared valuable insights on how their joint initiatives with NDC have improved operational efficiencies and fostered mutual growth. Their discussion highlighted the significance of strategic alliances and leveraging shared resources to optimize the supply chain.
One of the standout additions to this year’s event was the return of 2022 closing party entertainer, Chris Weaver and his band. Throughout the exhibition, Chris Weaver performed live walk-up and walk-out music to welcome speakers to the stage, infusing sessions and breaks with a dynamic and festive atmosphere. In the evenings, Chris Weaver delivered authentic Nashville honky-tonk performances at the “NDC Taphouse & Listening Lounge.” This lively venue also featured live mural artists, late-night bites, and an interactive t-shirt station, ensuring that networking and entertainment seamlessly continued well into the night.
The Closing Celebration at Justin Timberlake’s The Twelve Thirty Club, known for its red velvet décor and sophisticated ambiance, served as a grand finale, seamlessly combining entertainment with networking in a truly memorable setting. BD and Dukal sponsored live entertainment by Rachel Horter, which further elevated the festive atmosphere, leaving attendees with a lasting impression of the event’s success and impact, perfectly matching the elegance of the venue and its distinguished guests.
The NDC Exhibition 2024 successfully blended educational content, innovative training, and strategic networking opportunities, leaving attendees with not only new knowledge and skills, but also valuable connections and a renewed sense of inspiration. The event’s return to Broadway in Nashville provided a fitting backdrop for an exhibition that was both professionally enriching and personally enjoyable.
Save the Dates: The NDC Exhibition 2025 will return to the Grand Hyatt Nashville, May 12-14, 2025.
NDC Member of the Year
- Shared Service Systems
NDC Distributor Fast Track Awards
- PENN CARE, Inc.
- AMSCO Medical
NDC Distributor Trendsetter Award
- JNL Enterprises
- Medical Solutions, Inc
NuEdge Distributor of the Year
- Advantage Medical
NuEdge Supplier of the Year
- Mölnlycke Health Care
NDC Outstanding Performance Supplier Awards
- Zoll Medical
- Cardinal Health
- GOJO
- PDI
- Mölnlycke Health Care
Marketing Excellence Supplier Awards
- Rising Engagement: Bionix
- Omni-Channel: B. Braun
Photo cutlines:
Jack Stephens shares insights and strategies for the future of healthcare distribution.
NDC Member of the Year: Shared Service Systems.
John Cook moderates the distributor panel with Chris Fagnani (Lynn Medical), Sanjay Shah (Amsco) and Rick Wilburn (Wilburn Medical USA).
John Fairand (Mölnlyke) and Julie Nakos (PDI) share supplier insights and successes through their strategic partnerships with NDC.
Chris Weaver brings the live music, honky-tonk vibe to NDC Exhibition and the “NDC Taphouse & Listening Lounge”.
The Defibrillators perform with special guest, Matt Rowan, surrounded by the Nashville skyline.
Longstanding NDC Members, Len & Lane Neeper of Advantage Medical Supply enjoy the “Rock the Pool Deck” reception