Your MD&M West To-Do List 9502

Next month, the medical device industry will converge on Southern California for MD&M West, the world’s largest medical device OEM event.

Whether you’re looking to check out the latest technologies, connect with industry peers, or brush up on your skills, you’ll find what you’re looking for at the Anaheim Convention Center February 10–13. But with so much going on, it might be difficult to decide what to take advantage of. Here are just a few things you shouldn’t miss.

Keynote: The Consumer Electronics Movement to the Medical Device Space

Consumerization is among the hottest trends in medtech, and there’s no one better to explain what it means for the industry than Peter Tippett, chief medical officer at Verizon Enterprise Solutions. He plays an integral part in the telecommunications giant’s health IT practice and leads the Verizon Innovation Incubator, bringing new technologies to consumers.

Tippett’s keynote kicks off the MD&M West conference, which is packed with hands-on workshops, expert insights, and opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and networking.

Executive Summit

It can be lonely at the top of the ladder, but at the new MD&M Executive Summit, senior leaders at device firms will gather to collaborate, discuss the future, and build strategy. The two-day conference boasts speakers discussing everything from healthcare and tech trends to regulations and policy. Medical Device Manufacturers Association president Mark Leahy kicks off the summit with an address on why Washington, DC, plays an outsized role in medtech innovation.

Speed Networking

MD&M West has always been a great place to network with your medtech industry peers. If you’re shy or just want to mix things up, attend one of our new peer-to-peer speed networking events. A more structured alternative to tradeshow social hours, speed networking will lead you through 90 minutes of brief meetings with professionals that match your interests. Each session is followed by a group reception or coffee social, so you can mingle with others or continue the conversation. Best of all, the speed networking events are free with your MD&M West registration.

Innovation Tours

Featuring more than 2000 medtech suppliers, the exposition floor can be intimidating if you don’t know your way around. For help navigating the booths, join a free Innovation Tour. Experts will guide you to exhibits highlighting the newest technology and trends relevant to mobile devices or unique device identification. Groups are limited to 20 people, so sign up early to guarantee your spot.

Educational Events

Even if you aren’t attending the MD&M West Conference, you can still increase your medtech IQ by taking advantage of one of the many education events at this year’s show. Swing by the Center Stage to hear from Princeton assistant professor Michael McAlpine discuss a 3-D-printed bionic ear, get insights from MD+DI’s medical device manufacturer of the year finalists, or learn about the grinder subculture from DIY-implant expert Rich Lee. You can also take in tech and product briefs from suppliers in the Tech Theater. Both Center Stage and Tech Theater events are free for MD&M West attendees. If you’d like to go deeper but don’t have time to attend an entire conference track, register for Learning Labs, two-hour crash courses on topics related to R&D, design, automation, and manufacturing. Medical-device specific sessions cover sensors, bioresorbable polymers, mobile medical apps, and more.

Set Your Schedule Now

To ensure you don’t miss anything, plan your MD&M West schedule now with the Anaheim 2014 app. You can log in to the event planner to highlight your favorite sessions, exhibitors, speakers, and more. Set your agenda on your computer and sync your smartphone so everything is at your fingertips on day one of the show. 

See you in Anaheim!

—Jamie Hartford, managing editor, MD+DI
[email protected]