If you prefer to read instead of watching our short video, you can follow the transcript of the conversation between Sierra Reed and Austin Montgomery on what to expect at HIMSS 2022.
Sierra Reed:
Welcome to The Bottom Line at TTG. I’m here with Austin and today, we’re going to talk about HIMSS 2022. So Austin, what’s been your experience with healthcare shows in general?
I’ve worked with several clients across many different parts of healthcare. Owens & Minor’s a client of mine in the distribution. I’ve worked with Thermi who is in the aesthetics field, and SureSmile who was in dental. So, I’ve always kind of had an affinity for working in healthcare in those healthcare-type companies. So HIMSS 2022 was a natural fit for me to look at working in as well.
Sierra Reed:
Okay, great. What are you seeing so far this year with the healthcare shows?
Austin Montgomery:
Well, obviously with everything that’s happened, attendance has been down a little bit. HIMSS has been unique as it was being set up just as COVID hit back in, what, 2019, 2020? It seems like a blur at this point.
Sierra Reed:
It is a blur.
Austin Montgomery:
But we had a pretty good show in August, obviously down, but I know that clients that I’m talking to that are going to the show are jonesing to be back. What we’ve seen as this fall has progressed has been more and more people attending shows and those attendees are really, really good. So numbers are down slightly, but you’re actually getting better contacts while you’re there. So it actually, for anybody going to a show, they’re actually having more success right now and really good conversations.
Sierra Reed:
Absolutely great point. And what makes HIMSS unique?
Austin Montgomery:
For me, what my draw to it was with my experience with healthcare, and then likewise, some of my technology clients is we’re now combining those two together.
Sierra Reed:
Oh yes, true.
Austin Montgomery:
And so in our space, in the booth building space, there are a couple of sectors that are always on the forefront of design and pushing the boundaries and pushing the edges. Well, healthcare is one of those technology is another one, so we combine those together and as anybody knows, that goes to hand, some of the booths that are done, they’re absolutely over the top amazing. And so for me as a designer and helping our design team and working with them and sales and putting this all together, it’s kind of my dream scenario, two storms coming in at once.
Sierra Reed:
Right, perfect. And from an exhibit standpoint, what design trends are you seeing in the healthcare industry and really at HIMSS?
Austin Montgomery:
Well, as I just stated, they’re always cutting edge. And so we’re continuing to see that, a lot of AV walls, high signage has always been a big part of any of these shows, people that are trying to save some money just with what’s happened. And so seeing a lot more fabrics this year and people wanting to incorporate some lower-cost alternatives, maybe using a sign and keeping their structure a little bit lower to help save costs on labor drainage, shipping, and everything else that goes into putting on a show.
Sierra Reed:
Yeah, great points. And why should an exhibitor work with The Trade Group? And what’s the bottom line?
Austin Montgomery:
Working with The Trade Group, we’re in a unique spot in that I have very talented designers that don’t stay in one lane. They’re very good at multiple different types of designs. So we can create something unique for any of the clients that we work with, even when we have multiple clients at a particular show. And then also with myself is that you do get somebody who manages everything from beginning to end when you work with me personally. So that’s a big plus on any of these shows. I think the bottom line, with everything going on right now, is that shows are back. We have great quality attendees at shows. And so the ROI is there for the companies that are going, so love to work with you, help you realize those goals and we can kind of go from there.
Sierra Reed:
Yeah, okay, perfect. Thanks, Austin, for joining me today. And thank you viewers for joining me on this edition of The Bottom Line and we’ll see you next time.
The Trade Group is a full-service trade show and event marketing company. We will work with you to create an exhibit or an event that brings in leads and helps you achieve your business goals. Contact us here or give us a call at (800) 343-2005.
