It’s the time of year when all the big names in medical manufacturing head off to California for MD&M West. Since it was in April last year, we have only had to wait 10 months for Anaheim Convention Center to open its doors to us again.
As usual, Medical Plastics News and Med-Tech Innovation News will be in attendance to highlight developments in the past year and what’s to come – including Med-Tech Innovation Expo in June. At booth 244, we will have magazines, expo prospectuses and our expert staff on hand to help answer any questions you may have.
In June, the fastest growing medical technology event will be happening at the NEC in Birmingham, UK; with live demonstrations, advanced technologies, and new product launches, it’s only natural you may have some questions about exhibiting or attending. Additionally, with our two quarterly magazine titles, you may have questions on how to feature in the issues, share your latest news and developments with our audience via our websites or how to advertise with us – both digitally and in print – and we will have a salesperson and editor available to answer any questions you may have.
The thought of going back to Anaheim is very exciting, especially with a more pre-covid normality. Seeing new innovations and making new connections are always the best parts of going to events, but proudly having our magazines on display at shows as big as this is a very close second.
As well as making new connections, seeing familiar faces is always a plus; meeting BioInteractions, for example, is something to look forward to – there’s always a new story to hear, more questions to ask and of course, being able to hand them a magazine with their company on the front cover is a bonus! Last year was the first time I met the BioInteractions team, and they told me all about their new innovative antimicrobial coating, TridAnt, which at the time had been approved to protect against bacteria for up to a month and since then has been approved to protect for at least 365 days! If you go to their booth, make sure to try the antimicrobial spray that keeps you protected from bacteria for 48 hours.
Another company myself and Caroline Jackson are looking forward to seeing is Accumold. Until seeing micromoulding in person, I never realised how small parts could be, but as Accumold would say – it’s not just the size alone that makes them impressive, it’s also how efficient the part is; to be able to make something that weighs less than a gram and smaller than the tip of a pencil and it still be precise, is very impressive. Seeing truly is believing.
3M will also be returning this year to MD&M. In 2022, the Industrial Adhesives & Tape Division showcased its adhesive, which (in my opinion) brought ‘industrial’ to a whole new level. They warned us that if we put it on skin, it wouldn’t come off for a few days; of course, my colleague unwittingly tried it on a piece of paper, and it wouldn’t come off until we got back to the UK four days later. I never actually realised you can get different levels of stickiness on tape, in fact I’m still not 100% sure how it’s possible.
Whilst there are companies in MD&M West that we’re looking forward to seeing, there are companies that are huge throughout the medical industry in other sections of the IME Engineering West event.
West Pack is filled with companies that specialise in healthcare packaging and pharmaceuticals. One of those companies is Shawpak. Shawpak is known in the industry for its thermoforming expertise, including rotary thermoforming machinery, pouch machinery and rigid blister making equipment. Shawpak machinery has all the qualities of standard conventional thermoforming equipment, but at an average of 70% of the size.
While the other sections – D&M West, Plastec and ATX West aren’t specifically for the medical sector, it’s always worth having a look. Of course, in Plastec, there will be a number of injection moulding companies that do work in the industry, such as Sumitomo (SHI) Demag. I’m definitely looking forward to having a look around ATX West too, because who doesn’t love to see a robot?
The networking events never fail to entertain, and this year sounds no different. Starting off the first morning with a hot drink, breakfast bites and making new connections whilst the Keynote Speaker shares their latest insights on trending challenges in the industry – I couldn’t think of a better way to start the event.
I also couldn’t think of a better way to end the first day; listening to a live band, and dancing along whilst enjoying a snack and a cocktail or two. There’s even a photo booth for souvenirs and to share on social media. Sponsored by West-Tech Materials and MTD Micro Molding, it’s free for all registered attendees, exhibitors, speakers and partners to attend, making it the perfect way to naturally make connections.
Between all the networking events and innovative products being showcased do make sure to check out our stand, even if you want to come and speak to us in person just to put a face to the name or browse through the magazines, we love a good conversation – so stop by booth 244 for a chat and enjoy some Cadbury’s chocolate.