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Emerald, the organiser of the largest home medical equipment trade event in North America, has announced its decision to cancel Medtrade 2020 due to “ongoing concerns” around COVID-19.

Established in 1979, Medtrade is the largest home medical equipment trade event in North America, bringing together manufacturers, providers, and retailers from across the country and around the world twice a year in Atlanta and Vegas.

However, due to the ongoing disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic and the safety risks it poses for visitors, staff and exhibitors, Emerald has decided to cancel Medtrade 2020, which was scheduled to take place on November 2-4, 2020 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA.

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Emerald noted that current restrictions on large gatherings imposed by the State of Georgia and other government and public health authorities, and the many company-imposed travel restrictions on employees have made it difficult to make Medtrade possible this year.

In a statement about the cancellation of Medtrade 2020, Emerald said: “Continued developments and uncertainty have made it impossible to bring our community together safely and successfully in Atlanta.

“This is due to the ongoing progression of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the latest government data, measures, and guidelines on phased reopening plans in the U.S.; current restrictions on congregating and large gatherings imposed by the State of Georgia and other government and public health authorities; and the various company-imposed travel restrictions on employees, affecting attendees and participating companies.”

Although a physical Medtrade will not be taking place this year, to ensure the home medical equipment industry can continue to network and learn, Emerald has announced the launch of the Medtrade Virtual Conference, which will take place November 4-5, 2020.

There is not much information currently available about the virtual conference, but people are urged to check their inboxes and follow Medtrade on social media as more information is shared in the future.

The next Medtrade show will take place at the newly branded and relocated Medtrade West, which is scheduled April 12-14, 2021, at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, AZ. Emerald said it is currently working alongside the venue and planning to ensure the next event is productive and safe for visitors and exhibitors alike.

Emerald continued: “We are grateful to be part of a strong, supportive, and resilient HME community. Your safety and health are of paramount concern to us, and we thank you for your understanding as we all navigate through this challenging time.”

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