AIROS Medical traveled extensively on the trade show and conference circuit in 2019, generating both brand awareness and clinical interest in compression-related therapy options. Here is a look at some of the medical professionals, clinicians, and patients we had the honor of connecting with last year. And, yes – our signature stuffed bears made every trip!
The Bears
If you are wondering about the bears, you are not alone – we get questions about them everywhere we go. Each one is tagged with a card that reads: “Making Compression Therapy BEARable!” While no doubt gimmicky, rest assured it puts a smile on the face of the people we meet, many of whom have kids and grandkids looking forward to the presents that are brought home after a business trip.
Conference Goals
The goal of AIROS’ 2019 conference campaign was to expand awareness of our products amongst various healthcare professionals, as well as generate leads for our Durable Medical Equipment (DME) partners. Some of these events were ones that AIROS, or its leadership team, had attended in the past. Others were those that we wanted to test.
Overall, we were extremely pleased with the turnout in all shows, and developed relationships with various physicians, wound care center operators, lymphedema therapists, and general medical device personnel.
Symposium for Advanced Wound Care (SAWC) Conferences – Wound Care Professionals – May, San Antonio, TX (Spring) & October, Las Vegas, NV (Fall)
SAWC is a conference that we are very familiar with and have attended previously. Both the spring and fall shows bring together thousands of wound care center owners, wound care nurses, and academia. We continued to hear about the growing prevalence of patients who have lymphedema, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), and ulcer-related wounds that are difficult to close due to swelling and edema in the legs.
We incorporated two testing areas inside our booth so the attendees could use our devices and garments, and feel first-hand the therapeutic benefits of compression. We explained to all interested parties that we sell through the DME network, and were able to connect these wound care professionals who wanted to prescribe the AIROS device with DMEs in their area that could fulfill the orders. As always, a win-win at SAWC.
International Lymphoedema Framework (ILF) – Chicago, IL – June, Lymphedema Therapists & Vascular Physicians
The renowned ILF organization, who works close with the American Lymphedema Framework Project, travels around the world and works with lymphedema therapists, physical therapists, vascular surgeons, and other healthcare professionals who are working to find therapies and cures for lymphedema.
This was the first ILF conference that attended, and we welcomed the opportunity to talk with thought leaders not only from the U.S., but from around the world.
Though our Arm Plus garment was not ready for sale at the time, we were able to discuss our upper extremity solution. We garnered excellent feedback, and look forward to circling back with these new contacts now that this product line is available.
National Lymphedema Network (NLN) Conference – October, Boston, MA – Lymphedema Therapists
While some of our team members had attended the NLN conference years ago, this was AIROS’ first showing at the event. We could not have been more thrilled to be a sponsor and attending company, as the organization’s Executive Director, Jeannette Zucker, and the entire NLN team did an outstanding job.
Hundreds of the top lymphedema therapists from across the country were in attendance, primarily there to learn about new techniques, trends, science, and treatment options, but also to learn about products like ours.
We look forward to the 2020 NLN Conference, slated for October of this year!
American Vein & Lymphatic Society (ALVS) Annual Congress – November Phoenix, AZ – Vascular Surgeons
Our last event for the year was another one that our team had not attended, and we were very pleased with the results.
Attendance at the 33rd ALVS Annual Congress allowed us to speak with vascular surgeons well-versed in lymphatic and venous disorders. Many of the physicians were aware of and used compression therapy devices, though many from this group were not aware of the AIROS device.
We were able to sit with the attendees and let them test our compression therapy system. They were impressed with the pressures, timing, and features on the AIROS 6 and AIROS 8. And just like with our other shows, we were able to connect our DME partners with the clinicians that they can work with to help patients experience relief and better life quality.
Stay tuned for our 2020 trade show and conference outlook. Our team – and our bears – will be back in action!
