Why the Med-Tech Innovation Expo is bigger and more diverse than ever before
Med-Tech Innovation Expo is back for 2019, bigger and more diverse than ever before. The medical technology sector is changing, and with those changes come new requirements on engineering. This year’s Expo will demonstrate the best-in-class solutions to address these new challenges.
A new home
Reflecting the current surge in interest in medical technologies, the event has seen growth on all sides in recent years. That’s why, for 2019, the Expo is relocating from its previous venue in Coventry, to the NEC in Birmingham. This year promises to be more international than ever before, with trade delegations expected from around the world, taking advantage of the central transport links into Birmingham International.
Duncan Wood, chief executive of Rapid News Group, the organiser of the event, had this to say: “Our ambition for the show in terms of size and both national and international impact can only be satisfied by the UK’s premier exhibition venue. When we acquired the show back in late 2016 we always had this move in mind. Now, with two successful growth years under our belt, it is the time to take this step.”
Who you’ll see
The West Group, on stand F1, will be a crucial stop for anyone with miniature fluid control requirements. The group is a specialist outsourcing partner in this field, and combines component supply with services like cleanroom production.
First-timer Jet Press will also be exhibiting at the show, bringing its fasteners and components range.
Just last year Jet Press was appointed as an official European Distributor for Heyco Cable and Hose Management. Since 2001 Jet Press has been working closely with Accuride, a specialist in high-quality drawer slides and linear motion solutions. These engineered drawer slides have multiple functions ideal for medical applications, such as trolleys and storage cupboards.
Jet Press will also present its own trim panel and hose clip range, produced in the UK. This range was recently extended and includes valuable solutions for building machines. Besides this exciting range Jet Press says it is able to design bespoke parts using rapid prototyping and 3D printing, along with part assembly of components. The group will be on stand J58.
Meanwhile on the Medilink Pavillion, Midas Pattern Company will be showcasing a selection of high-quality polyurethane RIM mouldings, for medical device enclosures. The group says that from the initial discussion, it can turn around a project in a matter of days to support with time-to-market.
A full roundup of exhibitor news can be found in the What’s On guide.
Crucial conference sessions
Across three stages and over two days, a stellar line-up of international speakers will discuss challenges and opportunities for medical device manufacturers of all kinds. On the HealthTech Stage, Sarah Trenfield, director of innovation at FabRx will explain how 3D printing can revolutionise the healthcare sector by enabling the production of personalised medicines. The talk will also assess the latest research and technological developments in this emerging field, and evaluate the implications for the future. On day two, Leanne Taylor, head of content at Rapid Plastics Media will be joined by Dr Artemis Stamboulis, senior lecturer in biomaterials and nanomaterials at the University of Birmingham, and Helena Flowers, owner and managing director at Andel Plastics, for a panel discussion on the role of women in healthtech and engineering.