Over 90 Total Lots Up For Auction at One Location - WA 04/08

Q&A with Gil Alejo, exhibition sales manager at Informa Markets

by Gus Iversen, Editor in Chief | June 14, 2019
Gil Alejo
From the June 2019 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine

Medical device stakeholders who are active in the Latin and North American market need no introduction when it comes to the annual FIME conference. It’s an opportunity to forge new partnerships, catch up with old friends and get your finger on the pulse of the market.

In anticipation of the upcoming event, HealthCare Business News spoke to exhibition sales manager at Informa Markets, Gil Alejo, to find out what attendees could expect from this year’s meeting.

HCB News: After a couple of years in Orlando, FIME is heading back to Miami Beach. What factors contributed to this decision?
Gil Alejo: FIME was moved temporarily to Orlando in 2017 and 2018 due to the renovation of the Miami Beach Convention Center.

As the “gateway to the Americas”, Miami continues to serve the world’s healthcare business community thanks to its strategic geographic location and its fast airway connections to Latin America. In our efforts to expand to this market and grow bigger, Miami Beach will always be FIME’s home!

HCB NEWS: FIME was acquired by Informa in 2015. How has that larger footprint benefited the organization and its meeting?
GA: Since the acquisition, significant investments have been made by Informa. The initiatives include repositioning the event, growing the show on a strategic level, and bringing it in line with our other world-renowned healthcare exhibition events, such as Arab Health, one of the Middle East’s largest healthcare exhibitions.

Over the years, FIME has weathered a lot of challenges in the marketplace. However, despite the ups and downs, the show has continued to grow and has become a must-attend event in the region.

Furthermore, with Informa’s recent acquisition of UBM, we see a great opportunity to leverage our existing Latin American markets.

HCB News: Looking back on last year's meeting specifically, is there a single comment that left a lasting impression?
GA: At last year’s show, we got a lot of inquiries about when we would be moving back to Miami. People asked for it, wanted it, and we are delivering it all in the 29th edition of the show this June.

HCB News: For first time attendees, what advice would you offer to make sure they make the most of their time?
GA: FIME 2019 is a free-to-attend event. As part of our commitment to expand the clinical education offering, we will be hosting industry workshops, conferences and seminars, all free of charge, for visiting healthcare trade professionals from across the continent.
In order to maximize their time at the show, visitors should plan their attendance in advance. We will be sharing the pre-show planner three weeks before the show. This would help attendees navigate their way around the halls as well as pre-arrange meetings. Plus, the supplier finder and mobile application will help visitors be more productive during the three-day show.

HCB News: What will the program at this year’s event look like? Are there any key highlights you would like to share?
GA: Aside from the conferences and seminars in Innovation, Supply Chain and Procurement, Medical Device Trade, and the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM) Regional Meeting, we are also launching the Innovation and Technology hub. This dedicated platform will showcase the latest smart technologies, digital wearable devices, patient monitoring apps, concierge services and telemedicine systems, among others.

Also, the renovated venue is eye-catching and has transformed into a stunning environment, making it a great place to network and do business. With more space, hi-tech features, bright, beautiful décor and great dining options, beaches and entertainment, Miami Beach has it all! For more information visit www.fimeshow.com.

You Must Be Logged In To Post A Comment