Test Labs at Medica: Highlights from Dusseldorf
Article Summary
Test Labs returned to MEDICA with a new approach: driving to Germany, joining the UK Pavilion, and actively engaging across both MEDICA and COMPAMED. Strong footfall, valuable client meetings, and early-stage innovation conversations made the event commercially productive. The trip also sparked considerations for exhibiting in COMPAMED next year to support earlier phases of device development.Article Contents
What Made Medica a Key Event for Test Labs?
As always, MEDICA was a headline event for Test Labs. Not only is it one of the largest medtech trade fairs in the world, with more than 5,000 exhibitors, but it’s also where we launch our Outlook Annual industry magazine, making it a key moment in our calendar.
Why Did We Change Our Approach This Year?
Coming off last year’s event, where footfall felt a little lighter, we decided to shake things up this time around. Instead of flying, we opted for the scenic drive, leaving at 06:00 and arriving in time for dinner at 17:30 gave us plenty of space for an eight-hour management huddle! Another change this year: we exhibited on the UK Pavilion with Medilink, rather than doing a standalone stand. We opted for this approach in the hope that being with other UK companies would draw a larger, more relevant crowd, enhancing foot traffic for all of us and allowing for a more diverse crowd.
How Did the UK Pavilion Boost Engagement?
It was great to see so many UK medtech companies presenting their innovations and services on the pavilion. Hall 16 felt noticeably busier than in previous years, but in an event this vast, it’s easy to get lost in the crowd. That’s why being active on the floor matters so much. Enrico, Tautvydas, and I shared booth duty so we could step out, meet other exhibitors, and engage with potential customers as well as networking with peers. One of the biggest draws for us is always client meetings. With so many of our existing customers attending, MEDICA becomes a central hub for us to meet, both commercially and technically. Thanks to always having someone technical on our stand, we were able to answer detailed questions and even meet with clients who were in earlier stages of planning and had specific testing queries. Face-to-face conversations make all the difference and help to develop lasting relationships.
What Did COMPAMED Reveal About Early-Stage Innovation?
Some of our clients exhibited in the COMPAMED section (Halls 8a and 8b) the part of MEDICA dedicated to suppliers, component manufacturers, and material innovators. While MEDICA highlights finished devices, COMPAMED is where you see the raw technology behind them: sensors, polymers, coatings, and micro-manufacturing. These halls were buzzing with activity, it was definitely giving us MD&M-style intensity, and it got us thinking: next year, maybe it’s time for Test Labs to shift into COMPAMED territory ourselves. Being there could put us at the forefront of early-stage innovation, particularly for conversations around biocompatibility testing, which is essential to think about earlier on in the development. We also extended our trip slightly to visit clients just a few hours from Cologne. Sticking with the car gave us flexibility that made planning much easier.
What Made the Trip Memorable Beyond the Event?
And of course, it wasn’t all business. We made time for a few Kolsch beers, enjoyed too many pork dishes, and soaked in the magic of Cologne as the Christmas markets were just setting up. One evening, we even heard a jazz band playing Christmas songs, totally unexpected, but a lovely reminder of why these trips are more than just work.
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