Med-Tech Innovation Expo – From A Delegate Perspective

From Exhibitors to Delegates

This year’s Med-Tech Innovation Expo in Birmingham looked a little different for us – we decided to attend as delegates rather than exhibitors. It’s part of our 2024/2025 strategy to explore a wider variety of events, spread our budget wisely, and figure out which shows give us the best chance to connect with both our current customers and future ones (plus it gives us a good excuse to nose around other stands without having to drag the big TV with us!).
Of course, being off the exhibition floor meant a bit of exhibitor FOMO – especially seeing the everyone else’s stands, and what looked like a solid footfall. Still, we got to enjoy the show from a different angle (and with a lot less to pack up at the end).

The Delegate Experience

We attended on Day 1 and immediately noticed the new layout felt more open and welcoming – definitely a positive change. It gave the impression that the show was larger, which may be partly due to the fact it was co-located with another event next door, easily accessible through shared entrances.

While we weren’t exhibiting, we made the most of being there by catching up with familiar faces – notified bodies, regulatory consultants, design houses, and manufacturers. Attending as a delegate admittedly makes it harder to connect with other delegates, but it’s perfect for reconnecting with existing customers and industry peers. We also enjoyed the rare luxury of walking the floor freely and picking up more merch!

General Vibes & Verdict

The feedback we picked up was consistent – footfall was strong, roughly on par with last year, but the layout this year made it easier to navigate and gave the whole event a better energy. People seemed to linger and engage more, and the whole space felt more purpose-built for a better environment. All in all, it was certainly worth attending, and while we may have missed the buzz of exhibiting, we gained a lot from simply being present, observing, and catching up with our colleagues without the stress of stand setup.

Looking Ahead

Will we be back next year? Likely yes – and we’ll reassess whether to return as exhibitors. Either way, Med-Tech Expo continues to prove itself as a valuable date in the calendar for anyone serious about medical device innovation and regulation in the UK.