Test Labs MD&M West 2025 Story

MD&M West 2025

After arriving back from Arab Health, the team had a very short break before heading back out to the MD&M West event in Anaheim. This was our first US conference exhibition, and the team was excited to introduce Test Labs to the American market. Armed with our ‘famous’ tracksuits, we were suited and booted to represent Test Labs on the other side of the pond. However, the trip didn’t start without a hitch – our LED screen had an unfortunate encounter with a forklift. Thankfully, Tautvydas, our resident mechanical engineer, and Enrico, sprang into action and worked their magic to replace the panel. Crisis averted!

MD&M West event impressions

Having never attended MD&M West before, we were impressed with how well-organised the event was and how helpful the on-site team proved to be, we had a lot of questions! With our stand set up and the LED screen fully functional, we finally had a moment to breathe after a 26-hour travel marathon. Naturally, a bit of sightseeing was in order – after all, you can’t come to California without visiting the Hollywood sign! A trip up to Griffith Observatory did not disappoint, and if you’re ever in Anaheim for MD&M West, we highly recommend making the trip for the spectacular views.

First day

Bright and early on the first day, we were greeted by the impressive MD&M West sign outside the exhibition halls, hinting at the scale of the event. With over 1,700 exhibitors and 13,500 attendees spread across two floors, it was clear that this show was a major hub for the medical device industry. Covering everything from components and contract manufacturing to packaging and, of course, testing, the exhibition attracted some of the major manufacturers, particularly given its proximity to the medical device powerhouses of Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego County and Silicon Valley. Usually, we find some time to explore the halls, but due to the steady stream of delegates, we barely left our stand until the last day – a great problem to have!

Rain on the second day

As the first day wrapped up, we reflected on some fantastic conversations with high-quality leads and looked forward to day two. But what did day two bring? Rain. Yes, rain! We left the UK for sunny California, only to find ourselves with grey clouds – MD&M West, if you’re reading this, could we nudge the date forward by a few weeks next year? Let us Brits soak up some well-earned sunshine! Despite the dreary weather, the conference continued to impress, bringing even more insightful discussions. We gained valuable knowledge into FDA regulations, the US market landscape, and key client priorities. Timelines emerged as a critical factor for decision-making, and we were pleased to confirm that shipping was no obstacle – our courier services, complete with customs support, were a welcome reassurance for many delegates.

By the end of day two, our feet were aching, but the opportunity to engage with manufacturers made it all worthwhile. The final day, as expected, was quieter in terms of delegate traffic, but it provided a great chance to explore the exhibition and connect with other exhibitors. Since this was our first time attending, we had no previous experience to compare it to, but the general consensus was that attendance was steadily increasing post-COVID. Many exhibitors found the event successful, evident by the fact that over 80% of the available stands were rebooked before the event even ended.

Thank you to our friends at Greenlight Guru for inviting us to the MedTech On Tap social. We had a great time!

MD&M West Event takeaways

One key takeaway from this exhibition was the distinction between delegates and exhibitors. Unlike some events where exhibitors and delegates are potential clients, many MD&M West exhibitors specialise in components and processes that go into making a device rather than the final product itself. However, this did not stop us from making valuable connections that could benefit our clients in the future. We’re always looking to expand our network and deepen our understanding of the industry.

Reflecting on the event, it’s clear that while delegate numbers haven’t yet returned to pre-COVID levels, this is a trend seen across the industry due to the rise of virtual events and tighter budgets. That said, we firmly believe in the irreplaceable value of face-to-face interactions. Budget constraints will always be a consideration, but nothing compares to the connections made in person. You never know who you might meet – and how that meeting could shape the future of your product!