Caroll Neubauer has a distinguished career in medtech, as the former long-time leader of B. Braun Medical Inc., now an adviser at Water Street Healthcare Partners, and co-chairman of The MedTech Conference Steering Committee. Caroll joined me on the Medtech POV podcast and previewed The MedTech Conference, Oct. 9-11, in Anaheim, California.
“Something for everybody.”
Caroll was on the AdvaMed Board of Directors for years and has been part of The MedTech Conference since its early days 17 years ago. Then, attendees at the small conference were mostly CEOs and AdvaMed members and their teams.
Now, the conference approaches 4,000 attendees with a remarkable agenda appealing to every aspect of the medtech ecosystem: research and development, government relations, diagnostics, start-up companies, investors, and health care providers. The Student Program connects students with industry leaders to get young people excited about medtech. It’s the next step to recruiting diverse talent and building the future industry, Caroll said.
“There is truly something for everybody and a networking opportunity for everybody,” he said.
A must-attend event for investors.
The Investor Forum, in its second year, continues to be a highlight, providing opportunities for the investor community to interact with the largest gathering of medtech companies. This year features an increased investor presence, the return of the wildly popular reverse pitch program, an excellent content lineup, and multiple ways for investors and companies to engage.
An investor himself, Caroll appreciates the access to companies whose work he otherwise wouldn’t see. With MyMedTech, the conference planning and partnering tool, attendees easily can set up formal meetings with people they want to get to know.
Meaningful connections.
AdvaMed, as the leading medtech association, allows people industry-wide to set down their “competitive armor,” forge connections, and become a force in policymaking circles. “It’s a culture that we’ve created that is really important” to the industry, Caroll said. That welcoming approach extends to The MedTech Conference, with 40 countries represented this year.
In addition to the formal opportunities for partnering meetings, informal networking happens everywhere.
The accessibility of top executives and speakers remains a key feature, even as attendance numbers grow. CEO Unplugged sessions are on the exhibit hall floor. Fireside chats and main stage speeches all offer a chance for greetings afterward.
“Go on over and say hello and shake hands. There’s not one that won’t do that.”
––Caroll Neubauer, Former President and CEO, B. Braun Medical Inc.
Having fun.
In addition to a packed series of timely, informative sessions, The MedTech Conference offers a chance to unwind and connect. This year, the band Fitz and the Tantrums will perform. Last year featured comedian Jim Gaffigan.
Having even more fun.
A golf simulator on the exhibit hall floor will enable friendly long-drive contests during conference breaks. Caroll welcomes competition from would-be PGA-style bombers. “I’ve trained hard this year.”
Register by October 7 to get the most out of your time at The MedTech Conference 2023 in Anaheim.
