AdvaMed 2010 Sets New Attendance Record: More than 1,700 Device and Diagnostics Leaders from Across the Country and Around the World Came to Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 1,700 medical device and diagnostics leaders from more than 360 companies – representing 24 countries and 33 states – attended the fourth annual industry gathering, AdvaMed 2010: The MedTech Conference this week in Washington, D.C.

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CEOs, business executives and investors came together to gain insights into industry trends, discuss public policy and share best practices.  Attendees heard from the very leaders shaping critical policy decisions including FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Donald Berwick, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke and Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-MN).  The keynote address was provided by noted TV news anchor and cancer research advocate, Katie Couric, who spoke about the importance of medical technology in her own family's experience with colorectal and pancreatic cancers.

"We are pleased the conference has steadily grown, seeing a 17 percent increase in attendance from last year.  This growth is a reflection of the diversity seen in the types of panels and speakers as well as the opportunities to connect with leaders in our industry, at companies large and small," said James V. Mazzo, president of Abbott Medical Optics and board chairman of AdvaMed.  

During the conference more than 782 one-on-one business partnering meetings took place – up 23 percent over 2009 – and more than 60 company presentations were made.  New this year were the widely attended sector meet-ups and funding forums and an entrepreneur "boot camp" for emerging growth companies.

"A strong and vibrant medical technology industry advances medical innovation and improves patient care worldwide," said Mazzo.  "Several of our plenary speakers shared their experiences of how medical technology has improved their lives or the lives of their loved ones, highlighting the importance of the work our industry does."

"Our industry is facing tremendous challenges in terms of the global economic climate, continuing uncertainties in the regulatory arena and new payment modalities that have yet to be fully developed.  It is our goal to provide medical technology and diagnostic companies unparalleled insights and opportunities to advance their businesses and maintain U.S. global leadership in this sector," said Stephen J. Ubl, president and CEO of AdvaMed.  

Next year's conference – AdvaMed 2011 – will take place September 26-28, 2011, in Washington, D.C.

About AdvaMed

AdvaMed member companies produce the medical devices, diagnostic products and health information systems that are transforming health care through earlier disease detection, less invasive procedures and more effective treatments. AdvaMed members range from the largest to the smallest medical technology innovators and companies. For more information, visit www.advamed.org.

SOURCE AdvaMed 2010