Ten events for your health, boomer or senior product or service

Finding the visibility and network that your offering deserves.  We are entering the trade show season, so it’s time to make a few go/no go decisions. You have had your product (or new version) or service ready for the past months or year. Your pilots have been successful and you now know that professionals, prospects and early customers are pleased with what you’ve done. You’ve read Ten Tips for Launching a Product or Service. You have first focused on the local/regional events. Now make sure your offering – whether it is caregiving, health and wellness, home safety, learning, engagement or just plain fun – is well-received at events attended by prospective customers, resellers, referring professionals, possible partners, and adjacent product categories.  Consider this list of national events (listed in date order). Study prior exhibitor participant lists, learn about typical number and profile of attendees, booth costs, hotel and attendance fees. Note any (of many) innovation award opportunities, if not now, then for the future. If you are not that familiar with any of these, consider going once as an attendee -- before exhibiting. Comments about other events are, of course, welcome:

AARP Life@50+, Atlanta, October 1-4, 2013.   In 2013, AARP began hosting two Life@50+ events per year, the next of these is in Atlanta.  From the Business Journals press release: "This national event for AARP members and their families will give the community access to some of today's most renowned celebrities including lifestyle, health, travel and financial experts. Attendees will discover new possibilities for their lives through community service activities, innovative exhibits, seminars and an exciting line-up of entertainment." The event incorporates a technology pavilion (AARPTek).  AARP will also host Life@50+ in Boston, May 8-10, 2014.

Connected Health Symposium, Boston, October 24-25, 2013.  "Where health and technology intersect, the Connected Health Symposium is a global destination event, a high-profile gathering of the most interesting thinkers on the planet. Working with our event co-chairs and advisors, the Center for Connected Health have assembled an impressive roster of speakers and panelists who will speak on a broad range of health related topics.  The symposium is committed to independent content, so you can be sure that what you are hearing represents a free and open exchange of ideas."

LeadingAge, Dallas, October 27-30, 2013. The mission of LeadingAge is to "expand the world of possibilities for aging, LeadingAge members and affiliates include 6,000 not-for-profit organizations in the United States, 39 state partners, hundreds of businesses, research partners, consumer organizations, foundations and a broad global network of aging services organizations that reach over 30 countries – and spans adult day services, home health, hospice, community-based services, PACE, senior housing, assisted living residences, continuing care communities, nursing homes as well as technology solutions and person-centered practices."

ICAA Conference, San Diego, November 21-23, 2013.  The International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) has the following mission: "ICAA connects a community of like-minded organizations and professionals who share the goals of changing society's perceptions of aging and improving the quality of life for aging Baby Boomers and older adults within the seven dimensions of wellness (emotional, vocational, physical, spiritual, intellectual, social, environmental). The council supports these professionals with education, information, resources and tools so they can achieve optimal success."

mHealth Summit, Washington, DC, December 8-11, 2013. Now under the auspices of HIMSS: "The mHealth Summit, the largest mobile health event in the world, brings together providers, leaders, influencers and visionaries in wireless and mobile health technologies and integration as well as those in different stages of this transition to discuss hands-on strategies, examine success stories, and explore challenges and innovations.  This year’s general program provides the broadest and deepest coverage of the ecosystem in the world under one roof. The event uniquely gathers healthcare and technology leaders in government, the private sector, industry, academia, providers and not-for-profit organization."

ATA 2014, Baltimore, May 18-20, 2014.  The American Telemedicine Association or ATA provides a venue for health and wellness technologies like remote monitoring and medication management as it notes. "The American Telemedicine Association is the leading international resource and advocate promoting the use of advanced remote medical technologies. ATA and its diverse membership, works to fully integrate telemedicine into transformed healthcare systems to improve quality, equity and affordability of healthcare throughout the world."

CES Silvers Summit,  Las Vegas, January 8, 2014.  Held within the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) conference in Las Vegas, the stated mission of Silvers Summit at CES is: "People age 50+ now comprise nearly 45% of the total US population and control 70% of the country's wealth. It's time to understand just how this largest and most powerful demographic uses technology in daily life now and what they want in the future. The Silvers Summit explores new thinking, new products and services, and how the role of technology is being redefined. After all, this is the generation that invented the internet."

CES Digital Health, Las Vegas, January 8-9, 2014.  Its mission: "Consumers now have the opportunity to get into the driver’s seat and take control of their own health in countless ways. A deep dive into the giant umbrella that is Digital Health including telehealth systems, diagnostics, mobile health applications and devices, sensor-based technologies, care solutions for older adults, big data and predictive analytics, chronic care management, genomics, wearables, and wellness and fitness devices, with special sessions to the most pivotal issues at hand: how the ACA will affect technology, our privacy, our pocketbook and our records."

Aging in America, San Diego, March 11-15, 2014.  The American Society on Aging (ASA) 2014 event marks its 60^th anniversary: "Whether you are a traditional aging service provider or a healthcare professional, researcher, policy analyst, occupational therapist, social worker, financial planner, elder law attorney, or anyone works with older adults in any capacity, you can learn a great deal from the uniquely multidisciplinary content of this conference, discover best practices for serving an aging population, and gain new insights and build your professional network  at one of the largest aging services conferences in the U.S."  Numerous other events are held that week, including the What’s Next Boomer Business Summit sponsored by Mary Furlong & Associates.

ALFA, Phoenix, May 19-22, 2014.   Senior living event and expo: "ALFA’s programs promote business and operational excellence through education, research, publications, professional networking and online tools designed to foster innovation in the field of senior living. Nine of the most relevant business topics in senior living today are explored across more than 60 sessions in a variety engaging and collaborative formats.  Three-day core conference and training are available in the four-day Executive Director Leadership Institute (EDLI). 250 exhibitors ready to help solve your biggest problems and explore ideas. 2,000 executives like you looking to share insights, experiences and best practices."