How Great Was MD&M Midwest?

Well, it was pretty great. I attended the Medical Design and Manufacturing Midwest 2009 Conference last week in Chicago. I left with a new perspective on the importance of this industry to our region as well as our global economy. In my day to day life, I try hard to power through the difficult business climate. But at MD&M Midwest, the overall tone was positive and highly educational.The key points that I want to share with you:

1. The impressive speakers in the Tuesday session that I attended entitled "Managing Challenges in the Supply Chain." The speakers included representatives from the U.S. FDA, Boston Scientific Corporation, Scientific Device Laboratory, Abbot Laboratories and Plexus Electronic Assembly.
2. The emphasis on quality - which we all recognize as integral to this industry. But the managers of businesses in medical design and manufacturing breathe, eat and live quality.
3. The perspectives of a small to medium device manufacturer varies greatly from that of a larger company... and vice versa. That does not mean that they can not work well together - but it is a reality.
4. The supply chain in this industry is amazingly complex. And once an investment is made in a supplier, it is difficult for the manufacturer to break that relationship. Supply chain relationships, therefore, are thoroughly considered and are meant to last.
5. The people directing this business are mindful of what they are creating - products and services that saves peoples' lives. Think about that.....  How many of us can say that what we do day in and day out actually improve the longevity or quality of a person's life?
6. The exhibit hall was organized well by categories of interest, to include: Contract Manufacturers, Assembly and Automation, CAD/CAM, Castings, Seals, Precision and Laser Technologies, Packaging, Quality, Metrology....and even China. Yes, my friends - China is a fast and furious player in this industry, but all the people that I heard from are cautious and careful in regards to quality from this region. All the indicators (economic, demographic, etc.) are pointing in the right direction for Medical Device and Manufacturing as an industry, and I caught the enthusiasm after attending MD&M Midwest.