Taking place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 26-27 during the 75th NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo in New Orleans, the annual AT Expo is the place to be to find the latest products and services in sports medicine and connect with potential vendors.
With more than 270 manufacturers, distributors and service providers exhibiting, the 2024 AT Expo is the biggest since the NATA convention returned in person after the COVID-19 pandemic, and will feature just about everything an AT would need to stock their athletic training facility and provide the best care possible, from athletic tape and rehabilitation pools to cutting-edge technology.
“Technology is big this year,” NATA Exhibits Manager Chad Cranford said. “You’ll see a lot of new technology companies this year. [Attendees can learn more about] wearables, rehabilitation devices, red light therapy, things like that.”
To mark the special occasion of the NATA convention’s diamond anniversary, an opening ceremony will kick off the AT Expo this year. As the Daily Opening Session comes to a close June 26, a second line will take attendees through NATA Connect to the AT Expo entrance. There, NATA President Kathy Dieringer, EdD, LAT, ATC, and the NATA Board of Directors will welcome attendees and cut a ribbon, officially starting the AT Expo.
When planning out NATA 2024, Cranford said the AT Expo schedule was adjusted to ensure attendees have more time to connect to exhibitors, learn about their services and get hands-on product demonstrations.
“We listened to our exhibitors and, now, instead of a two-and-a-half-day schedule, we have a two-day schedule with [an earlier] 9 a.m. start time,” he said.
Also new for 2024, the AT Expo will feature unopposed hours.
“There won’t be any educational programming going on during those times, so attendees will be able to walk the AT Expo floor without missing any type of education,” Cranford said. “It's dedicated time for you to come to the AT Expo floor and talk with vendors about products and services. It’s an easy, functional way to source products and services without having to miss any other aspect of convention.”
NATA 2024 will also see the return of the Passport Challenge, sponsored by Essity Health & Medical. Ten QR codes will be scattered throughout the AT Expo floor. Using the NATA 2024 app, attendees will need to scan each QR code to be entered into the prize drawing with the chance to win one of two $500 gift cards. (Log in to the NATA 2024 app for the full details on how to play/win and drawing information.)
“Once they get all 10, they can also visit the NATAGear Store in NATA Connect, show one of the staff working at the store that they scanned all 10 signs, and get a free prize,” Cranford said. “The Passport Challenge adds a little fun while you’re walking around the show. Be sure to look out for these QR code signs.”
Visit the NATA convention website to learn more about this year’s AT Expo and see a list of who will be exhibiting this year.
