Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The OAMES Annual Meeting & Exhibition is set for October 21-22, 2026, at The Grand Event Center in Grandview Heights, Ohio. This year's theme, 'The Next Horizon: Seeing What’s Ahead,' will explore the impact of AI on the industry, alongside sessions on leadership and regulatory updates.
Attendees will benefit from networking opportunities and insights from industry experts. OAMES Annual Meeting & Exhibition takes place in Grandview Heights, USA.
Venue: The Grand Event Center at Grandview Yard.
TL;DR
- 1Scale and Focus: This event is focused on the home medical equipment sector, featuring industry leaders and key discussions.
- 2Organiser: The event is organised by the Ohio Association of Medical Equipment Services, with registration available on their website.
- 3Buyer Authority: Attendees include healthcare providers, medical equipment suppliers, and industry professionals.
- 4Entry: Registration is now open, with early-bird rates available until September 25, 2026.
Why visit
Attendees will gain valuable insights into the latest trends in home medical equipment, network with industry leaders, and participate in discussions on critical regulatory issues. The event also features a keynote address by Jennifer Leon, providing a unique perspective on the DME world.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors will have the opportunity to showcase their products to a targeted audience of healthcare providers and decision-makers, enhancing visibility and generating leads. This event is focused on the home medical equipment sector, featuring industry leaders and key discussions. Attendees include healthcare providers, medical equipment suppliers, and industry professionals.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Healthcare providers and administrators
Medical equipment suppliers and distributors
Policy makers in healthcare
Industry consultants and analysts
Medical device manufacturers
Home health care service providers
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Manufacturers of home medical equipment
Suppliers of durable medical equipment (DME)
Providers of healthcare technology solutions
Consultants in healthcare compliance
Distributors of medical supplies
Innovators in telehealth and remote monitoring
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Durable medical equipment (DME): hospital beds, patient lifts, walkers, wheelchairs and bath safety aids
Complex rehab technology (CRT): power wheelchairs, custom seating, positioning and mobility systems
Respiratory equipment and supplies: CPAP/BiPAP devices, masks, tubing, oxygen concentrators and nebulizers
Mobility and ambulation products: rollators, transport chairs, canes and power scooters
Bariatric and heavy-duty equipment: bariatric beds, lifts, commodes and transfer aids
Wound care, ostomy and incontinence supplies
Orthotics, prosthetics and diabetic footwear
Compression therapy and lymphedema products
Enteral nutrition and home infusion equipment
Rehabilitation and physical therapy equipment for home use
Patient monitoring and remote patient monitoring devices
Daily living aids: dressing, eating, grooming and bathroom safety products
Home health care products and caregiver support equipment
HME billing, reimbursement and revenue cycle management software
Accreditation, compliance and documentation services for DMEPOS suppliers
Delivery, logistics and inventory management services for home medical equipment providers
Location & Facilities
Venue
The Grand Event Center at Grandview Yard
Grandview Heights, USA
Facilities
Parking
The Grand Event Center at Grandview Yard in Grandview Heights typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: The Grand Event Center at Grandview Yard in Grandview Heights typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at The Grand Event Center at Grandview Yard for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
Event days: Confirm daily opening hours on the organiser registration page
Who runs the show
Organisers
Ohio Association of Medical Equipment Services
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Grandview Heights, USA
Why it matters
Attendees will gain valuable insights into the latest trends in home medical equipment, network with industry leaders, and participate in discussions on critical regulatory issues. The event also features a keynote address by Jennifer Leon, providing a unique perspective on the DME world.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Courtyard by Marriott Columbus OSU
3-star
Grandview Yard / OSU district40 m to venueApprox. nightly range for the OAMES show window; confirm rate, taxes and cancellation terms at booking.
Breakfast (fee), free Wi-Fi, free parking, indoor pool, air conditioning, fitness center, bar, restaurant
Hyatt Place Columbus/OSU
3-star
Grandview Yard / OSU district150 m to venueApprox. nightly range for the OAMES show window; free breakfast and free parking make this a practical base for exhibitors with a vehicle. Confirm rate and taxes at booking.
Free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, pool, air conditioning, pet-friendly, fitness center, bar
Sonesta Columbus Downtown
4-star
Downtown Columbus2.2 km to venueApprox. nightly range for the OAMES show window; budget for chargeable Wi-Fi and parking, and plan an approx. USD 8-15 rideshare to Grandview Yard. Confirm rate and taxes at booking.
Wi-Fi (fee), parking (fee), air conditioning, pet-friendly, fitness center, breakfast, bar, restaurant
Red Roof PLUS+ Columbus Downtown - Convention Center
2-star
Downtown ColumbusDowntown Columbus, near the convention center to venueApprox. nightly range for the OAMES show window; a budget option in downtown Columbus, with a short rideshare to The Grand Event Center. Confirm rate and taxes at booking.
Free Wi-Fi, parking (fee)
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Walk
Estimated costFree
Best forCourtyard by Marriott Columbus OSU and Hyatt Place Columbus/OSU to The Grand Event Center at Grandview Yard
The two closest hotels are about 40 m and 150 m from the venue; walking is the default for both.
Rideshare / taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD 8-15 one way
Best forDowntown Columbus hotels to The Grand Event Center at Grandview Yard
Roughly 2.2 km from Sonesta Columbus Downtown; confirm live fares in the app.
Venue parking
Estimated costFree in the adjacent 500-space garage
Best forThe Grand Event Center at Grandview Yard
The venue capture lists complimentary parking in the adjacent garage; confirm oversize vehicle and event-day access rules.
COTA bus
Estimated costApprox. USD 2.00 single ride; day pass available - confirm COTA fares
Best forDowntown Columbus and OSU corridor to Grandview Yard
COTA is the regional bus operator; use the COTA trip planner for the closest stop to the venue and allow extra time.
Airport taxi / rideshare
Estimated costApprox. USD 25-40 one way
Best forJohn Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) to The Grand Event Center at Grandview Yard
CMH is the primary commercial airport; confirm live fares and pickup zone in the app.
Weather
Late October in Grandview Heights and Columbus is mid-autumn: cool mornings, mild afternoons and a realistic chance of rain. Pack a light waterproof layer and closed shoes for the 40-150 m walk between the nearest hotels and The Grand Event Center. Check the forecast within 48 hours of travel because central Ohio weather can swing quickly.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
US mobile networks cover Columbus and Grandview Heights, with 5G common on major carriers. International travelers should check phone-band compatibility and arrange an eSIM or local prepaid SIM before arrival. Courtyard by Marriott Columbus OSU and Hyatt Place Columbus/OSU list free Wi-Fi; Sonesta Columbus Downtown charges for in-room Wi-Fi. Venue Wi-Fi was not confirmed in the captures, so exhibitors running software demos should plan a mobile hotspot.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Business casual is the norm at this Ohio association meeting; a jacket is optional for leadership and policy sessions. Comfortable shoes help for the short walks around Grandview Yard.
Tipping and payments
Prices are quoted in US dollars (USD); card payment is standard, and a 15-20% tip is customary for table service and taxis.
Local setting
Grandview Yard is a walkable mixed-use district just west of downtown Columbus, with dining and entertainment near The Grand Event Center. The venue capture lists an adjacent 500-space garage for attendees who drive.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Searches for a 21 October 2026 arrival and 25 October 2026 return showed nonstop Dallas and New York services with fares unlikely to fall below roughly USD 408-432 round trip. Book early if you need to arrive the day before the opening, and compare CMH arrival times against the 40-150 m hotel-to-venue walk in Grandview Yard. No airport transfer times were confirmed in the captures.
Visa
Foreign nationals travelling to the United States for temporary business, including attending or exhibiting at this Ohio trade event, generally need a visitor visa (B category) unless they qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program. The B-1 covers business activities of a commercial or professional nature; applications are filed on Form DS-160.
Estimated cost: Not stated in captured sources
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Carry a passport valid for travel to the United States, submit the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application, and book an interview at the relevant US embassy or consulate. Visa Waiver Program travellers must instead obtain an approved ESTA before departure. Confirm current rules on travel.state.gov and ustraveldocs.com before booking flights.
OfficialTransport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Grandview Heights; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near The Grand Event Center at Grandview Yard: Grandview Yard / OSU district: Courtyard by Marriott Columbus OSU; Grandview Yard / OSU district: Hyatt Place Columbus/OSU; Downtown Columbus: Sonesta Columbus Downtown.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate in Columbus and Grandview Heights. Use the app to compare fares from downtown hotels to The Grand Event Center (approx. USD 8-15) or from CMH (approx. USD 25-40), and confirm the pickup zone at the airport before leaving baggage claim.
Public transit: COTA, the Central Ohio Transit Authority, runs the regional bus network connecting downtown Columbus, the OSU corridor and Grandview Yard. Fares are approx. USD 2.00 per single ride with day passes available; use the COTA trip planner for the closest stop and allow extra time. No airport rail link was confirmed in the captures.
Parking: The Grand Event Center at Grandview Yard has complimentary parking in an adjacent 500-space garage, according to the venue capture. Confirm oversize vehicle, disabled parking and event-day access rules with the venue or organizer before arrival.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October 2026
Temperature: Approx. daytime highs 15-21 C (59-70 F), overnight lows 4-10 C (39-50 F); central Ohio weather can swing, so check the forecast within 48 hours of travel.
Seasonality: October is a transition month with a realistic chance of rain and breezy days; carry a compact umbrella or rain shell for the short outdoor walks in Grandview Yard.
Packing: Business casual layers for indoor sessions, a light waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes and a sweater for cool mornings. The venue is a walkable district rather than a large fairground, so plan for short outdoor transfers.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at OAMES Annual Meeting & Exhibition usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm OAMES registration and badge type
T-2
Book a Grandview Yard hotel if you want to walk to the venue
T-3
Book flights into CMH with an arrival buffer
T-4
Plan the airport-to-venue transfer
T-5
Review the exhibitor list for your product priorities
T-6
Prepare reimbursement and compliance questions
T-7
Check the Columbus forecast and pack layers
T-8
Save confirmation details and local apps
T-9
Confirm meeting times and venue access
T-10
Arrive early for the first session or floor opening
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at The Grand Event Center at Grandview Yard
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2OAMES Annual Meeting & Exhibition registration concourse
The Grand Event Center at Grandview Yard
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
The Grand Event Center at Grandview Yard
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether OAMES Annual Meeting & Exhibition fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For OAMES Annual Meeting & Exhibition, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your product mix or payer exposure is tied to Ohio Medicaid, Medicare DMEPOS policy, or home care equipment distribution in the Midwest.
Best for
Ohio home medical equipment dealers, DMEPOS suppliers, respiratory and mobility providers, and reimbursement or compliance staff who need the state and national policy picture plus supplier meetings in one two-day trip.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before 21 October 2026 to complete conference registration and lock a Grandview Yard hotel room.
Risks
Public session timetables for 2026 were not confirmed in captured sources - check the OAMES programme before booking travel.
The two nearest hotels are small-format 3-star properties and fill quickly for a two-day association meeting.
exhibit
You need qualified conversations with Ohio HME providers and can tie your pitch to reimbursement, staffing, or compliance pain points on the agenda.
Best for
Manufacturers and distributors of durable medical equipment, mobility and respiratory devices, wound care, and practice-management or billing software who want face time with Ohio HME owners and purchasing staff.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for table or booth reservation, freight to Grandview Yard, and staff scheduling around the leadership and policy sessions.
Risks
Stand pricing and floor plan were not published in captured sources - request the exhibitor prospectus from OAMES.
Audience is a single-state dealer base, so weight the spend against a regional rather than national lead target.
skip
Your category does not sell into home care equipment dealers, or your goals need a broader national audience than a state association meeting delivers.
Best for
Suppliers outside home medical equipment and DMEPOS - for example consumer electronics or industrial machinery brands - or teams whose Midwest footprint is already covered by a larger national show.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- OAMES
- Ohio Association of Medical Equipment Services, the state association for Ohio's home medical equipment providers that hosts the annual meeting and exhibition at The Grand Event Center at Grandview Yard.
- HME
- Home medical equipment - the wheelchairs, hospital beds, oxygen systems, CPAP devices, lifts and daily living aids supplied to patients for use at home; the core product scope of OAMES exhibitors.
- DMEPOS
- Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies - the Medicare benefit category that drives billing, documentation and accreditation requirements discussed at OAMES.
- Complex rehab technology (CRT)
- Specialized mobility and seating products such as power wheelchairs, custom seating and positioning systems that are configured by rehab professionals; a distinct product and reimbursement category from standard DME.
- Competitive bidding
- The Medicare program that sets payment rates for certain DMEPOS items in defined competitive bidding areas; an ongoing commercial and compliance topic for Ohio HME suppliers.
- Prior authorization
- A Medicare or payer requirement to obtain approval before dispensing certain high-cost DMEPOS items, often discussed at OAMES sessions on claims and documentation.
- Resupply
- The recurring delivery of supplies such as CPAP masks, tubing, filters, ostomy products or diabetic testing supplies; a key recurring-revenue workflow for home medical equipment providers.
- Grandview Yard
- The mixed-use district in Grandview Heights, just west of downtown Columbus, where The Grand Event Center and the closest hotels (Courtyard by Marriott Columbus OSU and Hyatt Place Columbus/OSU) are located.
- CMH
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport, the primary commercial airport serving Columbus and the gateway for most out-of-state OAMES attendees; ground transfer to Grandview Yard is by taxi, rideshare, COTA bus or rental car.
- COTA
- Central Ohio Transit Authority, the region's public bus operator; useful for attendees staying in downtown Columbus without a car.
- B-1 visa
- US temporary business visitor classification used by foreign exhibitors and buyers attending trade shows when they are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program.
- ESTA
- Electronic System for Travel Authorization, the online pre-clearance required for travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries before boarding a flight to the United States.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Ohio medical equipment
- healthcare conference 2026
- OAMES Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2026
- OAMES Annual Meeting & Exhibition Grandview Heights 2026
- OAMES Annual Meeting 2026
- OAMES Annual Meeting Grandview Heights 2026
- OAMES 2026
- OAMES Grandview Heights 2026
- Grandview Heights USA
Trust footer
Sources
2
References
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Publishers
0
Date checked
1
Ohio Association of Medical Equipment Services
- event_website
- event_social
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