Join IMDA as an allied member

You share a lot in common with specialty distributors and reps. For example, you share an interest in bringing innovative, efficacious technologies to health care providers and patients. And both of you are willing to fight the necessary battles to do so, including national contracts, cost-cutting by providers, and restricted access to clinical decision-makers. You’re stronger together than apart. That’s why it makes sense for you to join IMDA as an allied member. What benefits do allied members enjoy?

Access to specialty sales and marketing companies. Manufacturers that join IMDA as allied members demonstrate their commitment to specialty sales and marketing in a special way. Their bonds with specialty distributors and reps stay tight throughout the year via the networking that takes place among members by phone and IMDA’s electronic bulletin board.

Monthly newsletter. Each month IMDA members read about association and industry events and trends through the IMDA Update newsletter. Learn about steps that IMDA members are taking to improve their businesses; new medical technologies coming out of the FDA; and issues affecting the medical device industry at large, including group purchasing, Medicare, and Capitol Hill legislation. Click here to view a copy of the newsletter.

Annual Management Conference. Held in a beautiful location (e.g., Park City, UT; San Diego; Tucson, AZ), the Annual Management Conference is an opportunity for specialty manufacturers to spend three days with current and potential distributor/rep partners. Educational sessions are top-class, presented by leaders in their fields. Recent topics have included GPOs and innovative technologies, forming effective dealer advisory panels, hiring the right salespeople for your company, and defining the value of new medical technology for your customers. Manufacturers find that being in a seminar setting with distributors and reps enhances their understanding of the issues their partners face. (Incidentally, specialty distributors and reps find the same thing to be true.) Learning occurs not just from listening to Conference speakers, but also by engaging in informal “back-and-forths” with others in the room. What’s more, informal networking takes place between sessions, during evening events and on the golf course. The Conference is a place where long-lasting relationships are born.

Manufacturers Forum. The Manufacturers Forum, held in conjunction with the Annual Management Conference, offers manufacturers an opportunity to demonstrate their products and discuss business opportunities with people who can build their market – all in one room, over the course of just a few hours. It’s the only forum in the industry that brings together specialty sales and marketing companies and manufacturers of innovative devices. Allied members enjoy a discount on participating at the Forum.

Gain access to medical product liability insurance. IMDA has a preferred provider relationship with Hamilton Resources Corporation, the exclusive underwriter for and a business affiliate of Medmarc Casualty and Noetic Specialty Insurance Company. Medmarc is IMDA’s preferred provider of medical products liability coverage. Further, through Medmarc’s strategic alliance with The Hartford, IMDA members have access to general liability, property, business income interruption, workers compensation and automobile insurance protection. (Note that the agreement does not mean that IMDA members are obligated to buy insurance from Medmarc and/or The Hartford. Nor does it mean that IMDA members are guaranteed Medmarc and/or The Hartford coverage or continuing coverage if accepted.) Why Medmarc? Because since its founding by medical technology companies in 1979, Medmarc has focused on providing stable and predictable product liability insurance for medical device companies. It’s worth your while to check out Medmarc.

Legal counsel from someone who knows your business. Kramer and Kramer LLP has served as IMDA’s legal counsel since the association was founded. And with good reason. Mitchell Kramer and his partner, Barbara Kramer, specialize in handling legal matters unique to sales representatives and distributors, and the manufacturers with whom they work. IMDA members routinely call Kramer and Kramer for advice on contracts, antitrust issues, the acquisition and sale of businesses, and employee issues. Meet the firm’s partners at the Annual Conference, and take advantage of the IMDA-member discount on Kramer and Kramer’s services throughout the year.

A venue for your annual sales meeting. Consider holding your sales meeting immediately before or after the Annual Management Conference, where your key distributors or reps will already be gathered.

An opportunity to become part of a larger voice in the specialty medical industry. Your interests run parallel to those of specialty sales and marketing companies. Join forces with others in the industry and see what you can accomplish together.

So print out the membership application, fill it out and mail it with your check to: