Bigger, enhanced Medical Manufacturing Innovations Toronto 2012 returns October 24-25

There’s plenty of room for growth and innovation in the thriving worldwide medical device industry, but there’s also work to be done if Canadian companies are going to sustain a place in it. That’s the message from organizers of Medical Manufacturing Innovations Toronto 2012 (MMI Toronto 2012), Canada’s only dedicated medical and dental manufacturing show that returns to Toronto October 24-25, bigger and better than before.

“Canada’s aging population will increasingly rely on medical innovations like joint replacements and dental implants to retain a high quality of life,” said Janine Saperson, Event Manager for the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), organizer of the event. “New innovations in the production of these technologies are essential for businesses looking to increase presence in this market or charter new territory, and Medical Manufacturing Innovations Toronto 2012 offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to obtain the tools and knowledge necessary to make these innovations possible.”

WHAT: Medical Manufacturing Innovations Toronto 2012 (MMI Toronto 2012)

WHEN: Wednesday, October 24 – Thursday, October 25

WHERE: International Centre, Mississauga, Ontario

Lauralyn McDaniel, Medical Industry Manager for SME, explains that medical and dental manufacturing is a burgeoning sector represented by a highly diversified group of companies ranging from small start-ups to large, mature firms. “This is a market that is expected to grow to more than $7 billion by 2014, fuelled by the need to support aging populations, the resulting chronic disease incidence and an increased demand for quality of life solutions,” she says, noting that MMI Toronto 2012 aims to be the “go to” event for device manufacturers looking for innovative ways to respond. “The industry is not without its hurdles, however, which is why events like MMI Toronto 2012 are so important,” she added.

In a recent survey conducted by SME, North American manufacturers of medical and dental devices indicated that they face many innovation challenges, including how to get products to market quickly, attain necessary engineering resources, meet stringent regulatory requirements, and justify the value of improvements compared to the time and resources required to achieve them. At MMI Toronto 2012, they will learn about the latest technologies and solutions available to help address those challenges, and will have an unprecedented opportunity to network with industry peers, government officials and key medical and dental device professionals, McDaniel explained.

Building on the success of its inaugural event in 2010, MMI Toronto 2012 has grown substantially, offering significantly more exhibits and educational sessions than before. “As Canada’s only event to focus solely on medical devices, MMI Toronto 2012 brings together a unique combination of suppliers who are familiar with Health Canada and other regulatory processes and puts them in direct contact with the device manufacturers who can support them in achieving those requirements,” she said.

The Canadian medical and dental device industry employs 35,000 people across 1,500 companies, generating an estimated $6 billion in annual sales. The vast majority of activity takes place in Ontario and Quebec and is concentrated on cardiovascular devices, medical imaging, in vitro diagnostics, dental and assistive devices and home healthcare products.

Tailored to the needs of medical manufacturers and suppliers, including all aspects of the device supply chain, MMI Toronto 2012 will feature:

· Qualified Exhibitor Pavilion: A specially-designed area presenting vendors who are qualified to address guidelines and regulations required by Health Canada, and are well-positioned to help businesses find real solutions to their challenges.

· Med Tech Lab: Interactive sessions that take place right on the show floor, giving attendees a firsthand look at new industry developments, as well as the opportunity for one-on-one interaction with suppliers.

· Discovery Track: A dynamic series of panel discussions presented by industry experts, geared towards understanding current innovation challenges.

In addition to showcasing new manufacturing technologies, MMI Toronto 2012 will focus on outsourcing strategies, innovation challenges and solutions, ways to navigate through the regulatory environment, and new developments in inspection and validation technologies. Featured application areas include: pharmaceuticals, medical and assistive devices, biotechnology, advanced materials, microelectronics, telecommunications, software and informatics.

For more information about MMI Toronto 2012, visit www.mmitoronto.com.