A record attendance of 286 MedTech professionals, academics and government representatives logged into the MedTech21 Virtual Conference from 17 – 19 November 2021 to witness the largest event MTAA has ever delivered. Despite the challenges faced from Government restrictions imposed because of the pandemic, the event broadcast a successful 3-day program featuring key leaders and influencers across the industry, government and academia to discuss the issues affecting MedTech.

Twenty-three sessions were covered with over forty presenters sharing their knowledge and insights covering themes on politics, Prostheses List, health technology assessment, regulatory issues and many more. Day one opened with a political session featuring the newly formed Parliamentary Friends of MedTech panellists Milton Dick MP and Dr Katie Allen MP. They were joined by Senator Perin Davey presenting their views on the upcoming federal election and the dynamic operating environment ahead for the industry. The remainder of the day continued with on Prostheses List discussions on reform overview and updates, benefit review processes and methodology, and scope & rewards. The discussions featured appearances from consumer and patient groups, private hospitals, AOA, IHPA, MedTech policy professionals and the Department. 

Day two kicked off with the role of the patient voice in health technology assessment followed by concurrent sessions from John Skerrit’s TGA update and a media update on the changing policy and policy environment. Further discussions continued throughout the day with sessions on digital health with emphasis on increased EQ and IQ, the importance of clinical trials in Australia, value-based procurement, benefits of workplace diversity and an update from MedTech Europe wrapped up the remaining sessions for the day.

Day three continued with FDA opening on their update into the US regulatory landscape, followed by an intriguing group discussion on the importance of advocacy work featuring a variety of MTAA members. Building a cyber community to protect healthcare drew in a large crowd as well as the session on navigating the journey of product commercialisation from R&D to deployment. MTAA Chair, Maurice Ben-Mayor wrapped up the event, signing off on the challenges we face as an industry during uncertain times and congratulated industry for rising up to the occasion of keeping Australia safe and healthy. This formed a neat segue into the Australia MedTech Industry Awards which followed.