REHACARE 2024 – The most important platform for rehabilitation, innovation and a future-proof provision of assistive technologies

Düsseldorf, 28 September 2024 – REHACARE 2024, which took place from 25 to 28 September, once again impressively demonstrated why it is the most important international trade fair for rehabilitation and care. As a platform for technological innovations, it brings people, ideas and progress together – and sets clear political impulses. With over 950 international exhibitors from 40 countries and 44,000 visitors from 85 countries, the trade fair was not only a magnet for the entire community, but also a strong signal for the importance of innovative and efficient care. It once again emphasised how essential it is to promote the participation of all people.

“A key element of REHACARE's success is the exchange between different stakeholders: those affected, manufacturers, medical professionals, scientists, funding agencies, medical supply retailers and political decision-makers come together to jointly develop and advance innovative solutions,“ explains Marius Berlemann, Managing Director at Messe Düsseldorf.

“Demographic change and the increasing demand for rehabilitation measures make it clear that innovation and investment in this sector are essential. The international visitor response clearly shows that REHACARE has gained in importance not only in Europe but also internationally. Visitor numbers have returned to pre-pandemic levels and we are looking to a promising future with great optimism,” adds Hannes Niemann, Director of REHACARE.

Highlights of REHACARE 2024

Innovations that move:
The focus of the trade fair was on future-oriented technologies: from robotics and artificial intelligence to new mobility aids. The ongoing digitalisation and technologisation play an increasingly important role in rehabilitation and participation. Robots and digital assistance systems not only support the rehabilitation process, but also enable people with disabilities to participate more actively in working life.

Prominent guests from politics, business and sports

On 26 September 2024, Karl-Josef Laumann, Minister of Labour, Health and Social Affairs of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, also visited REHACARE to get a first-hand impression of the latest innovations in the field of care and rehabilitation.

On 28 September, another highlight was on the programme: a table tennis exhibition match between Borussia Düsseldorf and prominent opponents. With Paralympic medalists such as Valentin Baus and Thomas Schmidberger, as well as Guest of honour Dr Stephan Keller, Lord Mayor of the state capital Düsseldorf and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Messe Düsseldorf,

Interactive forums for knowledge transfer and exchange

More than 100 inspiring expert lectures, product innovations and exciting discussions were presented on the two stages, Meeting Point REHACARE and Product & News @REHACARE.

The new community forum “Together – self-determined – inclusive” and the forum “Medical supply store 2030” offered space for personal stories and innovative approaches. A particular focus was on the opportunities offered by digitalisation, which is fundamentally changing the medical supply trade and patient care, making it more efficient and competitive. Technologies such as 3D scanners enable faster and more precise adaptation of medical aids, which improves the fit and saves time. At the same time, digital tools relieve the burden on specialist staff, leaving more time for personal consultation. In addition, digitalisation optimises workflows and helps to compensate for the shortage of skilled workers.

Experience inclusion in sports live

The Sports Centre in Hall 7, organised by BRSNW, offered inclusive sports for everyone to join in – from sailing to paragliding. The new climbing wall in Hall 7 attracted a lot of attention. The basketball duel with wheelchair basketball bronze medallist Tommy Böhne thrilled the audience and sent a strong signal for inclusion in sports.

Innovations, synergies and success – statements from leading manufacturers

“REHACARE 2024 was once again of great importance for Ottobock. On the first day of the trade fair, we celebrated the world premiere of the new generation of the Exopulse Suit. This innovative medical device can help people with neurological diseases and fibromyalgia to achieve a better quality of life. I was thrilled by the enormous interest shown by visitors, also in our other solutions, and the personal exchanges at our stand. Together we are creating more opportunities for a self-determined life.”
Philipp Hoefer, Managing Director of Ottobock HealthCare Deutschland GmbH

“We really liked the integration of innovations in the fields of robotics, artificial intelligence and exoskeletons in combination with the Start-up Zone in Hall 1. It provided an excellent opportunity to talk to trade visitors and students and created valuable synergies between established companies and young innovators."
Chris Dunker, Senior Sales Manager at Entrance Robotics GmbH

“For us, REHACARE is the central platform for presenting all our innovations. We are thrilled with this year's response and very grateful for the commitment of REHACARE and the excellent service of the trade fair.”
Mela Ikanovic, Vice President Sales & Market Access Europe at Lifeward (formerly ReWalk)

“Rehacare 2024 was a great success for us and provided a valuable opportunity to showcase our innovations. We would like to express our sincere thanks to all visitors, partners and customers who came to our stand in Hall 6 and discussed the future of mobility with us. The positive feedback and intensive dialogue with specialist dealers, health insurance companies, users and industry partners motivate us to continue developing innovative products that improve the quality of life of people with limited mobility“.
Carla Mertens, Director Marketing & Sales Excellence at Sunrise Medical

Rehacare 2025 will take place from 17 to 20 September.

Press contact:
Monika Kühnhenrich-Jacoby
Tel. +49 (0) 211/4560-620
E-mail: KuehnhenrichM@messe-duesseldorf.de

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