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Schedule A DemoOver the years, I’ve been to many different conferences and trade shows, but nothing comes close to Chicago Midwinter. Vendors, educators, influencers, new products—everything you can imagine is here. During COVID, there was a fear that in-person national meetings would no longer be popular, and I’ll admit I shared that fear. But in 2025, I’m happy to report that in-person meetings are alive and strong.
If you’ve never been to Midwinter, this is where you’ll see both well-established companies and emerging ones. Any new product in the United States is usually launched here. Another strong indicator for me is the attendance of company owners, founders, and CEOs. I can’t imagine any dental company that doesn’t prioritize these 2–3 days each year.
If you’re a dentist, you get the chance to experience innovation firsthand and talk directly with the people who create it. If you’re a vendor, you meet the very people we’d typically call early adopters—those who are excited to try new things.
My last (totally subjective) observation is that most of the current innovation is in technology. Yes, there are breakthroughs in material science, burs, and endodontics, but it feels like we’re iterating on the final 5% of a 100% perfection goal. Meanwhile, in technology—especially software—we’re seeing something incredible: AI agents calling insurance companies to verify coverage or schedule appointments, innovations in X-ray reading to help dentists diagnose more accurately, the Yomi robot placing implants, and microscopes with controls reminiscent of a Sony PlayStation. You really have to be there to try it out!
In conclusion, private practices are very much alive. In-person meetings are stronger than ever. The future is bright!
Tiger
