How quickly time passes when you're having fun! In just over two and a half decades, restorative dental technology has undergone phenomenal transformation. It's been our job—and our privilege—to report these changes and offer sound business advice for coping with them to dental laboratory decision-makers of every size and type.
LMT Communications, Inc., was founded in mid-1984 as Dental Lab Publications, Inc., by Judy Fishman. The initial goal of the company was to create an indispensable business strategies magazine for dental laboratory decision-makers. LMT, or Lab Management Today, published its first issue that September. Each issue is formulated to combine management insights, marketing strategies, business "how-to's," product updates and educational opportunities in an easy-to-implement format that helps readers meet everyday business-building challenges.
Early on, the company established itself as a market leader reporting statistics based on its innovative and informative in-house research. Our reputation as the "go-to" source for facts and figures has been built through our much-anticipated biennial WAGE and FEE surveys, our ground-breaking CROWN EXPERIMENTS and STATE of the INDUSTRY updates.
The editorial team—always on the phone and at industry events—keeps readers abreast of trends and ahead of the curve. In fact, almost all of LMT's articles are written by members of the staff, not by outside authors.
The Formation of LAB DAY
Recognizing a strong need for networking and recognition among members of the community, Fishman sought ways to bring technicians together for an exchange of information and ideas. At the same time, manufacturers, eager to offer programs targeted specifically for laboratories, were looking for opportunities to do so during the Chicago Mid-Winter meeting. Conditions were perfect for the creation of LMT's LAB DAY which made its debut in February 1985.
What began with 31 exhibitors and about 400 attendees has grown to 200 exhibitors and over 3000 attendees. LAB DAY has become the industry's most comprehensive, most highly attended trade show in the history of North America drawing attendance from all over the world.
In 1991, LAB DAY WEST made its debut in Anaheim, California. Considered primarily a regional program, it has become the second largest dental laboratory trade show in the country with attendance of well over 1500 since 2003.
To celebrate the coming of the new millennium, LMT introduced Technology 2000, a State-of-the-Industry research presentation and trade show, held in New York City at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. The response from attendees, who welcomed a show in the heart of New York City, was so positive, that LAB DAY EAST was born and continues to build its presence on the east coast with close to 1,000 attendees every spring, making it the third largest show in our community.
LMT has built its reputation — with integrity and sincerity as key guiding principles — by meeting the needs of its market. Our highly visible team spirit is a strong contributing factor in our ability to provide creative and practical strategies for helping dental laboratory operators develop successful businesses.
Because of our numerous surveys, excellent editorial content and the close relationship we have with both readers and suppliers, readers confirm they turn to LMT for information because we have our finger on the pulse of the market.