ATLANTA - Joyce Banister, Associate Director of Advertising Resources, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, N.J., was named President of the Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association (HCEA) for 2003-2004. Banister was officially installed as HCEA President during the HCEA 2003 Annual Meeting in Palm Springs, Calif., June 7-10.

During her speech at the Annual Meeting, Banister emphasized the educational, industry networking and marketing benefits of HCEA. She told attendees, "You have an opportunity to be a strategic resource to your company by simply becoming the expert in your field." She urged participants to take advantage of HCEA resources to develop their visions for success. Banister also advised her listeners to view the recent changes and challenges in the industry as opportunities for growth.

Banister also said to attendees, "As your 2003-2004 President of HCEA, I charge the newcomers to take advantage of mentoring programs and to draw on HCEA resources to develop your vision for success. For our new, current and longtime participants, share your experiences-both positive and negative-with your peers, me and the Board; we are our own best resource. Our job is to be proactive, not reactive."

Throughout her 17-year career at Bristol-Myers Squibb, Banister has led a team providing overall exhibit support and planned and managed executive training programs, convention orientations, CME events, symposia, domestic and international conventions, professional marketing and professional advertising. She holds a bachelor's degree in Marketing from Rutgers University School of Business.

HCEA is the only association solely dedicated to improving the effectiveness of all conventions, meetings and exhibitions for the healthcare industry. HCEA represents more than 700 member organizations involved in healthcare exhibitions and conventions.

- 30 -