ATLANTA - Jim Hladnik, Manager, Medical Convention Marketing, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Ill., was named President of the Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association (HCEA) for 2004-2005. Hladnik was officially installed as HCEA President during the HCEA 2004 Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas, June 12-15.

During his speech at the Annual Meeting, Hladnik said, "We're all in the education business. Whether we create an exhibit, plan a meeting or organize an entire convention, our goal is to help medical professionals learn. But as we all know, there are many forms of medical education out there, all competing for clinicians' eyes and ears. . We need more than the eyes and ears of healthcare professionals. We need them in person, attending our events. . That's why we have to work smarter, plan smarter and execute smarter than our competitors. HCEA helps us all get smarter."

Regarding HCEA, Hladnik said, "I don't know of any other group in healthcare where medical product and equipment companies, associations and suppliers come together to work as closely as we do. I believe that by continuing to work together, HCEA can help us all add value . for our companies and associations . for the healthcare professionals who attend our meetings and conventions . and for our own professional development."

Hladnik's experience spans more than 31 years of both marketing and sales positions with pharmaceutical and consumer-related companies. For the past 16 years he has been responsible for developing both trade and consumer related exhibit strategies in North America. Hladnik currently manages medical conventions for the Pharmaceutical Products Division of Abbott Laboratories.

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

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