FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 7, 2009

CONTACT: Jennifer Palcher-Silliman (404) 252-3663

ATLANTA – Groundbreaking new industry research on physicians’ attitudes toward healthcare marketing and on the future of healthcare exhibit halls, the latest legislative and regulatory developments and a challenging economy were notable educational highlights of the 2009 Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association (HCEA) Annual Meeting, June 13-16, in Tampa.  Held at the Tampa Convention Center, the meeting featured a total attendance of 722 participants. 

A high point of the Annual Meeting program, themed “Waves of Change,” was the debut of a new study by researchers at the University of Mississippi that found physicians show less skepticism toward information received at medical exhibits than other methods of healthcare marketing.  Another key standout was the presentation of new HCEA research on how medical professionals would design the healthcare exhibit hall of the future. 

Other issues such as the recently revised PhRMA and AdvaMed Codes, state and local laws influencing healthcare convention marketing practices, economizing and benchmarking healthcare exhibiting programs, globalization and professional development were thoroughly explored at the HCEA Annual Meeting.  Also, the keynote address was presented by Steve Donahue, a world-class adventurer who crossed the Sahara Desert, whose message of succeeding in a constantly changing environment fit perfectly with the current business climate. 

Additionally, HCEA’s sold out Exhibition featured 120 creative and cutting-edge exhibitors.  The Exhibition also featured the Personalized Electronic Education Center (PEEC), an environmentally friendly resource that allowed attendees to download or e-mail to themselves workshop presentations.  Other meeting highlights included industry networking events that displayed the unique culture of Tampa.

In addition, HCEA’s 2009-2010 Board of Directors was announced, with Nancy Hoppe, CME/H, Associate Director, Global Congress and Convention Management, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, installed as HCEA President.  Pat Friedlander, President, Word-Up!, was honored with the HCEA Distinguished Service Award to acknowledge her decades of service in the healthcare convention marketing industry and her dedication to HCEA.

“The healthcare convention marketing and exhibitions industry is working through an intense environment in terms both of legal and regulatory compliance, as well as documenting the value of conventions,” said Eric Allen, HCEA Executive Vice President.  “HCEA’s membership recognizes the HCEA Annual Meeting as the place to learn about these and other developments, all in an energizing setting ideal for building a solid career base.”

The next HCEA Annual Meeting will be held June 26-29, 2010, in New Orleans.  For more information on the 2010 Annual Meeting, please continue to visit the HCEA website at www.hcea.org for the most current information, or contact HCEA headquarters at (404) 252-3663; fax (404) 252-0774; or e-mail at hcea@kellencompany.com.

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