FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 20, 2010

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

ATLANTA – Joyce Banister, Associate Director, Advertising Resources, Bristol-Myers Squibb, was presented with the Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association (HCEA) Distinguished Service Award during the 2010 HCEA Annual Meeting, June 26-29, in New Orleans. 

The award, HCEA’s highest form of recognition, was given to Banister for her more than 20 years of service in the healthcare convention marketing and exhibitions industry and her dedication to HCEA.  She has served HCEA as President and as a member of the Board of Directors, and has presented numerous educational workshops at HCEA meetings.  In particular, she has contributed significantly to HCEA’s activities in the area of global healthcare exhibiting.

Banister’s professional achievements also include her notable success in globalizing her exhibit program, her early adoption of innovative techniques for measuring exhibiting effectiveness and her experience with improving lead quality.  In addition, she has served on the exhibitors advisory councils for many healthcare associations.

HCEA established the Distinguished Service Award to recognize individuals who have made major contributions to the association and/or the healthcare convention marketing and exhibitions industry throughout the years.  The award is not necessarily presented every year, but only when HCEA’s Nominating Committee and Board of Directors determine that there is an eligible candidate.

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.