FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 9, 2010

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

ATLANTA — Healthcare conventions have weathered the economic storm better than other sectors of the convention industry and are likely to continue to do so, according to new research presented at the 2010 Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association (HCEA) Healthcare Convention Marketing Summit, held January 14, 2010, in Philadelphia.  The meeting drew 218 participants, the second highest attendance for an HCEA Summit, and was held at the Sheraton Society Hill Hotel in Philadelphia.

The opening session of the Summit featured recent healthcare convention and exhibit marketing trends, including research showing that healthcare conventions have seen less of a decline in attendance than other areas of the convention industry, and that the outlook for healthcare conventions indicates attendance may start improving as early as late 2010.  This session was presented by Dr. Bill Trombetta, Professor of Pharmaceutical Marketing, St. Joseph's University, and Skip Cox, Chief Executive Officer & President, Exhibit Surveys, Inc.  In addition, another session featured results from HCEA’s research on the future of the healthcare exhibit hall, demonstrating models of what the healthcare exhibition and exhibit of the future might look like.

Other sessions at the Summit focused on research exploring physician skepticism of different marketing methods, new green meetings standards, recent research about the travel industry, improving communications strategies and an open forum discussion between associations and industry.

HCEA thanks its 2010 Summit sponsors:  Platinum Sponsor: Exhibitgroup/Giltspur; Gold Sponsors:  3D Exhibits, Inc., PSAV Presentation Services and Sho-Aids, Inc.; Silver Sponsors: Ascend Media, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp., Pictura Graphics and PMSI – Professional Marketing Services, Inc.; Bronze Sponsors: Blue Telescope, Convention Models & Talent, Inc., Live Marketing, Lynch Exhibits, Visual Communications and Willwork Exhibit & Event Services; and President’s Circle Sponsors: Cal Ostlund Exhibits, Eagle Management Group, Inc., Exhibit Source, Inc.; Marketech, Inc. and On Location.

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.