FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 29, 2010

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

ATLANTA — The Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association (HCEA) will reach out to New Orleans through charitable activities and other events during the 2010 HCEA Annual Meeting, June 26-29.

On Saturday, June 26, HCEA Annual Meeting attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a volunteer event to assist the Beacon of Hope, an organization that helps homeowners in post-Katrina New Orleans rebuild their homes and provides a sanctuary to neighbors looking for a way back home.  Annual Meeting registrants will have the option to donate $5 to Beacon of Hope at the same time they register, as well.

Proceeds from a raffle held in the HCEA Exhibition will also be donated both to Beacon of Hope and to Habitat for Humanity, an organization that strives to provide affordable housing for those in need.  Additionally, a subcommittee of HCEA’s Annual Meeting Committee has set up a website that allows attendees and others in the industry to donate items to The University of New Orleans (UNO) Children's Center. 

Furthermore, HCEA will donate extra food to a New Orleans food bank and leftover exhibitor materials to a local school district, and attendees will learn about other local New Orleans charities as part of a special breakfast program.  HCEA is also encouraging its exhibitors to implement charity give-back programs.

“This year as HCEA celebrates 80 years of service to the healthcare convention marketing and exhibitions industry, I am proud that we will celebrate with our hearts by giving back to a great city and friend of ours, New Orleans,” said Karen Kingston, CME/H, CMP, HCEA President-Elect and Exhibits & Meetings Manager, B. Braun Medical, Inc.

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.