FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 15, 2005

CONTACT:
David Layman
(404) 252-3663

ATLANTA — A whopping 70 percent increase in educational sessions will be the hallmark of HCEA’s 2005 Annual Meeting to be held June 4 – 7, at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. The Annual Meeting is the only event that concentrates exclusively on the needs of healthcare exhibit marketers and healthcare exhibition managers.

With the theme “Unmask Your Potential,” this year’s Annual Meeting also marks HCEA’s 75th year as the premier resource for healthcare exhibition and marketing professionals.

Topics covered in educational workshops run the gamut and include something for each segment of the healthcare exhibiting field, from the pharma, medical device or association perspective, to educational sessions on personal development, results measurement/ROI or exhibiting essentials.

Sessions range from introductory workshops to highly specialized educational sessions offering continued instruction for veterans of the industry. The keynote speaker, Emory Austin, appropriately provides motivation and insight on keeping up and excelling in a rapidly changing business climate.

Additionally, the HCEA Exhibition has been expanded this year to include eight unopposed hours where attendees can research the newest ideas, services and products in the industry.

The HCEA Annual Meeting also provides attendees the opportunity to earn Continuing Education Units that apply toward the Certified Manager of Exhibits (CME) professional designation. The Certified Manager of Exhibits program was developed by the Trade Show Exhibitors Association and is endorsed by HCEA.

"This is the best bargain in the industry. This year, attendees will get more healthcare-specific educational opportunities than has ever been offered before, along with tremendous networking opportunities," said HCEA Executive Vice President Eric Allen. "And it will be an excellent opportunity for our members to celebrate HCEA’s 75 years of continued excellence in the healthcare marketing industry."

Both HCEA members and non-members are welcome to attend HCEA’s Annual Meeting. Early birds registering before May 2, 2005 can take advantage of greatly discounted rates. The headquarters hotel for the 2005 HCEA Annual Meeting is the Fairmont New Orleans. For more information or to register, visit the HCEA Web site at www.hcea.org or call (404) 252-3663.

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.