FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 25, 2006

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

ATLANTA - According to a new study conducted jointly by the Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association (HCEA) and Pri-Med, exhibits are the number one source of education for new healthcare technology products and services. Additionally, for pharmaceutical products, learning at exhibits is preferred over peer interaction and medical journal advertising.

The results of the HCEA/Pri-Med study are a must-see for all healthcare exhibit marketers, and will be presented at HCEA's 2006 Annual Meeting, to be held June 24 - 27, at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Over 50 premier educational workshops featuring topics including the Canadian Code of Conduct, new exhibit hall brand awareness research, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and an association/industry exchange will be on tap at HCEA's 2006 Annual Meeting. The HCEA Annual Meeting is the only event that concentrates exclusively on the needs of healthcare exhibit marketers and healthcare exhibition managers.

With the theme "An Ocean of Discovery," this year's HCEA Annual Meeting will continue to provide in-depth education on a wide variety of topics. Topics covered include education for each segment of the healthcare convention marketing field, from the pharma, medical device or association perspective, to educational sessions on personal development, results measurement/ROI and exhibiting essentials.

Specially designed sessions range from introductory workshops for professionals new to the industry to highly specialized sessions offering continued instruction for industry veterans. The keynote speaker, Mike Rayburn, combines his Carnegie Hall performance experience and professional motivation insight to help professionals excel and get the most out of their lives and careers.

Additionally, the HCEA Exhibition features seven 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.

Both HCEA members and non-members are welcome to attend HCEA's Annual Meeting. Early birds registering before May 26, 2006, can take advantage of discounted rates. The headquarters hotel for the 2006 HCEA Annual Meeting is the Harbor Beach Marriott. 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.