ATLANTA - Marianne Yeager, Professional Programs Manager at GlaxoSmithKline in Philadelphia, will be presented with HCEA's Distinguished Service Award during the 2003 Annual Meeting of the Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association (HCEA), June 7-10 in Palm Springs, Calif.

The award, HCEA's highest form of recognition, will be given to Yeager to recognize her more than 30 years in the healthcare convention marketing industry and her committed involvement in HCEA. Yeager has worked in numerous volunteer capacities with HCEA, including a term as HCEA President from 1995 to 1996. Yeager has served as a member of the HCEA Board of Directors for 12 years, chaired the HCEA Annual Meeting Committee, served as Secretary and Treasurer of HCEA, headed the Association/Industry Partnering Committee from 2001 to 2003 and the Technology Committee from 1993 to 1997 and acted as HCEA's liaison to the PCMA Housing Committee for two years.

Yeager has been with GlaxoSmithKline in the exhibit marketing area for over 30 years. She is currently Professional Programs Manager, with responsibility for compliance and management of key policies and procedures for physician-attended meetings for the Neuroscience Division.

HCEA established the Distinguished Service Award to recognize individuals who have made a major contribution to the association and/or the healthcare convention and exhibition industry throughout the years. The award is not necessarily presented every year, but only when HCEA's Nominating Committee and Board of Directors determines 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 more than 700 member organizations involved in healthcare exhibitions and conventions.

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