FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 25, 2003

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

Top-Notch Speakers Give Detailed Analyses of AdvaMed Code, Regulatory Developments and More

ATLANTA - This one's for the record books: A total of 727 healthcare convention marketing professionals-the most ever for an HCEA event-came to realize their "visions to succeed" by participating in HCEA's 2003 Annual Meeting, June 7-10, in Palm Springs, Calif.

Attendees had the unique opportunity to learn from two of the creators of the AdvaMed Code, which deals with device manufacturers' activities to educate healthcare professionals about the use of medical technology. Elizabeth Carder-Thompson, partner, Reed Smith LLP, and Kristine Rapp, associate general counsel, Baxter Healthcare, spoke to a rapt audience about the implications of the AdvaMed Code and discussed some of the differences between the AdvaMed Code and the PhRMA Code, which covers pharmaceutical companies' interactions with healthcare professionals.

"The buzz in the air during the AdvaMed Code workshop was representative of the overall excitement throughout this year's Annual Meeting," said Eric Allen, executive director of HCEA. "We had relevant workshops, great interactions on the exhibit floor and quality networking opportunities, all of which created a palpable sense of enthusiasm among the attendees. The healthcare convention marketing industry has been through a lot this past year, and this meeting served as an important resource for leading the industry through these challenging times."

The Palm Springs Convention Center was the venue for the HCEA Annual Meeting, which was themed "A Vision to Succeed." The headquarters hotels were the Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel and the Hilton Palm Springs Resort. The program included 32 educational workshops concentrating on issues including PhRMA Code-friendly promotions, continuing medical education (CME), improving relations between associations and industry, hotel contract negotiations, technology and current trends in exhibit design and graphics.

Additionally, a hilariously inspiring keynote address from Larry Winget, billed as the "Pitbull of Personal Development," gave attendees a shot in the arm of straightforward advice for getting ahead. Plus, Lucy Rose, president of Lucy Rose & Associates and former head of the Division of Drug Marketing, Advertising and Communications (DDMAC), Food and Drug Administration, always a popular HCEA speaker, brought attendees up to date on regulatory developments from the past year's roller-coaster ride in the industry. Other important features of the Annual Meeting were networking events including an evening at the Palm Springs Air Museum "Stage Door Canteen" and the "Thanks for the Memories" Closing Reception and Gala.

The HCEA Exhibition sold out again this year, with 114 exhibitors. The list of products and services exhibited covered the gamut of industry offerings including general service contractors, exhibit builders and designers, destination management firms, CVBs, I&D companies, hotels, interactive technology companies and freight carriers.

Another highlight of the meeting was the presentation to Marianne Yeager, professional programs manager at GlaxoSmithKline in Philadelphia, of the prestigious HCEA Distinguished Service Award. Yeager was recognized for her years in the healthcare convention marketing industry and her committed involvement in HCEA, including a term as HCEA President from 1995 to 1996 and her participation as a member of the HCEA Board of Directors for 12 years.

HCEA's next Annual Meeting will be held June 12-15, 2004, in Austin, Texas, at the Austin Convention Center. The headquarters hotel will be the Austin Hilton. For more information on the 2004 Annual Meeting, stay tuned to the HCEA Web site at www.hcea.org, or contact HCEA headquarters at (404) 252-3663; fax (404) 252-0774; or e-mail at hcea@kellencompany.com.

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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