FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 2, 2009

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

ATLANTA — The Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association (HCEA) 2009 Healthcare Convention Marketing Summit drew 261 attendees, its largest crowd ever, with sessions on the recently revised PhRMA and AdvaMed Codes, and a live panel of healthcare professionals discussing their views of healthcare exhibitions.  The meeting was held January 22, 2009, at the Hyatt Harborside at Boston’s Logan International Airport.

The healthcare professional panel discussion gave attendees candid insight on how physicians make decisions about visiting the exhibit hall and particular exhibits.  The panelists also shared their views on what would make the exhibit floor easier to navigate and ultimately a more effective use of their time.

The morning breakouts featured standing-room-only crowds learning directly from PhRMA and AdvaMed attorneys about the recent updates to their organizations’ marketing codes.  The meeting also featured an interactive panel discussion of both the PhRMA and AdvaMed Codes, and a presentation of HCEA’s 2009 HCEA State of the Healthcare Convention Industry Report.

“Even in a challenging economy, the healthcare convention marketing and exhibitions industry remains resilient, and the attendance at the 2009 HCEA Summit demonstrated this,” said Eric Allen, HCEA Executive Vice President.  “Live meetings remain unparalleled for the learning opportunities they provide, and the Summit illustrated that.”

HCEA thanks its 2009 Summit sponsors: Platinum Sponsor: Exhibitgroup/Giltspur; Gold Sponsors: 3D Exhibits, Inc., Hill & Partners, Inc., Impact Unlimited, National MicroRentals, PHOTOSOUND and Sho-Aids, Inc.; Silver Sponsors: Ascend Media, PMSI – Professional Marketing Services, Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp. and Willwork Exhibits and Events, Inc.; Bronze Sponsors: Blue Telescope, Cal Ostlund Exhibits, Convention Models and Talent, Inc., H.B. Stubbs, Live Marketing and Stran & Company; and President’s Circle Sponsors: Marketech, Inc., Nichols Display Group, Inc. and On Location.

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.