FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 27, 2009

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

ATLANTA — Creating resourceful marketing strategies in a challenging economy, complying with the latest healthcare marketing laws and regulations and the latest industry research will be among the more than 60 topics covered at the 2009 Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association (HCEA) Annual Meeting, to be held June 13-16 in Tampa at the Tampa Convention Center.

The meeting, themed “Waves of Change,” will offer educational sessions featuring critical industry issues ranging from the latest perspectives on the PhRMA and AdvaMed Codes and updates on marketing laws affecting the healthcare conventions field, to economizing your exhibit program and global healthcare exhibiting. HCEA has organized the workshops into thirteen learning tracks:

• Pharma
• Medical Device
• Association-Specific
• Senior-Level/Advanced
• Budgeting
• Regulatory and Compliance
• Marketing Strategies and Tactics
• Global
• Case Studies
• Measurement
• Exhibit Logistics and Planning
• Meeting and Event Planning
• Personal Development

Steve Donahue, a world-class adventurer who crossed the Sahara, will present a keynote address focused on succeeding in a constantly changing environment. The Annual Meeting will also feature the unique HCEA Exhibition, which highlights the healthcare convention marketing and exhibitions industry’s most inventive and cost-effective products and services. In addition, the meeting will offer the industry’s best networking events for healthcare convention and exhibitions professionals.

“The 2009 HCEA Annual Meeting will provide attendees with the healthcare-specific solutions they need to navigate through the latest industry developments,” said Karen Prieto, HCEA President and Director, Convention Marketing & Meeting Services, Forest Laboratories, Inc. “As I do every year, I plan to take full advantage of HCEA’s powerful Annual Meeting educational program for information that will be beneficial in succeeding in today’s challenging environment.”

The HCEA Annual Meeting also offers attendees the opportunity to earn continuing education units that apply toward the Certified Manager of Exhibits – Healthcare (CME/H) and Certified Manager of Exhibits (CME) professional designations.

The HCEA Annual Meeting is open to both HCEA members and non-members. Super Saver registration before April 10, 2009, is at greatly discounted rates. The headquarters hotel for the 2009 HCEA Annual Meeting is the Tampa Marriott Waterside. For more information or to register, visit the HCEA website 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 organizations involved in healthcare exhibitions and conventions.