FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 10, 2009

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

ATLANTA – Pat Friedlander, President, Word-Up!, was presented with the Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association (HCEA) Distinguished Service Award during the 2009 HCEA Annual Meeting, June 13–16, in Tampa.

The award, HCEA’s highest form of recognition, was given to Friedlander to recognize her nearly 20 years of service in the healthcare convention marketing and exhibitions industry and her dedication to HCEA.  Since joining HCEA in 1990, Friedlander has actively served on HCEA’s Annual Meeting Committee, contributing significantly to HCEA’s curriculum development, and has presented educational workshops at HCEA educational meetings including sessions focused on global exhibiting issues.  In addition, she has served on HCEA’s Marketing and Public Relations Committee and Exhibitors Advisory Council, and has written numerous articles for HCEA.

Friedlander has also written articles for a variety of other convention industry and healthcare publications, served on advisory councils for convention industry associations and presented educational sessions at industry events.

HCEA established the Distinguished Service Award to recognize individuals who have made major contributions to the association and/or the healthcare convention marketing and exhibitions industry throughout the years.  The award is not necessarily presented every year, but only when HCEA’s Nominating Committee and Board of Directors determine 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 organizations involved in healthcare exhibitions and conventions.