FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 26, 2003

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

ATLANTA -- The Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association (HCEA) has issued the following position statement on healthcare exhibition policies that require exhibitors to pay a "sponsorship" fee to conduct marketing activities within their booths:

"HCEA opposes any attempt by a convention organizer to place surcharges, which may be disguised as 'sponsorships,' on activities taking place or services being provided within exhibit booth space at healthcare conventions. HCEA believes this sets a dangerous precedent that amounts to double-charging exhibitors for marketing to convention attendees in space they have already purchased for that purpose. HCEA asserts that exhibitors should be allowed to conduct whatever marketing activities they like--within the organizer's rules for an orderly, fair exhibit hall--without those being subject to any additional 'sponsorship' surcharge."

HCEA has learned that policies to this effect had been put into place by a very small number of healthcare associations. The policies established, for example, that cappuccino/espresso service and smoothie service offered by exhibitors in their booths are "sponsorship" items for which exhibitors must pay a separate fee. This is in addition to the cost of providing the food or beverage itself.

"Clearly, this is about far more than just cappuccino and smoothies," said Eric Allen, Executive Vice President of HCEA. "Charging a sponsorship fee for an activity or service provided by an exhibitor in the exhibit booth violates the entire principle of an exhibit marketing booth. When an exhibiting company buys exhibit space, they are doing so for the express purpose of marketing to the association's attendees. For the association to add a surcharge to that activity is absolutely indefensible."

HCEA is the only association solely dedicated to improving the effectiveness of all conventions, meetings and exhibitions for the healthcare industry. HCEA represents nearly 700 member organizations involved in healthcare exhibitions and conventions.