FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 15, 2008

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

ATLANTA —The ever-shifting regulatory environment and the growing impact globalization has on the medical meetings field were two of many high-level topics participants delved into at the Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association’s (HCEA’s) 2008 Annual Meeting, held June 21-24, in Salt Lake City.  Held at the Calvin L. Rampton Salt Palace Convention Center, the meeting featured a record number of first-time attendees, at 208.  The total meeting attendance was 752 participants – the second highest attendance for an HCEA Annual Meeting.

Several new industry research reports were debuted at the meeting, and other workshop topics included pharmaceutical- and medical device-related case studies, healthcare association-specific sessions, medical event planning sessions and exhibiting essentials training.  HCEA’s keynote address was delivered by The Water Coolers, a sketch comedy and music troupe, that lampooned everyday work peeves like crowded airplanes and regulatory issues.

In addition, the HCEA Exhibition had 114 exhibitors showcasing the latest technologies, products and services for the healthcare convention marketing industry.  Also, attendees took part in valuable networking events that showcased the sophistication of Salt Lake City.

Additionally, HCEA’s 2008-2009 Board of Directors was announced, with Karen Prieto, Director, Convention Marketing & Meeting Services, Forest Laboratories, Inc., installed as HCEA President.

“HCEA’s membership recognized the need for training that will prepare them for the increasing challenges they face in this industry right now – increased regulatory and legislative scrutiny, the economic downturn, travel pressures – and they turned out in force at HCEA this year to get it,” said Eric Allen, HCEA Executive Vice President.  “Having this training in a beautiful and sophisticated setting like Salt Lake City was an added bonus.”

HCEA’s 2009 Annual Meeting will be held June 13-16, in Tampa.  For more information on the 2009 Annual Meeting, please continue to visit the HCEA website at www.hcea.org for the most current information, 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 organizations involved in healthcare exhibitions and conventions.