FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 11, 2008

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

ATLANTA — The real effects of globalization, new research on healthcare convention marketing industry trends , legal and regulatory compliance, the latest industry technology and more will be educational highlights of the 2008 HCEA Annual Meeting, to be held June 21-24 in Salt Lake City at the Salt Palace Convention Center.  The meeting, themed “Reach for the Top,” will feature more than 50 educational workshops organized into eleven tracks for participants to maximize their professional development:

• Global/International
• Legal & Regulatory Compliance
• Medical Device
• Pharma
• Results Measurement/ROI
• Case Studies
• Advanced Seminars
• Association-Specific
• Exhibit Essentials
• Medical Event Planning
• Personal Development

Among the trainers will be Lucy Rose, MBA, PA, Managing Director, Life Sciences, Regulatory and Capital Markets, Deloitte & Touche, LLP, and Kristine Rapp, Vice President, Global Ethics & Compliance, Hospira, Inc., experts in the latest legal and regulatory oversight of healthcare marketing.  Presenters from other leading healthcare companies, including Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Abbott, MEDRAD, Inc., Schering Plough Corporation and Eli Lilly, will also share their expertise.

Also featured will be a keynote address by The Water Coolers, a comedy team who uses sketches and music to provide a humorous look at the work/life balance .  In addition, the HCEA Exhibition will offer attendees an opportunity to learn about the latest products and services to elevate their medical convention marketing programs from the world’s leading exhibit design and technology firms.

The HCEA Annual Meeting also provides 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.  These programs are managed by the Trade Show Exhibitors Association and endorsed by HCEA.

The HCEA Annual Meeting is open to both HCEA members and non-members .  Super Saver registration before April 23, 2008, is at greatly discounted rates.  The headquarters hotel for the 2008 HCEA Annual Meeting is The Grand America Hotel.  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.  For more information visit www.hcea.org.