TAMPA, Fla. – Karen Prieto, outgoing president of the Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association (HCEA), passed the gavel to Nancy Hoppe at HCEA’s Annual Meeting, ushering in another year of commitment to championing the healthcare exhibiting industry.

This year’s meeting, held June 13-16 in Tampa, surprised everyone with its robust numbers. Approximately 720 attended the meeting of the association, which represents the needs and concerns of  exhibit managers at healthcare companies, healthcare associations, and suppliers to the industry.

A combination of education and networking, the HCEA gathering used the resources at both the Tampa Convention Center and the Tampa Marriott Waterside. Thoughtful and provocative sessions included the first part of an HCEA research program on the future of the exhibit hall. This research elicited feedback from the target market of healthcare professionals, and the results could have far reaching effects.

Keynote speaker Steve Donahue’s presentation, “Follow a Compass, Not a Map,” connected his travel experiences, which included traveling through the Sahara to navigating personal journeys in a constantly changing environment. Sessions on regulatory issues, technology, the results of research, and measurement plus seminars that focused on global exhibit marketing were well attended.

One of the more popular personal development sessions, “Movin’ on Up,” presented a free-flowing discussion of career issues confronting people under 40. There were offerings targeted to every level of experience and expertise.

On Sunday night, June 14, Tampa Bay and Company hosted a networking event at a venue near the convention center called Splitsville. Offering bowling, pool, an eclectic buffet and a floorplan that promoted both conversation and movement, the Splitsville event garnered rave reviews from attendees.

An after party signaled the end of the annual meeting. Sponsored by Sho-Aids, the party featured Caribbean-style food, dancing lessons and other activities to help attendees transition back to work.

For more information about HCEA, visit www.hcea.org.