Conferon’s First Annual Tradeshow Conferon held its first ever tradeshow in conjunction with its 2000 Annual Meeting in Tampa, FL. The tradeshow was held on Monday August 28th in the spectacular new Tampa Convention Center. The Freeman Companies and GES Exposition Services generously agreed to co-sponsor the tradeshow and they provided an incredible experience and environment for our exhibitors. The tradeshow was comprised of Conferon’s Five Year Agreement hotel partners and key partner industry suppliers. We had a total of 182 exhibitors and over 250 individual participants. The exhibitors also participated in our Opening General Session and Reception as well as in various education breakouts on Monday afternoon. The feedback from the tradeshow has been tremendous and we plan to include this unique networking opportunity again next year. “This venue allowed us valuable face-time with our busy partners! Also offered a great look inside the Conferon corporate culture.” Christine Pennel-Jones, Baltimore Marriott Waterfront “Great show! I had an opportunity of meeting active and progressive meeting planners.” Brian Lagerquist, Sheraton Bal Harbor Beach Resort “Great experience. All of the Conferon staff truly made us feel like a partner. Partnership is the future.” Karen Christensen, USA Hosts “I was impressed that all Conferon staff stopped at my booth and were interested in updates on my hotel.” Jim Barto, Hilton Atlanta Conferon also presented “Awards of Excellence” to individual supplier and hotel partners at the company’s Annual Sales Meeting. The Supplier Award of Excellence program was newly created as part of Conferon’s year-long 30th Anniversary celebration. The purpose of the awards are to recognize those individuals, who through their superior job performance and partnering, help Conferon to deliver unparalleled meeting planning support to clients. This year’s Supplier Award of Excellence recipients are: Mary Robinson Opryland Hotel Bill Baskett Davis Audio Visual, Inc. Janice Neavitt Marriott International The Convention Services Manager of the Year Award of Excellence was presented to Mary Robinson, Convention Services Manager, Opryland Hotel; The Industry Supplier of the Year Award of Excellence was awarded to Bill Baskett, Vice President, Davis Audio Visual, Inc.; The Hotel Sales Supplier of the Year Award of Excellence went to Janice Neavitt, National Account Executive, Marriott International. “We recognize that we could not succeed as a company without excellent support from our suppliers. This award is intended to demonstrate what a critical role they play in our success and our client’s success,” said Bruce Harris, President & CEO.