MATSO Annual Meeting & Conference Draws Record Attendance
Major Trade Show Professionals Convene to Explore New Operating Policies; Share Best Practices

Washington, DC (July 2, 2004) — MATSO, The Major American Trade Show Organizers Association held its Annual Meeting and Conference at McCormick Place, in conjunction with SUPERCOMM, Chicago, June 22-23. One of the largest number of attendees to date spent 1-1/2 days in the annual business session; an extensive educational program including presentations, panel discussion and City Task Force reports followed the business portion of the meeting. Additionally, the group met with Chicago City Representatives and concluded with a tour of SUPERCOMM which just moved from Atlanta this year.

With MATSO's new and expanded meeting format, subjects ranged from Hot Marketing Trends and VIP Incentive Strategies to International Visa Programs and Creating an In-House General Contracting Service presented by PMMI's Jim Pittas. Revealing news and informative updates were delivered by constituent City Task Force leaders which included Chicago, Las Vegas, Atlanta and New York. A new Orlando task force will launch in time for the next meeting.

"With regard to the organization's support and participation, this is one of the most successful meetings we've had to date. 30 representatives from member companies were enthusiastic and are pleased with the new, more visible MATSO. Additionally, because of the more varied content of the meetings, we saw a record number of registrants; the new website launch, www.matso.org, should encourage both new and current member growth. We're very excited and committed to our new focus and new direction," said MATSO Board member, Pat Phillips of VNU Expositions.

MATSO, America's Large Trade Show Forum, is the association that represents some of the largest trade show organizers in America. Because larger trade shows have separate sets of challenges and issues that are inherent in larger events, MATSO was formed in 1985 to address those issues. The association plays an active industry role in representing the unique interests and viewpoints of larger events. For membership information or to learn more about MATSO, please contact Meg Ellacott at 703-691-9348 or email meg@matso.org.