The new exposition hours from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on both days will give attendees the opportunity to meet and do business with more than 300 exhibiting companies during a unique exposition where participants will assist planners by offering cost-saving meeting packages and enticing incentives. This networking forum encompasses a plethora of activities and opportunities for meeting planners, including: the Speakers Booth, allowing planners to meet one-on-one with industry experts; the Bookstore, a one-stop shop for meeting planners featuring CMP Study Guides and niche publications relative to the industry; and an attractive assortment of opportunities to win cash and vacation prizes, and participate in games and drawings at select exhibitor booths.

To maximize time on the exposition floor, attendees are provided with a $10 coupon on both days of the show to buy lunch at the food concessions in the exposition hall, compliments of the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau.

In addition to the comprehensive exposition, meeting planning professionals of all levels of experience can choose from a variety of the 27 valuable seminars that will focus on key subjects of the industry. This FREE comprehensive educational series will offer attendees the opportunity to acquire expert insight, new ideas, and inspirational advice, helping them to produce more successful, cost-effective meetings.

Over 1,000 attendees, representing meeting and event planners from a variety of organizations, with a majority representing corporate, association and independent sectors and the balance from government, non-profit, education, religious, medical/health care organizations, travel agents, trade show management and military, are expected to visit HSMAI's Affordable Meetings® Mid-America 2004 show.

Other shows for 2004 include: HSMAI's Affordable Meetings® West, June 9 - 10, 2004 at the Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, California, and HSMAI's Affordable Meetings® National, Sept. 8 - 9, 2004 at the Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC.

HSMAI's Affordable Meetings® is owned and presented by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International and managed by George Little Management, LLC (GLM).

For exhibitor information, contact Beth Petersen, show manager, GLM, Ten Bank Street, White Plains, NY 10606-1954, or call (914) 421-3377; fax (914) 948-2918; e-mail: beth_petersen@glmshows.com. Attendee information is available by calling 1-800-272-SHOW. Additional information and a complete program schedule can be obtained by visiting the show's web site at www.affordablemeetings.com.