George R. Brown Convention Center, Four Seasons Hotel sites for 'Fastest 50' event

HOUSTON, Texas (June 13, 2003) - Houston will receive special attention from representatives of some of the most important trade shows in North America when they convene here November 7-9 for the inaugural Tradeshow Week Fastest 50 gala weekend.

The TSW Fastest 50 will recognize the 50 fastest-growing trade shows in the United States and Canada. Decision-makers from more than 200 shows are expected to attend the festivities, which include all-day conference sessions and a luncheon at the George R. Brown Convention Center, social activities and a golf tournament. The Four Seasons Hotel will be the site of a black-tie dinner on November 8.

"Hosting the Fastest 50 is a great opportunity for Houston to gain new exposure throughout the tradeshow and convention industry," said Dawn Ullrich, director of the George R. Brown Convention Center. "All the important movers and shakers will be here and we're excited to have this opportunity to show the rest of North America how much Houston has changed."

The Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau played a key role in attracting the event to Houston and will be one of the sponsors.

"This event is already creating a lot of buzz about Houston within the industry," said Wayne Chappell, vice president of convention sales and services for the GHCVB. "Plus, the timing could not be better because it coincides with the completion of the George R. Brown Convention Center expansion project and the opening of the Hilton Americas hotel."

Tradeshow Week (www.tradeshoweek.com) is one of the leading publications in the meeting industry.

"Houston is a world-class destination for travel and for trade shows," Tradeshow Week publisher Adam Schaffer said in the publication's June 2 issue. "The whole team in Houston understood the importance of this event and is committed to making it an unforgettable experience."