FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Martin Sirk, Chief Executive Officer
International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)
+31-20-398-1919

Juli Jones, Vice President
Convention Industry Council (CIC)
(703) 610-9030

JOANNE JOHAM JOINS CIC AND ICCA IN UNIQUE JOB-SHARING PARTNERSHIP

MCLEAN, VA – April 20, 2004 – The Convention Industry Council (CIC) and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) are proud to announce the addition of Joanne Joham to their staffs effective April 1, 2004. This unique job-sharing partnership between CIC and ICCA offers an exceptional opportunity to combine resources and marketing strategies for the benefit of both organizations.

For the Convention Industry Council, Ms. Joham will act as Project Director and will support the continuing expansion of the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Program beyond North America. In her role with the International Congress and Convention Association, she will act as Manager - North America and will work on the recruitment and retention of ICCA members in North America while identifying and developing new sources of data on decision-makers responsible for organizing international events.

“We are delighted to have Joanne Joham as our North American representative,” said Martin Sirk, ICCA CEO. “With her extensive international experience and top level contacts, she will help ICCA gain a high profile throughout Canada, Mexico and of course, the United States. At a time when many organizations are nervous about international meetings, this investment by ICCA underlines our commitment to be a genuinely global trade association.”

“The experience that Joanne brings to this position is invaluable to CIC’s efforts to grow the CMP Program,” said Mary Power, president of Convention Industry Council. “More than 9000 CMPs are now in 23 countries around the world. Joanne’s presence will further the progress we have already seen with the CMP Program.”

“I look forward to having the opportunity to work for CIC and ICCA in promoting recognized and respected programs and two extraordinary organizations worldwide,” said Ms. Joham.

International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)
With 670 member companies and organizations in 80 countries worldwide, ICCA provides global coverage of all supplier segments of the international meetings industry. Established for over 40 years, ICCA is headquartered in Amsterdam and has three regional offices covering Asia-Pacific, Latin America and North America. Additional information can be found at www.iccaworld.com.

Convention Industry Council
The Convention Industry Council’s 31 member organizations represent more than 98,000 individuals and 15,000 firms and properties involved in the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry. Formed in 1949 to provide a forum for member organizations seeking to enhance the industry, the CIC facilitates the exchange of information, develops programs to promote professionalism within the industry, and educates the public on its profound economic impact. In addition to the CMP Program, the CIC is also responsible for the APEX (Accepted Practices Exchange) initiative and other programs. Additional information on the Convention Industry Council can be found at www.conventionindustry.org.

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