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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: David McDonough
Phone: 703-243-9262

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 14, 2002) - Health care supply chain executives will have the opportunity to learn about important trends in health care, politics and beyond, as well as build business relationships with potential customers at the Health Industry Group Purchasing Association's (HIGPA) 2002 International EXPO from October 16 - 18 at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida.

EXPO 2002 attendees will be provided with numerous educational opportunities, including a health policy update from HIGPA President & CEO Robert Betz, Ph.D.-exclusively for HIGPA members-featuring an up-to-the-minute look at policy issues impacting the health care supply chain. Additionally the three-day event will also offer attendees the opportunity to explore potential business relationships by participating in events such as EXPO's GPO Pavilions. The Pavilions offer all vendor executives a unique environment to meet one-on-one with senior level GPO representatives from many disciplines-including: pharmacy, medical/surgical, dietary, capital equipment, laboratory and alternate care.

"HIGPA's 2002 International EXPO will be a must-attend event for health care supply chain executives interested in learning about the future of health care and building relationships with potential customers," said Betz. "EXPO offers attendees a unique opportunity to improve their business through both education and networking, with the ultimate goal of providing patients with the highest quality of care at the best price."

This year's EXPO will also feature a lively discussion by Joseph Andrew, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee and chairman of the 2004 Democratic Convention, and Haley Barbour, former chairman of the Republican National Committee and CEO/Founder Barbour Griffith & Rogers, a Washington, D.C.-based lobbying firm. These two highly respected political strategists will offer their candid opinions regarding the 2002-2003 political landscape and give insight on what to expect from federal policymakers.

To learn more about attending EXPO, please visit HIGPA's web site at www.higpa.org, where you can download a brochure, learn more details about the event, and explore registration opportunities. Members of the news media interested in attending EXPO, should contact HIGPA's Director of Communications, David McDonough, at 703-243-9262 or chickey@higpa.org for more information.

HIGPA is also pleased to announce that leading the long list of sponsors for the 2002 EXPO are Silver Sponsors Aventis Pharmaceuticals and Merck & Company. For more information on becoming a sponsor, please contact HIGPA's Director of Education and Program Management, Russell Werlinich, at 703-243-9262 or rwerlinich@higpa.org.

Aventis Pharmaceuticals, EXPO Silver Sponsor. Aventis Pharmaceuticals conducts the U.S. prescription drug business of Aventis. With headquarters in Bridgewater, N.J., Aventis Pharmaceuticals focuses its activities on important therapeutic areas such as cardiology, oncology, anti-infectives, arthritis, allergy and respiratory, diabetes, and the central nervous system For more company information, visit Aventis Pharmaceuticals on the Internet at www.aventispharma-us.com.

Merck & Company, EXPO Silver Sponsor. Merck & Co., Inc. is a leading research-driven pharmaceutical products and services company. Merck discovers, develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of innovative products to improve human and animal health, directly and through joint ventures. For more company information, visit Merck & Co., Inc., on the Internet at www.merck.com.

HIGPA is a chartered trade association of approximately 160 health care purchasing and supply chain organizations. HIGPA's Industry Members include purchasing groups, associations, and health care provider alliances. HIGPA's Trading Partner members include many of the world's leading health care product manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and related suppliers. According to a recent study conducted by a former principal analyst at the Congressional Budget Office, hospitals save patients approximately $20 billion each year by purchasing products through group contracts.

To learn more about HIGPA or the group purchasing industry, visit www.higpa.org or call 703-243-9262.

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