E.J. Krause and CommCore Consulting to Host Free 'Trade Show Exhibitor Boot Camp' for...

Business Editors/Hi-Tech Writers

Maryland Technology Showcase

BETHESDA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 1, 2002

Two-Hour Course to be Held October 22nd in Rockville, Attendees

will Learn Practical and Proven Communication Techniques to

Ensure Maximum

E.J. Krause & Associates, Inc., the world's leading technology event organizer, today announced that it is teaming with Washington, DC-based CommCore Consulting to offer a free "Trade Show Exhibitor Boot Camp" for organizations exhibiting at the upcoming Maryland Technology Showcase. The boot camp will be held from 12:00-2:00 p.m. on October 22nd at the Shady Grove Conference Center in Rockville.

The Maryland Technology Showcase is the largest technology exhibition in the Mid-Atlantic region, providing a unique opportunity for participants to "connect the dots" between the state's business, education and government sectors. The boot camp is a new benefit that E.J. Krause added this year to help organizations ensure that they get the most out of the time and resources they put into the Showcase.

Attendees at the boot camp will learn practical communication techniques from CommCore Consulting Group's Senior Consultant, Dale Weiss. These techniques will help attendees to present clear, memorable and concise messages to the media, public and potential customers and investors. CommCore has two decades of experience helping clients communicate in a compelling way in every business area. The firm has set itself apart by enabling clients to improve both the content and delivery of critical messages. Whether it is surviving a 60 Minutes interview, launching a product, capturing a government contract, or increasing the valuation of an IPO, CommCore's training gives companies a competitive edge.

The boot camp will walk attendees through the process of creating very short "elevator" pitches that convey an exhibitor's key points in less than two minutes -- the amount of time that companies typically have to make a lasting impression at a trade show. The boot camp will also cover techniques for handling media inquiries and ensuring that employees staffing trade show booths are prepared and confident, which is essential for conducting business and gaining credibility in the high-energy atmosphere of the Maryland Technology Showcase.

"The adage `time is money' is never more true than at a trade show," said Jim Herbert, vice president, E.J. Krause & Associates. "The Maryland Technology Showcase is an unparalleled opportunity to network, sell and establish new business relationships across the state. However, the event lasts two days, so time is extremely valuable. The boot camp we're hosting with CommCore will enable exhibitors to make the most of that time by helping them communicate as effectively as possible with the people and organizations that can move their businesses forward."

Showcase exhibitors who would like to register for the free boot camp should contact Katie McDonnell of E.J. Krause, at 301-493-5500, for registration information.

In addition to networking and sales opportunities, the E.J. Krause Maryland Technology Showcase will feature more than 60 educational sessions where attendees can learn about successful, real-world technology adoptions. The Showcase is free for all attendees and will include several new attractions for 2002, including a Technology Theater, Webcasts from a Media Hub and a VIP Opening Day. And because education is so important to technological innovation, the Showcase is reaching out to educational professionals to help get students involved in, and excited about, technology and discovery.

Examples of this emphasis on education include the Robotics Zone, "Get on the Bus" program, and sponsorship of the Maryland Information Technology Center (MITC) Scholarship Program. The Robotics Zone is an exhibition highlighting the winning robotics projects of K-12 students from across the country who participated in a robotics competition sponsored by NASA. The 2003 Mid-Atlantic Regional competition will be held at the Naval Academy in Annapolis. The "Get on the Bus" program will provide free transportation to the Showcase from designated locations around Maryland.

About the E.J. Krause Maryland Technology Showcase

The 8th Annual E.J. Krause Maryland Technology Showcase (MTS) will be held at the Baltimore Convention Center December 4-5, 2002. For the past seven years, the MTS has not only been the most highly attended show among management and executive-level decision makers, a place to meet face-to-face with customers, and the largest technology event of its kind in the Mid-Atlantic region, but it has established itself as the show where businesses have the chance to plant a stake in the ground of the Maryland business community and show that they are committed to doing business in, with and around the State of Maryland.

About the E.J. Krause & Associates, Inc.

Founded in 1984, E.J. Krause & Associates, Inc. (EJK) is one of the largest privately held exhibition management companies in the world. With 16 offices on four continents, EJK produces over 80 events in 16 different industries. EJK's stellar reputation is based on its resolute commitment to excellence in service to its clients. In recognition of EJK's accomplishments in international trade promotion, former U.S. President George Bush awarded E.J. Krause the prestigious "E" Award for exemplary service provided in the promotion of exports.