NCI, producer of the healthcare industry's premier supply chain conference, will now host two annual IDN Summits & Expos. A "reverse" trade show format, IDN allows health system purchasing executives to man the exhibit booths while suppliers and GPOs visit them. Not only do attendees have the opportunity to visit health system exhibits, they can also visit the seven national GPOs in hospitality suites.

According to CEO Greg Firestone, the firm's decision to add a second annual IDN Summit & Expo was driven by a desire to satisfy stakeholder demand for a West coast region offering. Hosting two IDN Summit & Expos alleviates travel issues and improves access for West coast-based stakeholders. "Hosting an IDN Summit & Expo on both coasts alleviates travel issues and improves access for West coast-based stakeholders," said Firestone.

Now in its 13th year, NCI's IDN Summit & Expo is renowned for the unsurpassed networking opportunities it provides attendees, in general, and, specifically, through its reverse expo. NCI pioneered the reverse expo format based on the understanding that healthcare providers were eager to evolve to a more effective sales process with suppliers and manufacturers. The reverse tradeshow provides hospital and health system purchasing executives with an efficient means of educating suppliers about their specific needs and how best to meet them.

NCI's IDN Summit & Expo is also known for delivering high quality educational pharmacy, med-surg, and strategy breakout sessions. In 2006, NCI qualified its pharmacy offerings for continuing education credits.

NCI is recognized industry wide for continually increasing the value of its Summit by adding innovative offerings that further enhance collaboration among stakeholders and increase value for attendees. For example, highlights at the inaugural Spring IDN Summit & Expo feature supply chain executives from outside the healthcare industry and team-building techniques used by sports coaches.

Last year, NCI introduced NCI Talk, the healthcare industry's own and only talk program. Produced live at industry conferences, or in-studio, NCI Talk is recorded for viewing in streaming video via the web at www.ncitalk.com. The three-part program features a lively panel debate among industry executives hosted by veteran journalist Wally Kennedy.

Also during 2006, NCI introduced its Healthcare Innovators Contest. NCI added a Healthcare Collaborators Contest early this year.

NCI's inaugural Spring IDN Summit & Expo will be held on May 7th-9th, at the Omni ChampionsGate in Orlando, Florida. During a keynote address, CEO Greg Firestone will be presenting his new book "Swimming with the Supertankers." Other topics to be covered include disaster planning, business development strategies, and strategic direction in pharmaceuticals.

The NCI Fall IDN Summit & Expo will be held on September 4th-6th at the Gaylord Texan in Dallas, Texas.

Additional information about NCI's 2007 Spring IDN Summit & Expo and 2007 Fall IDN Summit & Expo, including registration forms, may be found at www.ncihome.com.

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