Fairfield, CT � April 2003 � The Travel Commerce Conference & Expo (TravelCom), the travel industry�s defining event for marketing and distribution strategies, reported today that the tradeshow attendance increased 35 percent over the past year despite current global conditions. More than 1,000 travel industry executives gathered April 1-2 at the Hilton New York to discuss the critical issues driving today�s travel commerce. The vast array of sessions, combined with leading minds in the industry, provided attendees and participants with the knowledge to help their business strategies, making TravelCom one of the most important meeting places, for travel executives.

�The conference was an out-of-the-ballpark home run. We were thrilled with the energy, quality of executives who attended, and level of questions being asked,� says Henry H. Harteveldt, co-chair of 2003 TravelCom and principal travel analyst for Forrester Research. �We commend the numerous executives for their desire and foresight to help their businesses rejuvenate and move forward, especially during this challenging time.�

The conference sessions primarily addressed the marketing and distribution opportunities and challenges companies face in today�s changing travel environment. New to this year�s conference was the �The 11th Hour� session, an open forum that discussed the travel industry�s latest plans and activities in light of world events, as well as the affects on short and long term corporate and leisure travel. A first, the CEO Roundtable featured the three CEOs of the largest online travel agencies: Expedia, Orbitz, and Travelocity. Topics that were addressed during the lively discussion included distribution strategies, customer service, and dynamic packaging.

�I�m extremely impressed by the format and organization of the show,� said Susan Black, co-chair of 2003 TravelCom. �The exhibition was full of vendors, which encouraged attendees to network and participate in discussions involving their business objectives.�

The Travel Commerce Conference & Expo was sponsored by Forrester Research, Inc. and Forbes Magazine, and was produced by JD Events. The tradeshow is designed to serve as the travel industry�s event of the year, addressing all segments within the industry. For more information on the issues discussed at TravelCom please visit www.travelcomexpo.com.

About JD Events
JD Events is dedicated to the creation of targeted and innovative industry-leading events that deliver results. The company brings together highly qualified buying audiences, education rich content and high-level networking opportunities, all geared toward increasing business transactions in the markets it serves. JD Events produces the Travel Commerce Conference & Expo (TravelCom Expo), the Satellite Application Technology Conference & Expo (SATCON) and ad:tech, the premier event for interactive advertising and marketing. For more information please visit www.travelcomexpo.com or www.jdevents.com.

Media Contact:
Amy Fuhrer
amy@vollmerpr.com
Vollmer PR
972/488-4790
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www.travelcomexpo.com
Produced By: JD Events
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