DALLAS, 02 December 2009 - The Exhibition Industry Foundation (EIF) congratulates the recipient of this year's Helen Brett^TM Scholarship, Michael McClatchy. Entering his senior year at the University of Central Florida, Rosen College of Hospitality Management, he was selected from 31 applicants.

The Helen Brett^TM Scholarship was established by Robert Kolinek, CEM, CMP, and named for his grandmother, Helen Brett, who was a pioneer in the trade show industry. The purpose of the scholarship is to assist individuals who are exploring the study of exhibition management with the end goal of advancing their career in this field.

"The longevity of this great industry relies on keeping fresh talent coming through our doors," Kolinek said. "It is our great pleasure to support the budding careers of those who strive to advance not only the trade show industry as a whole, but their role within it."

The scholarship serves to promote the exhibition industry by attracting college level students into the field of study and encouraging their pursuit with financial support. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis based on field of study, recommendations and educational achievement. Preference is given to those expressing an interest in the exhibition management industry field and those enrolled in degree programs which are viewed as particularly relevant to this field.

"My passion for helping others has provided me the fuel to pursue my bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management," McClatchy said. "It is an honor to be named as the Helen Brett Scholarship recipient. This opportunity will allow me to bring back vital information to share with fellow students and utilize this in my leadership roles."

McClatchy was recently inducted as student president of Hospitality Finance Technology Professionals (HFTP) and named student secretary of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA). He is also a student member of the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE) and Meeting Professionals International (MPI).

McClatchy will be recognized during Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition to be held 8-10 December 2009 in Atlanta, Ga.(www.iaee.com/expo for more information). Complete details about the Helen Brett^TM Scholarship are available at http://www.exhibitionfoundation.org/.

About EIF
The Exhibition Industry Foundation (EIF) is a non-profit organization exempt from Federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The principal purpose of the Foundation is to ensure the success of the exhibition industry as the premiere marketing medium by supporting research and education. More information is available at http://www.exhibitionfoundation.org.

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Contact:
Susan Brower, CMM, CCP
Vice President of Marketing & Communications
+1 (972) 687-9207
sbrower@iaee.com