ISPA 2006 THAILAND ANNOUNCES FINAL CALL FOR NOMINATIONS TO THE HOSTED BUYERS PROGRAMME

ISPA 2006 Thailand International Spa & Wellness Conference and Exhibition announces its final call for nominations to the HOSTED BUYERS PROGRAMME. This event will take place at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center from May 3-5, 2006 with the theme "The Best of The East", hosted by the Ministry of Industry Institute for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ISMED) together with Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB).

The Hosted Buyers Programme is considered as the passport to spa business matchmaking in the Asia Pacific region and the rest of the world. As a unique feature of this years ISPA event in Thailand, this programme reinforces the business and trade agenda of the exhibition which is spearheaded by the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). TCEB is the key agency of the Royal Thai Government dedicated in the promotion of meeting, incentives, conventions and exhibitions which is geared towards making Thailand as a regional business hub.

Thailand is serving as well as the Spa and Wellness Capital of Asia wherein it is expecting some 120 exhibitors from over 10 countries, occupying 4650 square meters exhibit space. At ISPA 2006, delegates are expected to see the latest developments and trends in spa, health, beauty & spa equipment and accessories.

Nominations for Hosted Buyers has began late last year and targets around 150 professionals who are spa buyers, spa operators, destination spa buyers, operators and agents, cosmetics, equipment and product retailers and distributors and professionals and consultants. Once selected, this will allow the participants to receive priority in meeting with exhibitors of their choice through a Pre-Scheduled Appointment (PSA). This online and easy to use feature enables participants to view exhibitors' profile and set up one on one meeting with their preferred choice way before the exhibition commences.

Selected Hosted Buyers will enjoy exclusive privileges such as 3-night complimentary hotel accommodation at designated Official Hotel, free transfer from the airport, from hotel and to the exhibition venue, access to the Opening Ceremony and Welcome Cocktails and participation in the online Pre-Scheduled Appointment (PSA) Programme. All successful Hosted Buyers shall commit to attend 12 Pre-Scheduled Appointments with exhibitors of their choice over 2-day period during the exhibition.

Last day for submission of nominations and application is set on March 15, 2006. Full details can be viewed from the official website www.ispa2006-thailand.com and email your applications to: [email protected] or [email protected] or via fax at +662 659 5995. All applications will have to be validated by the organizer. Successful applicants will be informed via email. Only approved /qualified applicants can login to use the PSA. As places in the Hosted Buyer Programme are limited, we encourage you to register early with us.

ISPA 2006 Thalland is supported by the Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Ministry of Commerce, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thai Airways International and Federation of Thai Spa.

Interested exhibitors and visitors may contact:

(Overseas) Conference & Exhibition Management Services Pte Ltd., 1 Maritime Square, #09-43, Harbourfront Centre, Singapore 099253. Tel: (65) 6278 8666 Fax: (65) 6278 4077 Email: [email protected]

(Local) Production Management & Services Co., Ltd., 394/751 Rm 831-832 Moo 3, Petchkasem Road, Bangkae, Bangkok 10160, Thailand Tel: 662-455 9344 Fax: 662-455 9345 Email: [email protected]

For more information concerning the ISPA 2006 Thailand International Spa & Wellness Conference and Exhibition, please go to http://www. ispa2006-thailand.com.

-------- About ISMED The Institute for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ISMED) is the lead agency under the Ministry of Industry of the Royal Thai Government tasked to support the development of entrepreneur business including education, training, product development and industry opportunities. Visit http://www.ismed.or.th for more details

About TCEB The Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is a governmental organization dedicated to the promotion of association and corporate meetings, incentive events, conventions and exhibitions in Thailand. These are usually referred to as MICE industry. The Bureau's establishment reflects Thailand's growing stature as a destination of choice for international meetings, conventions and exhibitions. Visit http://www.tceb.or.th for more details

About ISPA The International SPA Association is a worldwide community of spa professionals, product manufacturers and service providers all striving for the same goal. The support and knowledge of our community is unmatched anywhere in the industry. ISPA allows you the opportunity to build strong and lasting relationships with more than 2,500 members representing 73 countries. Visit the ISPA website for more details.