Pictured L to R: Rice University President David Leebron; Messe Dusseldorf Managing Director Joachim Schaefer; Houston Mayor Annise Parker; Texas Medical Center CEO Dr. Robert Robbins; Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau President and CEO Greg Ortale.  Click image to download high res version.

HOUSTON (Feb. 28, 2013) -The Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau (GHCVB) announced a new initiative today to create an annual medical conference that will raise the global profile of Houston as a medical hub while generating new revenue for the city each year.

The GHCVB is partnering with Messe Dusseldorf, the German organization that produces the world's largest medical tradeshow, and the Texas Medical Center to create its Houston-based North American branch, Medical World Americas. The event will be the first of its kind in this part of the world-an opportunity for new products in health care to be introduced in an expo format as well as a multi-track conference program. Medical World Americas will also align with the strengths of the Texas Medical Center-cardiology, oncology, hospital disaster readiness, hospital occupational health and safety, infection control and medical devices and technology-to showcase knowledge and innovation in these specialized categories.

The conference, which will be held for the first time April 28-30, 2014 at the George R. Brown Convention Center, is also supported by the Greater Houston Partnership, Houston First and the City of Houston.

Each year, 130,000 people from 120 different countries make their way to Germany for MEDICA, the conference produced by Messe Dusseldorf, making it by far the largest and most anticipated event of its kind in the world. "When MEDICA was approached with the idea of establishing a footprint in North America," said Joachim Schaefer, managing director of Messe Dusseldorf, "we looked carefully at all of the potential markets, and it became obvious that Houston was the right place to be. Not only does Houston have the Texas Medical Center and all of its assets, but few cities show the kind of warm hospitality and welcoming atmosphere that I've experienced here in Houston.

Greg Ortale, president and CEO of the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau, emphasizes that Medical World Americas is not a one-time opportunity.  "It is representative of a new initiative in our organization to capitalize on the business strengths of Houston and draw appropriate conventions and events, particularly in the energy, healthcare and aerospace industries."

Mayor Annise Parker agrees. "It's not about announcing another trade show or convention in Houston.  It's about expanding Houston's brand."

Dr. Robert Robbins, CEO of the Texas Medical Center, has agreed to chair the Executive Advisory Committee for the event. "When people across the globe think of health, we want them to immediately think of Houston. Medical World Americas gives Houston a powerful opportunity, a platform, to tell the story about the Texas Medical Center and our community."

Bob Harvey, president and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership, agrees that the medical industry is key to the city's economic development.  "Houston is already a leader in medicine, and this conference will further elevate our status globally," said Harvey. "As the primary business advocate for the 10-county Houston region, we fully support this initiative."