In a significant development signaling the world-wide growth of telemedicine, the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) today announced it will co-host the first telemedicine technology exhibition at the Binhai International Convention and Exhibition Center in Tianjin, China, outside of Beijing, Oct. 28-30, 2014. Over 5,000 attendees and 500 exhibitors are expected to attend this inaugural event. The meeting has official approval of the government and is co-hosted by the Municipal Government of Tianjin Binhai New Area as well as the Tianjin Public Health Bureau and Medical Association. Information on registration and exhibiting will be available May 2014.

“This meeting is a significant step to expand the market for all forms of telemedicine and promote its use in healthcare systems throughout the world,” said Jonathan Linkous, chief executive officer of ATA. “Telemedicine has been proven to lower costs, improve accessibility and enhance quality of healthcare not only in the US, but internationally.”

Over 5,000 practitioners, researchers, scholars, healthcare administrators, and venture capitalists will be in attendance. Educational seminars, roundtable forums and sessions focused on telemedicine, biotechnology and information technology will run concurrently throughout the meeting. The expansive exhibit hall will showcase the newest healthcare communications and delivery technology.

The Tianjin area is an economic center for China and is designated as the base for China's advanced industrial and financial reform and innovation, witnessing the fastest economic growth in the country. China has already invested over $40 billion in the development of the region with over 20 square miles of construction underway, making it a hi-tech, industrial and port center for Asia.

“We’re honored to be hosting an event of this scale and importance – the first of its kind – and share mutually beneficial practices to advance life-saving healthcare delivery technology,” said Linkous.