More than 9,600 attendees made this year's Midyear Meetings & Trade Expo one of the biggest real estate events of 2005. The Midyear Trade Expo was held May 11-13, 2005 at the Marriott Wardman Park in Washington, DC. Attendees were able to take advantage of a Sold Out Trade Expo with over 210 exhibitors and had the opportunity to hear President George W. Bush address them in person.

The 2005 Midyear Trade Expo experienced a record 7.7% growth over 2004 and broke all previous records for number of exhibiting companies as well as net square feet. Breaking the 2000 record, attendees were able to walk more than 30,500 net square feet of exhibit space and visit 211 exhibiting companies. More than 80 exhibitors were first time exhibitors at the Midyear Trade Expo, increasing the variety and value to attendees.

"The attendance and expo records we broke at our Midyear meetings this year reflect an NAR membership that stands at more than 1 million and growing. This overall growth in NAR membership shows how healthy and competitive the real estate industry really is," said NAR President Al Mansell, CEO of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Salt Lake City.

Exhibitors were also pleased with the packed show floor and the high-quality of decision makers that visited the 3-day show. Sponsorship revenue grew by 32%, which included the new traffic builder program "Cash In & Win at Midyear". Exhibitors were so excited about the event that the 2006 Midyear Trade Expo, scheduled for May 17-19th in Washington, DC is more than 60% sold. The wave of enthusiasm could also be seen as exhibitors signed up for the 2005 Annual Conference & Expo, October 28-31st in San Francisco, CA; currently 88% sold.

About the National Association of Realtors®
The National Association of Realtors®, "The Voice for Real Estate," is America's largest association, representing more than 1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

About Hall-Erickson
Hall-Erickson is a leading exposition management company that provides trade show, conference and event management services to associations and publications. Hall-Erickson's mission is to produce successful events with an uncompromising commitment to professionalism, integrity, and quality. Founded in 1952, Hall-Erickson's roots trace back to the 1930's in Chicago. Hall-Erickson currently manages exhibitions and conferences in various industries in exhibit facilities across the country, including 4 Tradeshow Week "Top 200" events. These events range in size from 20,000 to 600,000 net square feet and are attended by more than 300,000 people from around the world. For more information, please visit, www.heiexpo.com or call 800-752-6312.