Alexandria, Va. In a move to bolster its exposure and, consequently, its member recruitment, the National Association for Medical Equipment Services has entered into a five-year contract that officially endorses the Atlanta-based BillCom Exposition and Conference Group's Medtrade and Medtrade West shows, according to Peter O'Neil, vice president of operations for NAMES.

"Allying with BillCom offers the best of many worlds," O'Neil said. "It runs quality events. ... This alliance will give us the exposure NAMES needs to let people know we are here in Washington every day fighting for their reimbursement rights."

The contract will run from 2000 through 2004.-J.P.P..