MILLERSVILLE, MD., February 10 -- The Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration (ASCR) has announced that a record number of exhibitors will participate in the Association's 2004 annual meeting. A limited number of exhibit booths are still available.

Approximately 90 of the cleaning and restoration industry's leading suppliers will be on hand for Solutions -- The Education Summit in Colorado Springs March 10 to 13. That represents an increase of 15 percent over last year.

"Education is the centerpiece of our annual meeting, which is designed to help our members become better business managers and better professionals," said Tim Horrigan, ASCR president. "A critical part of that educational process is bringing the leading owners and managers in the cleaning and restoration industry together with the industry's key suppliers and the best, cutting edge products available. The more exhibitors we have, the better the educational opportunities."

Almost one-fourth of the exhibitors will be first-time participants in the convention. They represent companies marketing a range of products and services including mobile housing units, surface protectors, and cleaning products.

The ASCR meeting is designed to maximize the amount of time convention-goers can visit the exhibit hall, according to Horrigan. The exhibit hall will be open a total of 11 hours during the four-day meeting.

"The exhibitors are an important element of our annual meeting and it is gratifying to see their numbers grow," Horrigan said. "We're grateful for their support of our Association and what we're trying to accomplish."

ASCR anticipates continued growth in the number of exhibitors at its annual meeting. The 2005 convention will be held at the Wyndham Hotel in Palm Springs, California, which features an expanded exhibit hall that can easily accommodate the Association's exhibit needs.