System and methods for providing a health care industry trade show via internet

• US 6,847,940 B1
• Filed: 06/16/2000
• Issued: 01/25/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/16/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Brown H. Stephen, John S. Shelton
• Original Assignee: Brown H. Stephen, John S. Shelton
• Inventors: Brown, H. Stephen, Shelton, John S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Smith, Jeffrey A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): HAQ, NAEEM U
• Application Number:
  US09/594,739
• Time in Patent Office: 1,684 Days
• Field of Search: 705/26, 705/27
• US Class Current: 705/2
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/10 Office automation; Time management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0609 Buyer or seller confidence or verification
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0635 Processing of requisition or of purchase orders
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0643 Graphical representation of items or shoppers
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 10/20 for electronic clinical trials or questionnaires
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 80/00 ICT specially adapted for facilitating communication between medical practitioners or patients, e.g. for collaborative diagnosis, therapy or health monitoring

Abstract

This invention will serve as a new worldwide platform for “business-to-business” and “business-to-participants” tradeshows occurring in the healthcare industry via the Internet 24 hours a day. One embodiment of the invention is a system or method for providing a healthcare industry trade show via internet including at least one personal or network computer for collecting, assembling, storing, correlating, or otherwise processing information desired by a participant of the healthcare industry, and at least one other computer used by the participant of the healthcare industry connected via internet or intranet to conduct transactions with other participants or exhibitors of the healthcare industry trade show. Another embodiment includes at least one of the communication vehicles to be used at the option of the participant of the healthcare industry. Another embodiment provides optional features including a booth with multiple rooms; a tradeshow Concierge; instant audio and/or video announcements via eLERTS; direct selling via detailing; a Pop-Up system of interaction with experts and Attendees on the convention floor; opportunities for participants to gain insights into treatment via presentation of case reports; the use of special advisory panels assessing the needs of participants and create education programs.

Claims

1. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet, comprising:

at least one server computer for providing healthcare sources of information, products or services desired by participants of the healthcare industry trade show, said at least one server computer having an access-limiting software element for conditionally controlling access to said healthcare industry trade show by said participants, said access-limiting software element of said at least one server computer including a verification and authorization software component including computer-executable instructions for limiting access to said virtual healthcare trade show based on access-limiting requirements from individual healthcare sources, on access-limiting requirements of applicable laws and regulations, and on access-determining credential data provided by each of said participants and attendees so as to ensure that each of said participants of the healthcare industry and said attendees is appropriately authorized to conduct transactions of access-limited information, products or services with other so authorized participants of the healthcare industry trade show or attendees;

at least one other computer used by any of said participants of the healthcare industry connected via internet or intranet to said at least one server computer to conduct transactions via said healthcare industry trade show; and

a plurality of communication vehicles adapted to be selectably used by attendees of said healthcare industry trade show, and operatively connectable to communicate directly with and through said at least one server computer via the internet so as to conduct transactions with at least one of said healthcare sources and said participants via said healthcare industry trade show,

wherein communication between any of said healthcare sources and participants of the healthcare industry facilitated through said at least one server computer with said attendees and others of said participants of the healthcare industry uses any of said plurality of communication vehicles, at the option of any of said participants of the healthcare industry or said attendees, whereby said communication between said healthcare sources, said participants and said attendees form a virtual trade show independent of any non-virtual activities in the healthcare industry.

2. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 1, wherein said at least one server computer is equipped with an artificial intelligence software component.

3. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 2, wherein said artificial intelligence software component includes a multiple-language processing means for translating data on the information, products or services available through said healthcare trade show into a language selected by one of said participants of the healthcare industry.

4. A system for providing a completely virtual health care industry trade show via internet according to claim 1, wherein said at least one server computer includes at least one of:

(a) A concierge software module for providing general or specific information about said health care industry trade show;

(b) An eLERTS software module for providing electronic instant messages for information about products, services, articles, symposia, and booth content;

(c) An electronically created celebrity “

pop-ups”

software module for facilitating spontaneous interactions between at least one expert of the health care industry and at least one of said participants and attendees of the health care industry;

(d) An electronically created E-commerce certifying feature software module for certifying the financial credit of a party of to any transactions conducted in the said E-commerce room;

(e) An electronically created E-commerce certifying feature software module for certifying the creditability of the representations of a party of said transactions;

(f) An electronically created E-commerce tracking software module for tracking the receipt and execution of orders, shipments of goods/delivery of services, and payments;

(g) A Post Visit software module for facilitating each said attendee'"'"'s receipt of follow-up information, surveys and questionnaires as well as track said transactions or interests via said communication vehicles;

(h) An input signal support software module for said communication vehicles wherein signals are inputted by said participant via inputting means which includes a touch screen, a keyboard, a handwriting recognition means, or a voice recognition means; and

(i) An image display support software module for said communication vehicles for supporting textual, 2-D or 3-D imagery signals to be displayed at said at least one other computer used by said participant.

5. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 4, wherein at least (a) is provided.

6. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 5, wherein said concierge software module includes a software component for generating a concierge image that appears as a figure of any sex, race, height, weight, eye or hair color.

7. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 5, wherein said concierge software module records and captures the activities of each of said attendees.

8. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 5, wherein said concierge software module records and reports the activities of a visiting participant to said system.

9. A system for providing a completely virtual heathcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 7, wherein said concierge software module, with appropriate consents and compliance with state and federal privacy and confidentiality laws, provides either compiled data or specific data to one or more exhibitors.

10. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 5, wherein said concierge determines software module is formed to determine each attendee'"'"'s special interest and help each of said attendees find specific information, locations, or areas of interest within said completely virtual healthcare industry trade show.

11. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 5, wherein said concierge provides software module is formed to provide each of said attendees with a history of any of each such attendee'"'"'s previous visits.

12. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 5, wherein said concierge software module is formed to provide each of said attendees with information regarding specific products or services.

13. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 5, wherein said concierge software module is formed to provide each of said attendees with an update on what is new at the virtual healthcare trade show since each said attendee'"'"'s last visit.

14. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 4, wherein at least (c) is provided.

15. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 14, wherein said at least one expert randomly pops up on the floor of said virtual healthcare industry trade show to communicate with attendees.

16. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 4, wherein at least (d) is provided.

17. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 4, wherein at least (e) is provided.

18. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 4, wherein at least (f) is provided.

19. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 4, wherein at least (b) is provided.

20. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show vial internet according to claim 4, wherein at least (g) is provided.

21. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 4, wherein at least (h) is provided.

22. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 21, wherein said signals are displayed via animation or virtual reality.

23. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 5, wherein at least (i) is provided.

24. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 1, wherein said healthcare sources include at least one of:

(a) a detailing service source for promoting at least one exhibitor of said health care industry trade show;

(b) an expert room service source for providing access to at least one expert available to answer questions from said participants of the health care industry and said attendees;

(c) a case conferencing service source for presenting at least one case report to at least one of said participants and said attendees of the health care industry;

(d) an advisory panel service source for providing input from experts in the healthcare industry as to what content to present;

(e) a need assessment process source where said participant and said attendees input suggested subjects they want to learn more about;

(f) a continuing education service source for providing continuing education for said participants of the health care industry and said attendees;

(g) a tele-medicine service source for delivering tele-medicine by said participants of the health care industry;

(h) an office management service source for exchanging information regarding managerial activities among said participants of the health care industry and said attendees;

(i) a disease management service source for exchanging information regarding disease management activities among said participants of the health care industry and said attendees;

(i) a grand rounds service source for providing interactive ground rounds communication; and

(k) a speaker bureau service source for said participants to offer lecturing services to other participants and said attendees about a variety of topics including but not limited to the diagnosis and treatment of a particular disease.

25. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 24, is provided.

26. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 25, wherein said at least one exhibitor of said virtual-healthcare industry trade shows provides information about products or services or their combinations, that conform to FDA labeling requirements.

27. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 25, wherein said at least one exhibitor of said virtual healthcare industry trade show provides “

off-label”

products, services or their combinations that do not conform to FDA labeling requirements.

28. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 24, wherein at least (b is provided.

29. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 28, where said healthcare source of said expert room service having at least one expert is formed such that said attendee chooses from a series of programmed questions to ask said at least one expert.

30. A systems for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 28, where an said healthcare source of said expert room service having at least one expert is formed such that said attendee raises spontaneous questions to at least one expert.

31. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 24, wherein at least (c) is provided.

32. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 31, said healthcare source of said Case Conferencing feature is formed such that at least one case report is presented to demonstrate key elements in the diagnosis and treatment of a particular healthcare problem.

33. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 31, said information resource of said Case Conferencing feature is formed such that said attendee has the opportunity to provide input including proposing another diagnosis and treatment.

34. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 24, wherein at least (d) is provided.

35. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 34, said healthcare source of said Advisory Panels feature is formed such that needs assessments are used to help said Advisory Panels feature to design future events.

36. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 24, wherein at least (e) is provided.

37. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 24, wherein at least (f) is provided.

38. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 37, said healthcare source of the Continuing Education service source is formed to not be controlled or influenced by any manufacturers of medical equipment, devices or pharmaceutical products.

39. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 37, said healthcare source of the Continuing Education service source includes being formed to provide satisfaction surveys or request for suggestions on improvements.

40. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 37, said healthcare source of the Continuing Education service source includes being formed to provide tracking receipts of educational credits and materials.

41. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 37, said healthcare source of the Continuing Education service source includes receiving from the being formed to receive from said attendees e-mails on various topics.

42. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 24, wherein at least (g) is provided.

43. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 24, wherein at least (h) is provided.

44. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 24, wherein at least (i) is provided.

45. A system fore providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 44, said healthcare source of the Disease Management service source is formed to provide said attendees with information about special disease states, conditions or specialties.

46. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 24, wherein at least (i) is provided.

47. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 46, wherein said interactive grand rounds communications are moderated by at least one expert to explain suggested diagnosis and treatment.

48. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 24, wherein at least (k) is provided.

49. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 1, wherein said access-determining credential data include at least one of Drug Enforcement Administration provider numbers, a Medical Education Number and a State License Number.

50. A system via an internet site that is independent from participants including manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors of health related products and services for promoting and marketing said health related products and services in a completely virtual trade show environment, comprising:

at least one server computer for providing healthcare sources of information, products or services desired by participants of the healthcare industry trade show, said at least one server computer having an access-limiting software element for conditionally controlling access to said healthcare industry trade show by said participants, said access-limiting software element of said at least one server computer including a verification and authorization software component including computer-executable instructions for limiting access to said virtual healthcare trade show based on access-limiting requirements from individual healthcare sources, on access-limiting requirements of applicable laws and regulations, and on access-determining credential data provided by each of said participants and attendees so as to ensure that each of said participants of the healthcare industry and said attendees is appropriately authorized to conduct transactions of access-limited information, products or services with other so authorized participants of the healthcare industry trade show or attendees;

at least one other computer used by any of said participants of the healthcare industry connected via internet or intranet to said at least one server computer to conduct transactions via said healthcare industry trade show; and

a plurality of communication vehicles adapted to be selectably used by attendees of said healthcare industry trade show, and operatively connectable to communicate directly with and through said at least one server computer via the internet so as to conduct transactions with at least one of said healthcare sources and said participants via said healthcare industry trade show,

wherein communication between any of said healthcare sources and participants of the healthcare industry facilitated through said at least one server computer with said attendees and others of said participants of the healthcare industry uses any of said plurality of communication vehicles, at the option of any of said participants of the healthcare industry or said attendees, whereby said communication between said healthcare sources, said participants and said attendees form a virtual trade show independent of any non-virtual activities in the healthcare industry.

51. A system, according to claim 50, wherein said communication between said attendees and said healthcare information sources is formed to include where an authorized attendee can request an office detail visit from a manufacturer'"'"'s representative.

52. A system, according to claim 50, wherein said communication between said attendee and said healthcare information sources is formed to include where an authorized attendee can request and receive product information.

53. A system, according to claim 50, wherein said communication between said attendee and said healthcare information sources, is formed to include where an authorized attendee can request and receive a product monograph.

54. A system according to claim 50, wherein request and receipt of said product monograph includes promotional or marketing materials that are available on demand, at scheduled times or to be physically shipped to the attendee.

55. A system, according to claim 50, wherein said communication between said attendee and said healthcare information sources is formed to include where an authorized attendee can request and receive a product sample.

56. A system, according to claim 50, wherein said communication between said attendee and said healthcare information sources is formed to include where an authorized attendee can request a health related audio.

57. A system according to claim 56, wherein request and receipt of said health related audio includes promotional or marketing materials are available on demand, at scheduled times or to be physically shipped to the attendee.

58. A system, according to claim 50, wherein said communication between said attendee and said healthcare information sources is formed to include where an authorized attendee can request a health related video.

59. A system according to claim 58, wherein request and receipt of said health related video includes promotional or marketing materials are available via on demand, at scheduled times or to be physically shipped to the attendee.

60. A system, according to claim 50, wherein said communication between said attendee and said healthcare information sources is formed to include where an authorized attendee can request a health related abstract.

61. A system, according to claim 50, wherein said communication between said attendee and said healthcare information sources is formed to include where an authorized attendee can request a health related reprint.

62. A system, according to claim 50, wherein said communication between said attendee and said healthcare information sources is formed to include where an authorized attendee can request a health related newsletter.

63. A system according to claim 62, wherein request and receipt of said health related newsletter includes promotional or marketing materials are available on demand, at scheduled times or to be physically shipped to the attendee.

64. A system, according to claim 50, wherein said communication between said attendee and said healthcare information sources is formed to include where an authorized attendee can request a health related monograph.

65. A system according to claim 64, wherein request and receipt of said health related monograph includes promotional or marketing materials are available on demand, at scheduled times or to be physically shipped to the attendee.

66. A system, according to claim 50, wherein said communication between said attendee and said healthcare information sources is formed to include where an authorized attendee can request a health related slide kit.

67. A system according to claim 66, wherein request and receipt of said health related slide kit includes promotional or marketing materials are available on demand, at scheduled times or to be physically shipped to the attendee.

68. A system, according to claim 50, wherein said communication between said attendee and said healthcare information sources is formed to include where an authorized attendee can request a health related supplement.

69. A system according to claim 68, that such wherein request and receipt of said health related supplement includes promotional or marketing materials are available on demand, at scheduled times or to be physically shipped to the attendee.

70. A system, according to claim 50, wherein said communication between said attendee and said healthcare information sources is formed to include where an authorized attendee can register for a continuing medical education program.

71. A system, according to claim 50, wherein said communication between said attendee and said healthcare information sources is formed to include where an authorized attendee can attend a pre-recorded continuing education program that is available on demand or at a scheduled time.

72. A system, according to claim 50, wherein said communication between said attendee and said healthcare information resources is formed to include where an authorized attendee can attend a live continuing education program that is available at a scheduled time.

73. A system, according to claim 50, wherein said communication between said attendee and said healthcare information resources is formed to include where an authorized attendee can register for a physical CME program.

74. A system, according to claim 50, wherein said communication between said attendee and said healthcare information resources is formed to include where an authorized attendee has an option to register for a special program or programs.

75. A system, according to claim 50, wherein said communication between said attendee and said healthcare information resources is formed to include where an authorized attendee has an option to register for a special program or clinical trials.

76. A system, according to claim 50, wherein said communication between said attendee and said healthcare information resources is formed to include where an authorized attendee has an option to register for a special program or special studies.

77. A system, according to claim 50, wherein said communication between said attendee and said healthcare information resources is formed to include where an authorized attendee has an option to register for a special program to be a speaker or member of a speaker'"'"'s bureau.

78. A system, according to claim 50, wherein said communication between said attendee and said healthcare information resources is formed to include where an authorized attendee has an option to register for a special program or to participate in grand rounds.

79. A system, according to claim 50, wherein said communication between said attendee and said healthcare information resources is formed to include where an authorized attendee has an option to register for a special program or to participate in an advisory board.

80. A system, according to claim 50, wherein said communication between said attendee and said healthcare information resources is formed to include where an authorized attendee has an option to either participate or observe in special program or programs, clinical trials, special studies, membership of a speaker'"'"'s bureau, participate in grand rounds or to participate on an advisory board.

81. A system according to claim 50, wherein said healthcare information resources include promotional or marketing materials being available on demand, at scheduled times or to be physically shipped to an attendee.

82. A system according to claim 50, that such wherein said healthcare information resources include promotional or marketing materials are available on demand, at scheduled times or to be physically shipped to the attendee.

83. A system for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet according to claim 50, wherein said healthcare information sources include at least one of medical journals, company data, product information, information from drug trials, expert advisors, information from meetings, grand rounds, and promotional-materials.

84. A method for providing a completely virtual healthcare industry trade show via internet, comprising the steps of:

providing healthcare information sources, products or services desired by an attendee of the healthcare industry trade show via at least one server computer;

providing access-limiting software element tangibly embodied on said at least one server computer for conditionally controlling access to said healthcare industry trade show by said participants, said access-limiting software element of said at least one server computer including a verification and authorization software component including computer-executable instructions for limiting access to said virtual healthcare trade show based on access-limiting requirements from individual healthcare sources, on access-limiting requirements of applicable laws and regulations, and on access-determining credential data provided by each of said participants and attendees so as to ensure that each of said participants of the healthcare industry and said attendees is appropriately authorized to conduct transactions of access-limited information, products or services with other so authorized participants of the healthcare industry trade show or attendees;

providing at least one other computer used by said attendee of the healthcare industry trade show connected via internet or intranet to said at least one server computer to conduct transactions via said healthcare industry trade show;

providing a plurality of communication vehicles adapted to be selectably used by attendees of said healthcare industry trade show, and operatively connectable to communicate directly with and through said at least one server computer via the internet so as to conduct transactions with at least one of said healthcare sources and said participants via said healthcare industry trade show; and

forming and thereby operating said virtual healthcare industry trade show independent of any non-virtual activity in the healthcare industry trade show by facilitating the communication between said attendee with at least one of said healthcare information sources and other attendees via said at least one server computer either using any of said at least one other computer and internet or using said plurality of communication vehicles via the internet at the option of any of said attendee or other attendees.

85. The method according to claim 84, further comprising a step of interacting with said attendee with artificial intelligence.

86. The method according to claim 84, wherein said step of forming and operating said virtual healthcare industry trade show further comprising includes a step of interacting with said attendee with artificial intelligence.

87. The method according to claim 86, wherein said step of facilitating communication includes a step of randomly popping up at least one expert supported by the artificial intelligence on the floor of said healthcare industry trade show to communicate with attendees.

88. The method according to claim 87, wherein said step of facilitating communication further includes a step of providing said attendee a series of programmed questions to ask said at least one expert.

89. The method according to claim 87, wherein said step of facilitating communication further includes a step of taking spontaneous questions-raised by said attendee to said at least one expert.

90. The method according to claim 84, wherein said step of forming and operating said virtual healthcare industry trade show further comprising includes a step of translating text inputted by said attendee into a language selected by said attendee.

91. The method according to claim 84, wherein said step of forming and operating said virtual healthcare industry trade show includes electronically creating at least one of:

(a) a concierge feature for providing general or specific information about said health care industry trade show;

(b) an eLERTS feature for providing electronic instant messages for information about products, services, articles, symposia, and booth content;

(c) a celebrity “

pop-ups”

feature for facilitating spontaneous interactions between at least one expert of the health care industry and at least one of said participants of the health care industry;

(d) an E-commerce room certifying feature for certifying the financial credit of a party of to any transactions conducted in the said E-commerce room;

(e) an E-commerce room certifying feature for certifying the creditability of the representations of a party of said transactions;

(f) an E-commerce room tracking feature for tracking the receipt and execution of orders, shipments of goods/delivery of services, and payments;

(g) a Post Visit feature for facilitating each said attendee'"'"'s receipt of follow-up information, surveys and questionnaires as well as track said transactions or interests via said communication vehicles.

92. The method according to claim 84, wherein said step of forming and operating said virtual healthcare industry trade show further includes a step of supporting signals inputted by said attendee via a touch screen, a keyboard, a handwriting recognition means, or a voice recognition means.

93. The method according to claim 92, wherein said signals are displayed via animation or virtual reality.

94. The method according to claim 84, wherein said step of forming and operating said virtual healthcare industry trade show further includes a step of displaying textual, 2-D or 3-D imagery signals in response to said communication between said attendee and at least one of said healthcare information sources and other attendees.

95. The method according to claim 94, wherein said signals are displayed via animation or virtual reality.

96. The method according to claim 84, wherein said step of facilitating communication further includes a step of presenting said concierge as a figure of any sex, race, height, weight, eye or hair color.

97. The method according to claim 84, wherein said step of forming and operating said virtual healthcare industry trade show further includes a step of recording and capturing the activities of said attendee.

98. The method according to claim 84, wherein said step of forming and operating said virtual healthcare industry trade show further includes a step of providing either compiled data or specific data to one or more Exhibitors with appropriate consents and compliance with state and federal privacy and confidentiality laws.

99. The method according to claim 84, wherein said step, of facilitating communication further includes steps of determining special interest of said attendee and assisting said attendee to find specific information, locations, or areas of interest from the information resources within said healthcare industry trade show.

100. The method according to claim 84, wherein said step of forming and operating said virtual healthcare industry trade show further includes a step of providing said attendee with a history of any of said attendee'"'"'s previous visits.

101. The method according to claim 84, wherein said step of forming and operating said virtual healthcare industry trade show further includes a step of providing said attendee with information regarding specific products or services.

102. The method according to claim 84, wherein said step of forming and operating said virtual healthcare industry trade show further includes a step of providing said attendee with an update on what is new at the virtual healthcare industry trade show since said attendee'"'"'s last visit.

103. The method according to claim 84, wherein said step of forming and operating said virtual healthcare industry trade show further includes a step of facilitating at least one Exhibit or of said health care industry trade show to provide an information resource about products or services or their combinations, that conform to FDA labeling requirements.

104. The method according to claim 84, wherein said step of forming and operating said virtual healthcare industry trade show further includes a step of facilitating at least one Exhibitor (non-manufacturer) of said healthcare industry trade show to provide “

off-label”

products, services or their combinations that does not conform to the FDA labeling-requirements.

105. The method according to claim 84, wherein said step of facilitating communication includes a step of presenting at least one case report to demonstrate key elements in the diagnosis and treatment of a particular healthcare problem.

106. The method according to claim 105, wherein said step of facilitating communication includes a step of receiving input proposed by said attendee regarding another diagnosis and treatment.

107. The method according to claim 84, wherein said step of facilitating communication includes a step of conducting needs assessments to design future events.

108. The method according to claim 84, wherein said step of facilitating communication includes a step of providing Continuing Education to said attendee which is not controlled or influenced by any manufacturers of medical equipment, devices or pharmaceutical products.

109. The method according to claim 84, wherein said step of facilitating communication includes steps of providing Continuing Education to said attendee, and conducting satisfaction surveys or request for suggestions on improvements.

110. The method according to claim 84, wherein said step of facilitating communication includes steps of providing Continuing Education to said attendee, and tracking receipts of educational credits and materials.

111. The method according to claim 84, wherein said step of facilitating communication includes steps of providing Continuing Education to said attendee, and receiving from said attendee e-mails on various topics.

112. The method according to claim 84, wherein the access-determining credential data includes DEA provider numbers, ME numbers and/or State License numbers.

113. The method according to claim 84, wherein said step of providing said healthcare information sources includes electronically creating at least one of:

(a) a detailing service, source for promoting at least one exhibitor of said health care industry trade show;

(b) an expert room service source for providing access to at least one expert available to answer questions from said participants of the health care industry and said attendees;

(c) a case conferencing service source for presenting at least one case report to at least one of said participants and said attendees of the health care industry;

(d) an advisory panel service source for providing input from experts in the healthcare industry as to what content to present;

(e) a need assessment process source where said participant and said attendees input suggested subjects they want to learn more about;

(f) a continuing education service source for providing continuing education for said participants of the health care industry and said attendees;

(g) a tele-medicine service source for delivering tele-medicine by said participants of the health care industry;

(h) an office management service source for exchanging information regarding managerial activities among said participants of the health care industry and said attendees;

(i) a disease management service source for exchanging information regarding disease management activities among said participants of the health care industry and said attendees;

(j) a ground rounds service source for providing interactive ground rounds communication; and

(k) a speaker bureau service source for said participants to offer lecturing services to other participants and said attendees about a variety of topics including but not limited to the diagnosis and treatment of a particular disease.

114. The method according to claim 113, wherein the Disease Management service source provides attendees with information about special disease states, conditions or specialties.

115. The method according to claim 113, wherein the interactive grand rounds communications are moderated by at least one expert to explain suggested diagnosis and treatment.

116. A method for promoting and marketing health related products and services via an internet or intranet site that is independent from participants including manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors of said health related products and services, comprising:

providing healthcare information sources, products or services desired by an attendee of the healthcare industry trade show via at least one server computer;

providing access-limiting software element tangibly embodied on said at least one server computer for conditionally controlling access to said healthcare industry trade show by said participants, said access-limiting software element of said at least one server computer including a verification and authorization software component including computer-executable instructions for limiting access to said virtual healthcare trade show based on access-limiting requirements from individual healthcare sources, on access-limiting requirements of applicable laws and regulations, and on access-determining credential data provided by each of said participants and attendees so as to ensure that each of said participants of the healthcare industry and said attendees is appropriately authorized to conduct transactions of access-limited information, products or services with other so authorized participants of the healthcare industry trade show or attendees;

providing at least one other computer used by said attendee of the healthcare industry trade show connected via internet or intranet to said at least one server computer to conduct transactions via said healthcare industry trade show;

providing a plurality of communication vehicles adapted to be selectably used by attendees of said healthcare industry trade show, and operatively connectable to communicate directly with and through said at least one server computer via the internet so as to conduct transactions with at least one of said healthcare sources and said participants via said healthcare industry trade show; and

forming and thereby operating said virtual healthcare industry trade show independent of any non-virtual activity in the healthcare industry trade show by facilitating the communication between said attendee with at least one of said healthcare information sources and other attendees via said at least one server computer either using any of said at least one other computer and internet or using said plurality of communication vehicles via the internet at the option of any of said attendee or other attendees.

117. The method according, to claim 116, wherein said step of facilitating communication further includes a step of providing an authorized attendee via the Internet a pre-recorded continuing education program that is available on demand or at a scheduled time.

118. The method according to claim 116, wherein said step of facilitating communication further includes a step of providing an authorized attendee an office detail visit from a manufacturer'"'"'s representative.

119. The method according to claim 116, wherein said step of facilitating communication further includes a step of providing an authorized attendee product information.

120. The method according to claim 116, wherein said step of facilitating communication further includes a step of providing an authorized attendee a product monograph or a product sample.

121. The method according to claim 116, wherein said step of facilitating communication further includes a step of providing an authorized attendee a health related audio, video, abstract, reprint, newsletter, monograph, slide kit, or supplement.

122. The method according to claim 116, wherein said step of facilitating communication further includes a step of registering an authorized attendee for a continuing medical education program.

123. The method according to claim 116, wherein said step of facilitating communication further includes a step of providing an authorized attendee via the Internet a live continuing education program that is available at a scheduled time.

124. The method according to claim 116, wherein said step of facilitating communication further includes a step of registering an authorized attendee for a special program as a speaker or as a member of a speaker'"'"'s bureau.

125. The method according to claim 116, wherein said step of facilitating communication further includes a step of accepting an authorized attendee to participate in grand rounds.

126. The method according to claim 116, wherein said step of facilitating communication further includes a step of making promotional or marketing materials available via the Internet on demand, at scheduled times, or to be physically shipped to the attendee.

127. The method according to claim 116, wherein sources of the information resources include at least one of medical journals, company data, product information, information from drug trials, expert advisors, information from meetings, grand rounds, or promotional materials.