2008-05-22 23:44:40 -

www.hsmglobal.com/us - HSM's World Business Forum received high rankings in Burson-Marsteller's 2008 Most Valued Podiums Survey (MVP2). The survey's findings, released May 19th, 2008, ranked the World Business Forum as the #1 Best New Forum and the #2 Best Global Forum. The World Business Forum also made its debut in the Top 10 list of the most influential and sought-after conferences, placing 5th most valuable podium throughout the world among CEOs and C-suite executives.

Burson-Marsteller's MVP2 Survey included 173 forums and conferences from around the world. Results were based on interviews with 103 conference decision-makers in corporate communications (25%), marketing (18%), human resources (13%), and public relations (7%). The majority (81%) of respondents are the conference decision-makers in Fortune

1000 firms.

Other findings from the MVP2 Survey concluded that 95% of conference decision-makers believe conferences to be as important or more important today compared with two years ago. In addition, 75% of the corporate communications officers interviewed reported that they consider "executive satisfaction" as their primary means of measure when evaluating return on investment from conference participation. Many respondents also revealed that "forwarding the business" was one of the leading criteria when determining which forums to attend.

For more information about the World Business Forum, please visit wbfny.com or call 866-711-4476.

For media inquires or press passes, please contact Susan Copperman at 212-812-9608 or scopperman@hsmglobal.com About HSM

Founded in 1987, HSM (www.hsmglobal.com/us) is a multimedia company specializing in executive education. HSM brings together the world's top executives and thought leaders to analyze and debate the latest and most pressing issues in business, leadership, management, and the economy. Through conferences, print, and audiovisual content, HSM generates new ideas and fresh thinking about the challenges facing business leaders today. HSM believes that knowledge is the critical driver for change and development. About Burson-Marsteller

The 2008 Most Valued Podiums Survey is certified by Burson-Marsteller, a leading global public relations and public affairs firm. Established in 1953, the firm provides strategic thinking and program execution for clients across a range of public relations, public affairs, advertising, and web-related services.

HSM
Susan Copperman, 212-812-9608
scopperman@hsmglobal.com