This letter of recommendation was written to me around the half-way point of a very unique and interesting multi-year project with the Greater Pittsburgh Convention & Visitor's Bureau, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was challenging in that both broad and in-depth research was required — coincident with the highest need for confidentiality in order to maintain competitive leverage.

In final phase, our "sell" (as Mr. McGrath calls it here) involved a high level negotiation to create an effective partnership among the diverse, powerful interests of two world class universities in Pittsburgh, foundation financing, and the best plastic surgeons in practice.

November 1, 1999

Mr. Dell Deaton
President
Proteus Tradeshow Marketing
Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Dear Dell,

A year and a half has passed since our first meeting here on the concept of a Pittsburgh-based trade show – something no other US city has ever attempted. Later this month, this highly confidential and competitively exciting undertaking will go public.

Dell, you personally, and your company as a whole, have been an invaluable and indispensable part of creating this success. From the extensively detailed analysis, focus, and substantiated conclusions of your original Feasibility Study, to contract negotiations, business planning, and "selling" necessary partners on this vision and its benefits, you have delivered. You tell it like it is, your work is objective, and you have always gone above and beyond your commitment to us, even on very short notice. This has been consistent, and without compromise.

With this letter, we are signing our third contract with you. This is perhaps the best endorsement we could give to Proteus. It clearly represents our satisfaction with your fulfillment of our needs as a client. It is, therefore, my pleasure to highly recommend you to others.

Respectfully,

Joseph R. McGrath
President

JRM:slv