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November 1, 2005

Over 4,100 People Gather in Pleasanton, CA for DeafNation Expo

From: DeafNation - Nov 1, 2005

Media Contact: Joel Barish, DeafNation
P.O. Box 762
Frederick, MD 21705-0762
FAX 301.682.7529
expo@deafnation.com
marketing@deafnation.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Over 4,100 People Gather in Pleasanton, CA for DeafNation Expo

Pleasanton, CA [November 1, 2005] – Returning to Pleasanton, Calif., on Oct. 29 was the DeafNation Expo, which brought in more than 4,100 people to the Alameda County Fairgrounds. “This was one of the most diversely attended expos we’ve hosted,” said DeafNation CEO Joel Barish. “What I mean by that is that there were such great numbers of people from all walks of life. This was a super asset for our sponsors and exhibitors, because they were able to reach out to a wider variety of people.”

“DeafNation Expo brings together the deaf community unlike any other event of its kind,” said Mark Call, Northern California outreach manager for Sorenson Communications. “Every DeafNation event we support provides our company with great networking opportunities and a chance to reconnect with our customers and associates.”

Sponsored by Sorenson VRS, Sprint, DCARA, IP-Relay, Fuse Wireless and SBC, activities included presentations by Mr. Patches, the Magic Clown and the National Deaf Business Institute. Sprint also sponsored RowdyVision, a vaudeville-type show. John Maucere, a regular at DeafNation Expos, once again introduced Mary Monroe during a hilarious take of The Dating Game. He also once again got into his SuperDeafy costume and surprised attendees with simple questions that often brought humorous responses. Sponsors and exhibitors gave away door prizes near the end of the day, and younger attendees had the option of participating in various children’s activities – all at no charge to expo-goers.

Joe McLaughlin, Dean of Deaf Studies and Special Services at Ohlone College in Fremont, Calif., attended the expo for the second year. “The expo was a great way for parents, potential students and other people to learn about Ohlone College’s programs. Most of our former students of Ohlone College Deaf Center stopped by our booth and met our faculty and staff who were volunteering their time,” he said. “I thought that this was an exciting time for the former students to have a ‘mini-reunion’ with our faculty and staff. As an educational administrator, I enjoyed renewing both personal and professional connections there.”

“It was wonderful to see people of different races, classes and educational backgrounds coming together to one place,” said DeafHope’s Julie Rems-Smario. “DeafNation Expo gives people from all walks for life the opportunity to learn about many services, programs, and equipments available in our local Deaf community.   DeafNation Expo is becoming the heart and spirit of the Deaf community.”

DeafNation Expo is visiting 12 cities in 2005, with the next one planned for Rochester, N.Y., on Nov. 5. Admission is free for all attendees, and registration may be completed by visiting www.deafnation.com.

About DeafNation
DeafNation and DeafNation Expo are the premier destinations for people wanting to stay updated about the latest happenings in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Visit www.deafnation.com for the latest news, video clips in sign language, and exclusive coverage of events such as the Deaflympics and World Federation of the Deaf activities. DeafNation Expo is the foremost exhibition for, by, and about Deaf people. DeafNation Expo, held at different locations across the nation each year, is a celebration of culture, an exhibition of technology, and a business and social event – all wrapped up in one dynamic, spectacular event at no charge to attendees. Visit DeafNation’s website today at www.deafnation.com!

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