HARTFORD, CONN., August 4, 2014 - This week, 2,700 science professionals and instrument and equipment manufacturers from all over the world are meeting at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, Conn. at the Microscopy Society of America's (MSA) Microscopy & Microanalysis 2014 (M&M 2014).

Many of the sessions for this prestigious conference are being held today through August 7 and feature tutorials, tech forums and outreach sessions in both the physical and biological sciences. This includes microscopy, focused ion beam, electron diffraction, materials science techniques, x-ray imaging, holography, atomic force microscopy, and surface analysis. On display are 120 exhibitors, showcasing the latest technology and equipment dedicated to microscopy and microanalysis including an expansive variety of state-of-the-art microscopes.

"This impressive conference is using 14 Downtown and nearby suburban hotels, employ the services of more than three dozen CTCSB members, and is projected to generate more than $4.5 million for the Greater Hartford region," explains Michael Van Parys, President of the Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau, which markets all of the state as a premier destination for international, national, regional and statewide conventions. "Our office's sales and convention services team has been working with the Microscopy Society of America since back in 2009, when we secured the booking as the Greater Hartford Convention & Visitors Bureau. We are very pleased to welcome this conference, whose presence will benefit many area restaurants, lodgings, transportation services, unique meeting venues, and other businesses."

"We are very excited to welcome the Microscopy Society of America into our facility for their 2014 meeting," says Michael Costelli, General Manager of the Connecticut Convention Center. "When we book an event so far in advance and spend years planning every detail with our client, it's a great feeling to see their vision come to fruition."

M&M 2014 is being held in conjunction with the quadrennial meeting of the International Union of Microbeam Analysis Societies (IUMAS), and is joined by the Microscopical Society of Canada / Société de Microscopie du Canada (MSC/SMC). Events feature a special welcoming reception at the Connecticut Science Center.

For more information on the Microscopy Society of America's (MSA) Microscopy & Microanalysis 2014 (M&M 2014), go to http://www.microscopy.org/MandM/2014/schedule.cfm

The Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau (CTCSB) works in partnership with the state's businesses, institutions, nonprofit organizations, and surrounding communities to market all of Connecticut - convention and meeting venues, hotels and attractions, and sporting venues - as a premier destination for international, national, regional and statewide conferences, conventions and major sports events. The public-private partnership is funded by dues from members and by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD). The Connecticut Sports Convention Advisory Board, a division of the CTCSB, focuses its efforts on attracting and serving international, national and regional sporting events. For more information, visit www.ctmeetings.org or call 860-728-6789.