Digital Detroit Conference 2002 Announces Keynote Speakers, Topics

    BIRMINGHAM, Mich.--Sept. 12, 2002--Digital Detroit, Michigan's premier technology association dedicated to fostering the state's position as a leading high-tech center, and the Detroit Regional Chamber, the largest chamber of commerce in the United States, today announced keynote speakers and track topics for Digital Detroit Conference 2002.
    The third-annual conference, which is expected to host over 800 high-tech economy leaders, takes place Oct. 8-9 at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center with an associated Digital Leaders Black-Tie Gala at the new Detroit Science Center on the evening of the 8th.
    "We are honored to welcome such an elite group of technology experts and business decision-makers to this year's conference," said Jeffrey M. Sloan, co-founder and co-chairman of Digital Detroit. "Their commitment to sharing their insights with Detroit's high-tech business community -- combined with the broad spectrum of topics on the agenda -- truly embodies the enthusiasm and spirit of this event. Anyone doing business in the state of Michigan will benefit from attending."
    Delivering the event's keynote addresses are John F. Gantz, IDC chief research officer and senior vice president; Kirk A. Gutmann, General Motors global product development information officer; and Bob Bowman, CEO, MLB Advanced Media.
    Some of the scheduled conference speakers and moderators include George J. Berry, Jr., managing director, The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc.; Jay P. Harrison, president and CTO, Internet Operations Center, Inc.; Frank Hennessey, chairman, EMCO Ltd.; Denise Ilitch, president, Ilitch Holdings, Inc.; Rick Inatome, chairman, Mentor Capital Partners, LLC; Paul W. Smith, on-air radio personality, NewsTalk WJR 760-AM; Eric Schaefer, vice president sales & marketing, Comcast Cable Communications; Richard D. Snyder, CEO and founder, Ardesta LLC; David Sowerby, portfolio manager/chief market analyst, Loomis Sayles Equity Management; and Samuel Valenti III, founder and CEO, Valenti Capital.
    "As our economy and industry struggle in the wake of corporate upheaval, this year's conference assumes more relevance and immediacy than ever," said John Bava, managing partner and High-Tech Team member, Deloitte & Touche, as well as a conference panelist. "Digital Detroit has developed a roster of powerful topics and speakers that will target the toughest technological issues with laser point precision."
    These speakers will lead thought-provoking and dynamic sessions exploring cutting-edge business, economic and technologic issues. Scheduled tracks for both days of the conference include:

    DAY ONE: Tuesday, October 8

    Track 1: High-tech or hiatus - mapping Michigan's high-tech future
    Track 2: Entrepreneurship - the fundamentals of success

    DAY TWO: Wednesday, October 9

    Track 1: The auto industry - taking the high (tech) road
    Track 2: The changing world of marketing & media

    These tracks, like all components of this year's event, are made possible by the support of a host of distinguished sponsors, including Platinum Sponsors Compuware, Deloitte & Touche and Deloitte Consulting.
    "The quality of our sessions, speakers and sponsors is evidence that Southeast Michigan -- the Digital Drive -- is a high-technology leader," said Chamber President and CEO Richard E. Blouse Jr., CCE. "Attendees will come away from this conference inspired by and in touch with regional Detroit's high-tech community."
    A one-day conference pass runs $100 for Digital Detroit and Chamber members and $125 for non-members; a two-day conference pass runs $175 for members and $200 for non-members. To see a complete agenda and speaker bios and for registration information, visit www.digitaldetroit.org. Additional information about the conference may also be obtained by tuning into NewsTalk WJR 760 AM "The Digital Hour" every Saturday evening between now and the conference dates.

    About Digital Detroit
    A centerpiece in Michigan's high-tech climate, Digital Detroit is a non-profit technology association dedicated to educating, inspiring and providing networking opportunities for Michigan's high-tech and entrepreneurial community. Through events, print and broadcast news content, and an online forum, Digital Detroit connects professionals in the high-tech economy including those in automotive, marketing, technology and biotech as well as legislators, entrepreneurs and journalists.

    About the Detroit Regional Chamber
    With over 18,000 members, the Detroit Regional Chamber is the leading business organization in Southeast Michigan and the largest chamber of commerce in the country. The Chamber's mission -- to power the economy for Southeast Michigan -- is carried out through business attraction efforts, public policy advocacy, strategic partnerships and quality products and services for members.