HU TO HOLD SECOND ANNUAL TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE

Hampton, VA - In an effort to increase awareness about securing and protecting network infrastructure, Hampton University and the National Institute for Science and Technology (NIST) will hold the Second Annual Technology Conference at Hampton University April 3-5. "Are You Sure It's Secure?" and " How to Secure Your Share of Federal Funding" are this year's themes.

Keynote speakers for this event will include multi-millionaire attorney Willie E. Gary and Virginia Secretary of Education Dr. Bell Wheelan. Other speakers will include Keith Fulton of AOL Time Warner, Connie Jacobs of the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Program and Maurice Swinton of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Some of the topics to be addressed include "Cyber Crimes: An In-depth Understanding," "Advanced Technology Development and Commercialization Opportunities," and "Information Security and Assurance."

Hampton University, which has been recognized as a "Most Wired Campus" by Yahoo!, recognizes the importance of these issues and seeks to provide information about methods to effectively protect and secure network infrastructures.

The conference co-sponsor, the Advanced Technology Program, part of the NIST will provide information about over $1 billion of funding opportunities available for advanced technology research from federal government agencies. Sessions will emphasize and highlight minority business' and universities' participation in these programs.

Last year's conference addressed bridging the digital divide.

There is a $250 registration fee. On-site registration is $250, college students with a valid ID and HU faculty members is $100. Registration for HU students is free with a valid ID.

For more information about the conference contact Hampton University Center for Information Technology at (757) 728-6927 or send email to HUTC2002@hamptonu.edu

For additional information, please contact: Kia Dupree (757) 727 - 5255 or via email: kia.dupree@hamptonu.edu