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Wheeling and Dealing at ETA 2002

I t's the event of the year for the electronic transactions industry. Meeting and greeting, catching up on the latest industry trends and technologies, meeting and greeting, learning from inspiring keynote speakers and educational sessions, golf - and, of course, more meeting and greeting - make the Electronic Transactions Association Annual Meeting and Expo a rewarding way to spend three days in Orlando, Fla.

"There's a whole lot of networking going on and a whole lot of business generated at the Annual Expo," said Kirk Kahler, ETA Director of Communications. Two thousand ETA members and non-members are expected to attend this year's event.

The Marriott World Center is the place to be in mid-April. ETA is presenting its largest trade show ever this year, and the Exposition will cover more than 50,000 square feet and showcase more than 100 manufacturers and financial services, information and technology providers.

The Opening Reception is scheduled for Wednesday evening, April 10, in the Exhibition Hall with the vendors.

Kahler said this year's sessions and speakers were selected by a committee review process to reflect what is being heard from ETA members. In designing the program, Kahler said, "The committee looks at trends in the industry. They also talk with our members to see what their interests and concerns are and what will help them do their jobs better or help them help their companies be more successful."

Thursday and Friday's educational sessions will take four tracks and cover topics relating to operations and management, sales and marketing, emerging markets and universal commerce (u-commerce).

All workshops are designed to broaden participants' understanding of doing business in a world with fewer geographical boundaries and rapidly changing technology.

In addition to the sessions offered as part of the Annual Meeting, ETA also will present several educational and social activities to help attendees take full advantage of their time in Orlando. Pre-meeting special events and special activities are scheduled for Tuesday, April 9 and Wednesday, April 10.

A briefing on technology, an overview of the acquiring industry, an in-depth look at e-commerce risk issues and a golf tournament are offered for additional registration fees.

Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, will give the first keynote speech on Thursday, April 11.

Drawing on his experiences in politics and national security issues, his special presentation to ETA attendees will cover international finance, the global marketplace, threats from terrorist, military and international crimes, and the role of American politics in our constantly changing world.

Dr. Kevin Hassett, keynote speaker for Friday, April 12, will share his knowledge of the national economy in his presentation.

He is a senior economist with the Federal Reserve System Board of Governors, resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute and professor of economics and finance at Columbia University's Graduate School of Business. Dr. Hassett served as chief economic advisor to Sen. John McCain and policy consultant to the U.S. Department of the Treasury during two presidential administrations.

The ETA sponsors two conferences each year, the Annual Meeting and Expo in April and the Midyear Meeting in September.

The Annual Meeting provides a large venue for industry education and networking opportunities, and the Midyear Meeting - scheduled this year for Sept. 17-19 in Seattle - is a smaller, shorter and more intimate industry gathering.

You must register by March 18 to receive discounts for the Annual Meeting. Visit www.electran.org for complete event details and an online registration form, or phone 800-695-5509 to speak with an ETA representative.