Conference Overview

Unlike other events in the field, the National Online Meeting breaks new ground each year, setting industry standards and rules, unveiling new products and services, and evoking discussion—both practical and theoretical. The meeting monitors the trends year after year to keep information professionals abreast of the latest developments in content delivery and the impact of technology on the world of information. With the constant changes in the information industry, this tried and true forum provides an ideal platform for serious information users to come together to share ideas.

The National Online Meeting provides something for everyone at all levels. For our old and valued friends, the National Online Meeting promises a wealth of presentations covering both traditional and new areas of interest; for the newcomer, the range of stimulating sessions and events offered by the program will serve as the most cost-effective method of learning, establishing new contacts, and reviewing the dynamic information scene.

 FOCUS ON CONTENT
The National Online Meeting is different from other meetings because of its focus on information content rather than on information technology alone. This is why the conference and exhibits remain relevant after 20 years. It doesn’t really matter whether the delivery vehicle is online services, CD-ROM, or the Internet: The emphasis is to present products and services that offer solid and reliable content to the user. At the National Online Meeting, its the content that counts above all else.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
For anyone concerned with information, its distribution and its value in decision making, this event is a must. Meet those who shape and supply the information that helps business, government, and education function effectively. This includes librarians, information professionals, publishers, database producers, online vendors, tele-communications professionals, market researchers, investment analyststhe list is virtually endless. If you are involved in any way with electronically distributed information, then you will find something of interest at this important meeting.

SESSIONS
Whether one is a user, an educator, or a producer of database services, there will be presentations of true significance for everyone. The format of the three concurrent tracks allows attendees to choose from many topics each day. A complete list of program offerings is contained on the following pages.

ONLINE AND CD-ROM EXHIBITION
The newest online, Internet, and CD-ROM products, systems, and services will be on display in the Exhibit Hall. The explosion and constant refinement of these products and services make it increasingly important to keep abreast of these dynamic technologies. Booths will be manned by knowledgeable representatives, giving attendees many opportunities for discussion, demonstrations, and hands-on experience. Over 160 online exhibits are planned for the 1999 meeting. Exhibit hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 18 and 19, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 20.

INTERNET VILLAGE
Once again a section of the Exhibit Hall will be dedicated to Internet products and services. Called Internet Village, this special area will focus the attendees attention on such things as Internet connectivity services, search tools, and databases available over the Internet.

INTEGRATED ONLINE LIBRARY SYSTEMS
For the 11th year in a row, the Conference on Integrated Online Library Systems (IOLS) will be a conference within a conference at the National Online Meeting. Attendance at IOLS 99 requires separate registration. Register online.

IIA ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING
 This years Electronic Publishing event will be held concurrently with the National Online Meeting to allow attendees to take maximum advantage of their time at the conference. Co-sponsored by the Information Industry Association and Information Today, Inc., the day-long Electronic Publishing 99 conference is titled Publishing, Pricing, and Portals: The Portal of My Enemy is My Enemy. Attendance at this event requires separate registration. Register online.

SATELLITE EVENTS
Satellite Events are held on the days before and after the meeting to help maximize the benefits of attending. These in-depth full-day seminars are listed and described at the end of this preliminary program. Attendance at Satellite Events requires additional registration. Register online.

HOW TO REGISTER
Register online. Or call 800/300-9868 or 609/654-6266 to register via phone.  Please note that payment must be received by April 26, 1999, to qualify for the Early-Bird discounts.

LOCATION
The 20th National Online Meeting and IOLS 99 will be held at the New York Hilton, which is located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas in New York City. All official program activities will be held at this hotel. A block of rooms has been reserved for attendees and exhibitors at substantially reduced rates. In order to obtain these rates, however, hotel reservations should be made through the official housing bureau, Expo Travel Services (see Travel & Hotel below). Additional information will be mailed to attendees upon receipt of meeting registration.

SECURITY
The meeting organizers have engaged the services of a professional security company to keep security problems to a minimum. Guards will be on duty at all times during exhibition hours. It is recommended, however, that coats, suitcases, and other personal belongings always be kept in sight or checked at the hotel check room.

SPEAKERS AND PRESS ROOM
A room has been set aside for the use of speakers and members of the press. The designated speakers and press room is the Morgan Suite on the second floor.

TAPE CASSETTES
Most of the sessions and some of the “Satellite Events” are being taped and are for sale in the registration area. These may be picked up during the meeting itself.
 

SPONSOR
The National Online Meeting is sponsored by Information Today, Inc., publisher of Information Today, Link-Up, Searcher: The Magazine for Database Professionals, Computers in Libraries, and MultiMedia Schools.

Information Today, Inc. would like to thank our corporate sponsor, LEXIS-NEXIS,  for their generous support. Visit the Cyber Cafe sponsored by LEXIS-NEXIS in Americas Hall II to check your e-mail.

The 1999 National Online Meeting will be held in cooperation with the Special Libraries Association.
 

PROGRAM CHAIR

Martha E. Williams — University of Illinois
 

ORGANIZING/REVIEWING COMMITTEE

Bryce Allen — University of Missouri
Maureen Fleming — Gartner Group
Lee Greenhouse — Greenhouse Associates
Susan LaChance — Infoseek Corporation
P. Michael McCulley — Information Access Company
Amanda Spink — University of North Texas
Markus Stamm — Open Market, Inc.
Tom Surprenant — Queens College
Peiling Wang — University of Tennessee
 

WHO TO CONTACT

Registration — Registration Desk
Exhibits Manager — Carol Nixon [cnixon@infotoday.com]
Advertising Sales — Mike Zarrello [adsales@infotoday.com]
Exhibit Sales — David Panara [dpanara@infotoday.com]

Information Today, Inc.
143 Old Marlton Pike
Medford, NJ 08055
800-300-9868
609-654-6266
Fax:  609-654-4309
E-mail: custserv@infotoday.com
Web site:  www.infotoday.com
 

TRAVEL & HOTEL
Expo Travel Services, Inc. has been designated the official housing bureau and travel agency for the National Online Meeting and IOLS 99. For all hotel reservations, please call Expo Travel Services at 201-444-0060, or toll free (in the U.S.) 800-829-2281. If you prefer to fax your travel plans, the fax number is 201-444-0062.

The New York Hiltons reduced guest room rates for National Online Meeting attendees range from $190 to $243 for a single room and $210 to $275 for a double. Please call Expo Travel early to get the lower rates. If Hilton rooms are no longer available, Expo Travel can assist you in finding other accommodations nearby.

In addition, discounted airfares have been arranged on the lowest restricted fares as well as on nonrestricted coach fares. Advance booking and specific rules apply. All major credit cards are accepted.
 
 
 

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