U.S. Contact: Lisa Reyes
Phone: +1-312-559-3325
E-Mail: lreyes@iec.org
Asia-Pacific Contacts: Jing Cesarone
Phone:(773) 486-7705
E-Mail: jing@chinawiseusa.com
Asia-Pacific Contacts: June Cui
Phone:(86-10) 6235-9296
E-Mail: june@chinawiseusa.com
BEIJING – 5 June 2007 – The International Engineering Consortium's (IEC's) Broadband World Forum Asia 2007 began its "Olympics of Global Innovation" this morning at the China World Hotel at the China World Trade Center with a grand opening ceremony featuring leaders from China Netcom, the official host sponsor, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), Ministry of Information Industry (MII) and the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). IEC President Mr. John Janowiak presided at the opening and introduced China Netcom Chairman of the Board and President Mr. Chunjiang Zhang, who gave a keynote address followed by a traditional dragon dance and a powerful Olympic-themed presentation.
Several hundred industry professionals then listened to ITU Deputy Secretary-General Mr. Houlin Zhao, who discussed the striking progress and incredible growth of telecommunications advancements in developing countries. MII Deputy Minister Mr. Yaoping Jiang and NDRC High-Technology Department Director Mr. Qin Xu followed with their own addresses to the industry.
"It was exciting to see hundreds of key players and VIPs in the audience today," commented IEC President John Janowiak. "We expect tomorrow to be just as thrilling with the ribbon-cutting ceremony and the opening of the exhibition floor," he continued. "Nearly 3,500 industry professionals have pre-registered, and with many more expected to register the remainder of the week and the Beijing Broadband Appreciation Day on Thursday, we expect BBWF Asia to buzz with excitement and be filled with exceptional business development opportunities."
More than 300 industry experts will continue to speak throughout the week at the Broadband World Forum Asia.
In addition, major companies will feature their latest leading-edge advancements on the exhibition floor, including official host sponsor China Netcom, Nokia Siemens Networks, Ericsson, Huawei Technologies, NEC Corporation, Samsung Electronics, ZTE, Alcatel-Lucent, Fujitsu, Motorola, Cisco, KEYMILE, Nortel, Comverse, Critical Path, Telefónica and VeriSign.
The Exhibits PLUS Pass offers complimentary access to all keynote sessions, the InfoVision Awards, TecPreviews, networking receptions and the exhibition floor. In addition, special to this year's Broadband World Forum Asia, the Beijing Broadband Appreciation Day (7 June) will grant full access to the entire conference and exhibition to all local professionals. Valued at $1,400 a person, this gift from the IEC to local Chinese professionals serves as a gesture of the IEC's appreciation for the city of Beijing.
All registration packages are open to industry professionals throughout the Broadband World Forum Asia 2007.
For complete information, visit www.iec.org/events/2007/bbwf_asia or contact Lisa Reyes at lreyes@iec.org or +1-312-559-3325.
ABOUT THE IEC
A nonprofit organization, the IEC is dedicated to catalyzing technology and business progress worldwide in a range of high-technology industries and their university communities. Since 1944, the IEC has provided high-quality educational opportunities for industry professionals, academics, and students.
In conjunction with industry-leading companies, the IEC has developed an extensive, free, on-line educational program. The IEC conducts industry-university programs that have a substantial impact on curricula. It also conducts research and develops publications, conferences, and technological exhibits that address major opportunities and challenges of the information age.
More than 70 leading universities are IEC affiliates, and the IEC handles the affairs of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Heads Association and Eta Kappa Nu, the honor society for electrical and computer engineers. For more information, visit www.iec.org.
