The Conferon Vision of Technology A goal frequently mentioned at Conferon is to be at the forefront of technology in our industry. That is one of the reasons I’m here. My name is Greg Griswold. I’ve recently joined Conferon as the Director of Information Systems. As one of the newest members of the Conferon team, I’m looking forward to working closely with you. I believe the purpose of technology is to enhance the interface between our customers, supplier partners, and us. We are committed to delivering the best available technology to each employee’s desktop. Toward this goal, in 1998, we will implement the following systems: The CHARISMA release, an acronym for Conferon Housing And Registration Integrated System for Meetings and Assemblies. In mid 1998, we will be moving our Registration and Housing department to a highly advanced, Windows-based system that will speed up and improve the registration process. This release sets the stage for further integration with our present signupcenter.com web registration site. Quality 1st - Windows conversion and upgrade. Quality 1st, our custom hotel, client, and supplier database, is being upgraded and converted to Windows. The initial conversion to Windows and changes to our client database are near completion. Remaining upgrades are expected to be completed in 1998. One of the main enhancements of this release will be electronic lead generation and tracking capability. In addition, this release inherits the advantages of the Windows common interface. The introduction of Microsoft Windows NT® Server and Microsoft SQL® Server as a major computing platform. Windows NT Server and our first Microsoft Backoffice application, SQL Server, are the foundation of one of our newest software titles, CHARISMA. This will set the stage for further migration to Windows NT Server and SQL Server applications in the future. The installation of a Wide Area Network (WAN). This will allow you, our clients, to communicate with all our offices in a more timely fashion. The WAN will provide full-time connectivity necessary to update data at all of our regional offices with greater frequency. E-mail system enhancements. We are replacing our current e-mail system with another Microsoft Backoffice product, Exchange Server. Exchange Server provides robustness and simplifies e-mail management. To accomplish these goals, we will also be upgrading many of our work stations with Microsoft Office 97. This migration will provide a common platform for exchanging documents with you, our partners, both while in the office or traveling. I hope this information has given you insight into what we intend to accomplish in 1998 to better service you.