Silo Ridge - Harlem Valley Times

4/7/2005 - Tech Fair boasts all-star cast of speakers

Amenia
Tech Fair boasts all-star cast of speakers
4/7/2005
By: Eamon McNiff, Staff Reporter

After months of preparation, it's finally time for this year's Tech Fair. The event, at the Silo Ridge Country Club off of Route 22 in Amenia will be held Friday, April 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fair is co-sponsored by the Amenia Chamber of Commerce and The Harlem Valley Partnership. Admission is free.

"It's going to be a wonderful event," Margaret Swendseid, project manager for the fair said.
The one-day event will have exhibitor booths, speakers, panel discussions, a raffle, and for the first time a local high school student will be awarded the "Young Technology Entrepreneur" scholarship, totaling $1,000 to be used toward a college education and a career in the technology field.
A highlight of this year's event will be its speakers, all of whom are involved in some way with the technology field, and will be on hand to pass along information and experience.
"It's an all-star cast of speakers," Swendseid said.

Giving the keynote speech to this year's fair will be Dutchess County Executive William R. Steinhaus.
Also speaking will be Jacob Bousso, of Gensler Associates. Gensler is an international architectural and interior design firm. Bousso will be holding a panel discussion titled "The Workspace of the Future. " He will discuss "desk evolution and design, and how technology integrates with the work environment. " Architects Darlene Riemer, of Amenia, and Martin Holub will also be on the panel.

"This event is a great opportunity for local business people to learn more about available technology options and the impact they might have on their businesses' effectiveness," Holub said.
Dan Law, director of IBM's Human Resources for Systems and Technology Group, will be speaking about "Careers in Technology. " Technology entrepreneur Jim Muncey, who will give his own perspective on growing a successful technology company, will join Law on the panel.

Dr. Ann Davis, director and founder of the Bureau of Economic Research at Marist College, will hold a panel discussion on "The Future of the Technology Industry in the Harlem Valley. " Peter Winne, director of Technology Development for the Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation will also be on the panel.
Ric Dragon, CEO of Empire iTech will be speaking on "Technology Solutions for Small Businesses. "
"The Internet is a full-blown revolution of sorts. It is critical that regional businesses have the opportunity to learn about other businesses in the community to leverage every possible bit of potential value that this revolution offers," Dragon stated.

Due to the rural history of the region, this year's Tech Fair will also feature a panel titled, "FarmTech: Ancient History, New Tools. " Agricultural experts Mark Doyle and Les Hulcoop will discuss some recent advancements in technology in farming.

Another new feature to this year's event will be an "Analyze Your Web site" session.
Five pre-submitted Web sites will be displayed and analyzed by Dan Swift, president of DGSwift Design Group, a web-developing company based in Millerton.
"A key concern of all businesses is driving traffic to your Web site. I'll be looking at such issues as the 'look and feel' of your Website; how memorable your site is to your customers; whether customers can quickly navigate your site; and whether they are able to find your site on search engines," Swift explained.
"This is a free, professional consultation for businesspeople who plan on attending Tech Fair. It is exactly the kind of skill-building service that sets Tech Fair apart from other events, helping small businesses develop tools they need to compete and succeed," Garret Corcoran, president of Amenia's Chamber of Commerce said.

There will also be a showcase of some of the more cutting edge technology solutions for the near and distant future. Some of the items showcased will be eMagin's 3-D screen system, iPods, and gigabyte megabyte sticks.
The scholarship will be presented around 1 p.m. , for one senior at Pawling, Millbrook, Webutuck, or Dover Plains. The radio station Q103.3 FM will be airing a live broadcast, including interviews with the speakers, throughout the fair.
"I'm pumped for this year's event," Corcoran said.