For the first time ever the Iowa Small Business Development Center will co-host a live conference on the Web.

“The virtual trade show conference will be live on the Web,” said Robert Parker, assistant director of the Small Business Development Center.

The virtual trade show conference will allow people to view the conference over the computer, Parker said. To access the Web site, use the Small Business Development Center’s Web address, http://www.iowasbdc.org.

“Info Iowa ’97,” the second annual conference, was designed to help Iowa businesses better utilize interactive communication technologies.

“Interactive communication technologies are dramatically changing the competitive marketplace,” Parker said. “This conference will enable Iowa businesses to keep informed of the latest technologies and learn how to best profit from them.”

Parker said the conference will be held in Des Moines on April 2 and April 3 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hotel Fort Des Moines.

The conference, Parker said, will include numerous presentations and exhibits by state, regional and national experts on business and technological topics. These topics include the Internet, intranet, e-mail, fax and other electronic communication technologies.

Parker said all exhibits will be open until 6:30 p.m.

“This conference will have many presentations that will target college age students,” he said.

Parker said he believes topics such as the future of on-line business, getting information from the Internet and new ways of business could interest students in all majors, not just business.

The conference will include the second annual Interactive Age Awards Banquet, Parker said. The banquet will recognize the individuals and companies across Iowa that are leading the state in electronic technological development and have used electronic technology to grow their businesses.

Parker said the categories of the awards include outstanding Web site, best integration of technology in marketing, outstanding virtual organization or project and an Iowa technology champion.

The conference, Parker said, is being co-hosted by the Iowa Department of Economic Development, Iowa State’s College of Business, ISU Pappajohn Center for Business and Entrepreneurship, WHO Radio, Business Publications,Inc. and several other small Iowa businesses.

A two-day admission ticket to the exhibition, conference and awards banquet costs $345. The cost of a one-day admission ticket is $195, which includes the conference and exhibits. Tickets for individual events are also available.

“There is also a ticket for $35 to see the exhibits and to talk to the business people,” Parker said.

To preregister or for additional information, contact Parker at (800) 373-7232, or by e-mail, [email protected]. To reserve exhibit space, call Alice Binsand at (515) 225-1051.