| A line-up of key global nano and microsystems leaders will tackle the challenges and opportunities of transforming research breakthroughs into commercial reality during the 9th Annual Conference on the Commercialization of Micro and Nano Systems (COMS 2004) in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Aug. 29 - Sept. 2, 2004. COMS is the only international conference on the commercialization of microsystems and nanotechnology, bringing together key business and technical professionals from every segment of the supply chain, including equipment suppliers, end users, financial experts and top researchers. Over 400 local, national and international delegates are expected to converge on the Shaw Conference Centre in downtown Edmonton during the three and one-half day conference. Attendees can expect business-oriented plenary and breakout sessions, lively panel discussions and workshops, as well as many networking opportunities, all geared to helping the industry seize market opportunities and overcome the barriers to successful commercialization. NanoMEMS Edmonton, Greater Edmonton's smalltech industry organization, will co-host the event with MANCEF (Micro and Nanotechnology Commercialization Education Foundation). "Our roster of top-tier keynote speakers from the highest levels of the industry ensures that COMS 2004 will provide attendees with the best opportunity this year to gain insight into market trends, and to connect with the world's global smalltech leaders representing all segments of the micro/nano value chain," says Chris Lumb, NanoMEMS Edmonton co-chair and President and CEO of Micralyne Inc. "Edmonton, and indeed Canada, is establishing a critical mass of small tech activity. Thus, it's a perfect time to bring COMS to Canada and share with the world our experience and knowledge, while at the same time tapping into new international networks and interacting with global leaders from the Nano and MEMS community. It's this kind of interaction that MANCEF has fostered with COMS all along, and we expect this conference to expand on that exemplary track record." COMS 2004 has arranged for a high-impact roster of presenters, including: - Arthur J. Carty, PhD - National Science Advisor to the Prime Minister of Canada
- Thomas A. Cellucci, PhD - President and COO, Zyvex Corporation
- Henk van Houten, PhD - Senior Vice-president, Philips Research
- Meyya Meyyappan, PhD - Director of the Center for Nanotechnology and Senior Scientist, NASA Ames Research Centre
- Bruce Kirchhoff, PhD - Distinguished Professor, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) School of Management; Rutgers University
- John Evans, PhD - Program Manager, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Microsystems Technology Office
- Alexander W. Wong, PhD - Partner, Apex Partners
"This is the only conference in the world that addresses the commercialization of both micro and nanotechnology, and with the progress to date, COMS 2004 is poised to give attendees the absolute cutting-edge perspectives and information on commercializing these technologies, " says Roger Grace, MANCEF President and President of Roger Grace Associates (USA). "MANCEF is dedicated to the education of the micro and nano community worldwide and the COMS conferences have been our major vehicle for fulfilling this mandate." Beyond its distinctive mission to tackle the significant aspects of micro and nanosystems - marketing, technology management, production and capital formation - COMS is a place where business partners meet and new ventures are explored. The Gordon Style program is designed to maximize personal interaction among attendees, with numerous breaks and social events planned. |