AUSTIN, Texas, May 4, 2005 -- The World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT 2006) today will observe the one-year mark leading up to the start of the global conference by opening delegate registration and unveiling a number of program elements. Texas Governor Rick Perry and WCIT 2006 CEO Ben Bentzin will address a group of conference officials from around the world who have convened in Austin for planning meetings.

Austin, Texas will serve as host city to the WCIT 2006 with the theme The Digital Life -- Unleashing Human Potential. As the world's premier information technology forum, WCIT 2006 brings together global leaders from business, government and academia to impact economic and social development through the exchange of policies, ideas and technology. The three-day forum held is expected to draw 2,000 business, government and academic leaders from 80 countries, bridging cultures, borders and ethnicities.

"We are now just a year away from hosting the world's foremost technology thinkers and leaders," said Ben Bentzin, CEO, WCIT 2006. "This is truly an exciting time as we look forward to a unique dialogue on the impact information technology is having on our lives globally today and the years to come."

WCIT 2006 Programming Throughout the three-day forum there will be 11 general sessions with 33 world-renown speakers, highlighting topics such as Global Sourcing, Digital Prevalence, Security, Wireless Mobility and the Future of Technology. In addition there will be 24 breakout sessions with 75 national and international speakers discussing the impact of technology in areas such as health care, security and education.

The Americas Innovations Exchange will showcase technology innovation and promote economic development. Program components include, keynotes, presentations, demonstrations and announcements of companies from the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Americas region. The content and exhibitions will demonstrate support of the North American Prosperity Initiative between Mexico, Canada and the United States.

Familiarization Tours

As part of the weeklong series of meetings, WCIT 2006 has coordinated FAM tours designed to showcase central Texas to the visiting members of the WITSA steering committee. On Wednesday May 4th and Friday May 6th tours will be held at Dell and Symantec, and on Friday afternoon, tours will be held at the Austin Convention Center

About WCIT 2006, Inc.

The World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT 2006) draws approximately 2,000 global thought leaders and decision makers from 80 countries, including Fortune 100 CEO's, NGO Presidents, Foreign Ministers, Noble Laureates, University Chancellors and leading R& D Scientists. Leaders from business, government and academia will discuss IT policy, direct the future of technology and drive social and economic development. The focus of WCIT 2006 is on macro issues around IT innovation and making a positive impact on human lives.

World Congress forums have been held in international cities such as Taipei, Taiwan (2000), Adelaide, Australia (2002) and Athens, Greece (2004). The World Congress is held every two years on a different continent and is the signature forum of the World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA), a consortium of 65 information technology (IT) industry associations that represents over 90% of the world's IT market.

WCIT 2006, Inc, a non-profit 501 6(C) organization, is headquartered in Austin, Texas.

Weber Shandwick for WCIT 2006
Greg Wise, 512-794-4716
gwise@webershandwick.com