An invitation from the conference convenor

I invite you to catch up on hot topics for the knowledge and information worker in today's rapidly changing digital world, to check out the latest products and services, and to take advantage of a sunny Sydney summer to expand your professional network at Information Online 2001.

Our international keynote speakers will stimulate your thinking on changing roles, services and approaches:

• Mary Ellen Bates of Bates Information Services in the USA will kick off the conference with some insights into the role of the information professional in the global information economy.
• Clare Hart from Factiva will be looking at the integration of internal and external information and other key issues.
• Stevan Harnad, well known for coining the phrase 'Scholarly Skywriting' will speak on the reasons he sees for giving away research literature.

Greg Notess will present his extremely popular analyses of Internet search engines, this time called a 'Search Engine Showdown'. Neil McLean returns by popular demand to summarise the issues of the day and to chair a panel which will wrap up the conference by exploring partnerships for sustainable online services.

Our programme committee has put together an interesting and thought provoking collection of papers covering a wide range of topics from all sectors of the online information community.

A broad range of satellite events before and after the conference, will enable delegates to take a more in-depth look at issues, or provide them with the opportunity to have hands-on training.

Two innovations from the previous Australasian Online conference were so well received that we have decided to continue with them. The internet tips and tricks will again provide an opportunity for conference delegates to update their technical Internet skills. Also, the Web Showcase will continue to provide a forum for less commercial, web based services. A number of Web Showcasers from Online 99 will be returning to share with us the secrets of their continued success and the issues they face in creating sustainable sites. In addition, new sites have been invited to display their wares.

The Information Online Exhibition offers delegates the opportunity to see and discuss new information products and technologies, and to communicate with their existing and potential suppliers.

In addition we are planning an exciting programme of social events for delegates.

Come to Online 2001. Catch up on the latest ideas. Investigate new products and developments. Hear what other information professionals are doing. Do a bit of crystal ball gazing. See friends. Have fun!

I look forward to seeing you there.