Digital Detroit Conference 2002 Automotive Track Assembles Unrivalled Roster of Industry Executives

BIRMINGHAM, Mich.--Sept. 23, 2002--Digital Detroit and the Detroit Regional Chamber today announced the final line-up of leading automotive executives that will headline "The Auto Industry - Taking the High (Tech) Road" track at Digital Detroit Conference 2002. The two-day conference, taking place on Oct. 8 & 9 at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center, will feature renowned automotive industry experts the morning of Oct. 9 as they explore the impact of both automotive design and manufacturing technologies on the industry.

Kirk A. Gutmann, global product development information officer, General Motors, will kick off the track with the keynote presentation. John McElroy, automotive reporter, WWJ 950 Newsradio, will act as the track moderator.

"The automotive industry's rise to greatness is one of history's ultimate realizations of the entrepreneurial spirit," said Sara Gozmanian, conference chair and President of Execution Partners. "Sensational technologies combined with keen business acumen have been the heart and soul of the business. This track will analyze how the modern pace of innovation has driven the adoption and implementation of key technologies, which have allowed the OEM's and suppliers to become more competitive on the world stage by reducing cycle time, decreasing costs and improving quality."

The track's first session, "Designing Ahead of the Curve" will be moderated by Bill Hampton, editor, Autobeat Daily, and will feature the industry's most applauded automotive designers and product strategists: Kip Wasenko, director of General Motors Design Performance Division; John Phillips, director of advanced product development, Lear Corporation; and John Waraniak, executive director eSpeed new product strategy, Johnson Controls.

This esteemed panel will discuss emerging design strategies and technologies; consider the impact they have on creating a strategic advantage in the market place; and explore the dynamics these technologies have brought to design process and how the automobile will be envisioned on the design board of the future.

Complementing this session will be "The Technologies Driving Manufacturing," moderated by Doron Levin, Bloomberg Media. This panel discussion will be fueled by market experts Raj Khoshoo, vice president, business strategy & marketing, EDS PLM Solutions; John Flavin, CEO, Future Three Software; and Peter Schmitt, vice president, marketing & business development, DELMIA Corporation. While new technologies promise increased collaboration among suppliers; shorter product life cycles; improved quality; and cost savings, this panel will look at where the benefits are; how to best apply them; and the associated real return on investment.

A one-day conference pass costs $100 for Digital Detroit and Chamber members and $125 for non-members; a two-day conference pass runs $175 for members and $200 for non-members. Tickets for an associated Digital Leaders Black-Tie Gala, held the evening of Oct. 8th at the new Detroit Science Center, cost $75 for members and $100 for non-members. For a complete agenda, speaker bios and registration information, visit www.digitaldetroit.org. Those interested in attending the automotive track specifically, can click on Click4 a special automotive track rate.

About Digital Detroit

A centerpiece in Michigan's high-tech climate, Digital Detroit is a non-profit technology association dedicated to educating, inspiring and providing networking opportunities for Michigan's high-tech and business community. Through events, print and broadcast news content, and an online forum, Digital Detroit connects professionals in the high-tech economy including those in automotive, marketing, technology and biotech as well as legislators, entrepreneurs and journalists.