Office World News: Editor's desk

For weeks now, all we've talked about at Office World News is the BTA's 1999 Converging Technologies Conference. Some of us here might be thinking about blackjack tables and roulette wheels ... some of us might be thinking about pina coladas at poolside ... and one of us might even be thinking that the solitude of the outlying desert sounds more appealing than the lights and noise of Vegas ... but the one thing we're all thinking is that the BTA Conference is a wonderful opportunity to meet with our friends and contemporaries who will be gathered there.

I'm particularly excited because this is my first BTA conference and I plan to make good use of the educational opportunities it offers. I've come a long way since last October when I met with Mark Mathews (recently named vice president of marketing for Toshiba America Information System's Electronic Imaging Division). If Mark was surprised when I asked him to explain the difference between digital and analog technology, he didn't show it. He summed it up in less than 20 words and made me realize that (I ) digital fechnology is a mouthful to say, but it isn't over my head and (2) those elementary Questions are sometimes tough to ask, but they sure do clarify things.

The BTA Converging Technologies Conference is an invaluable learning resource for all of us. With more than 20 seminars presented by the most knowledgeable and experienced leaders in the industry, with exhibits by more than 130 progressive and innovative companies displaying their latest offerings, and with the Keynote Panel of key executives leading a discussion of the industry's Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats every attendee will benefit from the conference. I look forward to meeting you there!