ICT Illawarra (ICTI), a newly formed Information and Communication Technology industry cluster, was officially launched on the 20th of May at the University of Wollongong's new Innovation Campus.

Our schedule of meetings this year will continue to bring you a mix of interesting and knowledgeable speakers, combined with a chance to network and share your ideas and experiences with each other.

Next Meeting – September 16th – "Understanding the Customer - Linking Technology Users and Technology Providers".

Our next meeting will be held on the 16th of September at 5:30pm.

The fourth event of 2009 is to be focussed on local businesses or businesses with a presence in the Illawarra, and how these businesses utilise ICT in their everyday business operations. A range of industries will be invited to provide feedback on the issues, challenges and benefits of using ICT for various functions, and the area's they see their current and future needs.

The audience will consist of ICT professionals, researchers, students, government representatives and local business people from a range of sectors.

Speakers at this event will include:

Evan Thomas, AHM
Dom Figliomeni, Port Kembla Port Corporation
Sanjay Sharma, Gujarat NRE Minerals Ltd
Peter Newing, Bluescope Steel

Linking technology users and ICT cluster members:
There will also be an opportunity for local business people with an IT challenge or idea to talk to members of our ICT cluster. At the end of the speeches, various stations will be located in the room for tech "geeks" to address problems, insights or ideas raised by the end users of technology - businesses and their customers.

Event Format:

Drinks and nibbles will be provided, and the event itself will be interactive and relaxed. We’d love to see you there, and be prepared to get involved in some round-table discussions that focus on a range of different topic areas that we’re sure will provide something of interest for everyone.

Local ICT businesses, business users of IT, university researchers and people interested in starting an ICT or ICT-related business are all invited to this ICTI event.

About ICT Illawarra:

ICTI has been formed to assist with the ongoing growth and competitiveness of the Illawarra's ICT industry.Through involvement in the cluster, local businesses will be investing in the Illawarra's future through the development of business linkages and skills.

With sponsorship from the NSW Department of State and Regional Development and the University of Wollongong, ICTI is incorporated as an independent association with a management committee, which includes leaders from local ICT stakeholder businesses.

For further information, visit www.icti.org.au or contact Carly: icti@icti.org.au or 02 4221 5827.

PLEASE NOTE: RSVP's are for catering requirements - please do not hesitate to drop into the event if you have not registered.