The goal of e-2008 is to stimulate rapid take-up of Research and Technology Development (RTD) results by industry and in particular SMEs, and help open up the European Research Area (ERA) to the rest of the world.
 
Technical Co-Sponsored by IEEE, this is the eighteenth in a series of annual technology research conferences supported by the European Commission, which regularly attracts over 650 delegates from leading commercial, government and research organisations around the world to share knowledge and experience, lessons learnt and good practice in areas of applied Information Communication Technologies (ICT).

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Core Thematic Priorities for eChallenges e-2008
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- ICT for Networked Enterprise & RFID
- eGovernment & eDemocracy
- eHealth - Services to Citizens
- Collaborative Working Environments
- Digital Libraries and Cultural Heritage
- Intelligent Content and Semantics
- Mobility - Issues, Applications and Case Studies
- Networked, Smart and Virtual Organisations
- Security and Identity Management
- Technology Enhanced Learning and ICT Skills
 

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ADVANCE PROGRAMME
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The Programme consists of over 220 presenters from 42 Countries encompassing Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.

Keynote speakers confirmed to date include:
- Mr Bo Bladholm, President of the City of Stockholm;
- Lord Mayor Sten Nordin;
- Mrs Åsa Torstensson, Minister for Communications, Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communications;
- Prof. Per Eriksson, Director General VINNOVA - The Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation Systems;
- Mr Per Unckel, the County Governor of Stockholm and
- Mr Urban Funered, Ministry of Finance.

The 3-day programme features an invigorating mix of business and government case studies, technical and policy papers and interactive workshops. As well as opening and closing plenary sessions, delegates may participate in almost 80 thematically focused parallel session featuring different aspects of Networked Enterprise, eGovernment and eDemocracy, Collaborative Working Environments, eHealth, Knowledge and Content Technologies, Security and Identity Management and Technology Enhanced Learning and ICT Skills.

The conference programme is complemented by a demonstration and exploitation focused Exhibition, social events including a Networking Buffet Reception kindly sponsored by the City of Stockholm (22nd October) and a Gala Dinner kindly sponsored by the Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communications & VINNOVA (23rd October).

You can download the Advance Programme brochure from the portal later this week.

The Final Programme will be published online in mid August.

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REGISTRATION - PRESENTERS DEADLINE 15 JULY, EARLY BIRD DELEGATE DEADLINE 31 JULY
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Online Registration for eChallenges e2008 is available at http://www.echallenges.org/e2008/default.asp?page=registration.

All presenters should register by 15 July. Early Bird delegate rates are available until 31 July. More information on registration is available at www.echallenges.org/e2008/default.asp?page=registration

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HOTEL ACCOMMODATION
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There are a number of events taking place in Stockholm just before, during and after eChallenges and therefore it is necessary to book accommodation as soon as possible.

We have negotiated rates for delegates with Grand Hotel (Conference Venue), Hotel Tegnérlunden, Hotel Oden and Comfort Hotel. Delegates can book accommodation online as part of their registration but it is necessary to pay for the accommodation in advance to secure the group booking. More information is available at http://www.echallenges.org/e2008/default.asp?page=accommodation

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CALL FOR EXHIBITORS
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The eChallenges e-2008 Exhibition showcases research results and applications through technology demonstrations and posters, whether funded commercially, or national, regional or European level. eChallenges e-2007 featured Exhibitors from 17 countries, with over 670 delegates from 54 countries, representing government (23%), industry (15.5%), high-tech SMEs (13.5%) and research/academic organisations (48%).

We are pleased to announce that VINNOVA is sponsoring the cost of demonstration stands in the Swedish ICT Pavilion as part of the eChallenges e-2008 Exhibition showcasing Swedish RTD activities by government, industry and research organisations. Swedish organisations interested in participating should also complete the online Exhibition application form as usual but these will be evaluated separately.

The International Exhibition is open to applications from organisations outside of Sweden.

Exhibitors can apply online for Demonstration Stands or a Poster Display Stand up to 15 August. More information is available at www.echallenges.org/e2008/default.asp?page=exhibinfo

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Benefits of Participation
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Participation in the Exhibition is rewarding, as it provides an opportunity to make international contacts and to build relationships with potential partners or clients who come together each year to share knowledge and experience, learn more about cutting edge technologies and identify potential research and collaboration partners.

Having a technology demonstration or poster accepted for the eChallenges e-2008 Exhibition will significantly contribute towards exploitation and dissemination obligations under national, regional and European research programmes. Participation will also facilitate the process of identifying complementary partners to form consortia for new proposals under Framework Programme 7 (FP7).

To maximise demonstration and networking opportunities for exhibitors, coffee breaks, lunch and the sponsored Networking Cocktail Reception are held in the Exhibition areas.

As in recent years, there is a competitive Call for Exhibitors, which closes on 15 August. Potential exhibitors will be selected based on the quality and relevance of their submission to the conference themes, with preference given to those presenting innovative technology demonstrations.

Demonstrations stands are relevant for those with innovative applications to demonstrate within the thematic areas of the conference. If you wish to disseminate information and brochures but do not have an application to demonstrate, then please apply for a poster display stand.

All demonstration stands must be staffed during specific exhibition times (10:30 - 11:00, 12:30 - 14:00, 15:30 - 16:00). During other times, exhibitors can choose to man the stand or attend sessions of interest in the scientific programme.

For accepted demonstration stands, a minimum of two delegates per stand will pay the conference registration fee. All participants in the Exhibition must be registered delegates and should actively participate in all conference activities. VINNOVA will cover the costs of the demonstration stand for accepted exhibitors in the Swedish ICT Pavilion.

To submit your application, please go to www.echallenges.org/e2008/default.asp?page=exhibinfo - click LOG IN if you have an existing profile on eChallenges or NEW USER, complete the form and save.

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Major Sponsors
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Major Sponsors confirmed to date include
- Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communications
- VINNOVA (Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation Systems)
- City of Stockholm and
- County Administrative Board of Stockholm

eChallenges e-2008 is also supported by DG Information Society & Media of the European Commission.

We look forward to meeting you in Stockholm. Please contact the Conference Secretariat secretariat@eChallenges.org if you have any queries.

Best wishes,
Miriam

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eChallenges e2008 Organising Committee
E-mail: secretariat@eChallenges.org
Web: www.eChallenges.org
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Miriam Cunningham
IIMC International Information Management Corporation Ltd

353-1-8170606 (F)
E-mail: miriam@iimg.com
Web: www.iimg.com
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