01.10.08

LOS ANGELES, January 10, 2008 - LA County will celebrate its vigorous technology growth during the 5th Annual Los Angeles County Technology Week, January 28-31, 2008. “While Santa Clara County may be a bit larger in technology sector employment (252,400), Los Angeles County's within striking distance (246,500), and our technology sector is far more diverse,” explained Jack Kyser, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist, Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation. “Moreover, with eight engineering schools in Los Angeles County, only Boston has a comparable research foundation.”

Sally Ride, astronaut, scientist, and technology leader will “lift-off” Technology Week with a keynote presentation about “America’s Future in Space,” during an awards luncheon honoring the first Technology Leadership Award Winners on January 28, 2008 at the Los Angeles Marriott Downtown. “It’s the fifth year we’re officially celebrated technology in LA County. Our technology sector is more than flourishing—we are a world class technology center,” said Jim Schaefer, Co-Chair for Los Angeles County Technology Week and managing partner for Mark Schaefer Associates LLP.

David Skibinski, Tech Week Executive Committee Member, President & CEO, QuantumMethod and architect of Tech Week’s new “Enterprise of the Future” events strategy, said “We’ve deliberately created a strategy with industry specific events unique to each venue that will host Technology Week events. We plan to showcase the powerful depth and vigor of Los Angeles technology leadership and innovation. Early events registration and media inquiries indicate that we’ve hit the right mark.”

The Technology Enterprise of the Future
On January 28, UCLA will be the home “stadium” for the 3rd annual Tech Coast Angels “Fast Pitch” competition where intrepid entrepreneurs will use their powers of reasoning and persuasion to win the attention and mentorship of Tech Coast Angel Investors. USC (January 29), CSLUB (January 30), and Loyola Marymount and Woodbury University (January 31), will host keynote speakers and panel presentations themed around the Enterprise of the Future. Topics will include but are not limited to: Aerospace, Aviation and National Security Technology Convergence, Organizational Structure Transformation and Collaboration, The Future of Technology and World Trade, and Challenges in Portable, Mobile and Broadband.

About Los Angeles Tech Week
Technology Week 2008 showcases the innovations of high-tech companies, connect technology leaders and entrepreneurs with strategic resources, awards the first Technology Leadership Prizes, offers outstanding networking and business development opportunities, and conducts expert programs for all participants in technology ventures, from scrappy entrepreneurs to savvy CEOs. Los Angeles County Technology Week is designed to inform –the public about the state of the technology landscape in Los Angeles County. For more information visit: www.LATECHWEEK.com