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TheBuzz Erika Engle |
Kamehameha high-tech
event to learn from
reinvigorated expoTHE old Computer Expo is making a comeback, reinvented, sort of like a Madonna makeover. And a new tech-fest is in the making, by a bunch of kids that didn't get to go to Austria. The two events are separate, but like a Venn diagram, there will be some overlapping of people involved.
Now called the Road Runner 2004 Technology & Internet Expo, the first event opens to the public at 10 a.m. today in the Hibiscus Ballroom of the Ala Moana Hotel. It ends at 8 p.m.
Keynote speakers are to include John Gormally, network security specialist with Cisco Systems Inc.; Cpt. William Flynn, nuclear medical science officer with the 93rd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team; and Philip Bossert, executive director and chief executive officer of the state High Technology Development Corp.
Road Runner is the title sponsor, but the event is being staged by Technology News Network.
The Computer Expo was used to launch Road Runner in the Hawaii market about five years ago, but was discontinued in the last couple of years due to the down economy, said Lincoln Jacobe, event founder. He is tickled to have the Internet service provider back as the title sponsor.
"The goal is to educate businesses on the latest technologies. A lot of hardware and software companies have really struggled ever since 9/11 and a lot of companies are now in the position where they can look at using new technology ... because of the economy locally and nationally."
In addition to the trade show aspect, technology projects by about 280 students from 25 public and private high school schools will compete for $25,000 in cash and prizes in High Tech Quest.
And there is a fun aspect for the kids and kids-at-heart.
The expo will feature the first taste of the planned 2005 Asia-Pacific Cybergames for serious videogamers who play against each other online.
The Cyberwarriors computer club and social studies students from Kamehameha Schools will be among the competitors at High Tech Quest.
And they may be picking up some tips for their own HiTechFest coming up March 22 and 23.
"It came about by these guys cracking jokes about the school sending them to Austria (for a technology conference)," said Blaine Fergerstrom, education Web master for Kamehameha Schools and a club advisor.
"Basically it's a big joke gone crazy."
The students have put together the day-and-a-half event with presentations by some of the school's experts, students from other schools and local business people including the Hawaii-born woman who oversees IBM Corp. operations for Hawaii and Guam.
Cathy Keliihoomalu, a Sacred Hearts Academy and Stanford University grad, will give the keynote address, talking about career paths and, organizers hope, showing off some cool new IBM stuff coming down the pike.
Kamehameha staff, including video technician Jay Metzger, will lead a demonstration on coverage of a live event with multiple cameras; Robert Teague, senior programmer, will teach a session on Net programming development.
Oh, there will also be a class on network gaming led by Darrell Kim, also a Kamehameha Schools programmer.
The event is chiefly targeted at high school students, but the public is encouraged to attend, Fergerstrom said.
"And it's cheap. It's only $5. Step right up and you get a little bento." The fee includes lunch on Monday and a snack during the half-day session on Tuesday.
Registration information is available by calling the school or online at cyberwarriors.ksbe.edu/conference/.
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Erika Engle is a reporter with the Star-Bulletin. Call 529-4302, fax 529-4750 or write to Erika Engle, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210, Honolulu, HI 96813. She can also be reached at: eengle@starbulletin.com