Warpstock 98 Host City Announced

Warpstock 98 Web Site Opens at www.warpstock.org

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, April 2, 1998. The Warpstock Steering Committee has chosen Chicago as the host city for Warpstock 98, the international conference for all users of IBM's OS/2 Warp software. The conference is set for the weekend of October 16-18, 1998.

Warpstock 98 will unite OS/2 Warp users who wish to learn more about OS/2 Warp applications, Java, REXX, and networking for this popular PC software. Through a series of seminars, presented by leading experts, attendees will be able to choose among a variety of topics, both technical and introductory. Tours of Chicago-area businesses using OS/2 Warp will provide additional insight into how the software plays a key role in the marketplace. And Chicago's entertainment attractions and easy access via air, rail, and highway should make Warpstock 98 a memorable destination for all guests.

REGISTER EARLY FOR MAXIMUM BENEFITS AND DISCOUNTS

To cater to the needs of both home and business users of OS/2 Warp, Warpstock '98 will hold the line on prices for exhibitors and attendees. Prices will be set at 1997 levels, and early registrants will receive additional discounts and benefits. Early registration begins April 16, 1998, and registrations will be accepted online at http://www.warpstock.org.

If you plan to register, and would like to be notified by e-mail when Warpstock 98 registration begins, please send your name and preferred e-mail address to register@warpstock.org.

CHICAGO CHOSEN AFTER RIGOROUS AND COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROCESS

Host cities were invited to bid for the rights to host Warpstock 98, and three cities submitted complete proposals by the February 28th deadline. The Steering Committee evaluated the proposals and voted in favor of Chicago's bid based on its comprehensiveness, attractiveness, and degree of advance planning.

Paul Hethmon, Chairman of the Steering Committee, noted, "Chicago's team put together an excellent bid showing thorough planning, a great organization, and a program sure to please the OS/2 Warp users. The central location is also bound to be a hit with the attendees."

The Chicago group consists of over 20 volunteers, including Timothy Sipples (Chairman), Illona Cowen (Program Chair), and Bill McLaughlin (Facilities Chair). Volunteers are welcome to join the Warpstock 98 team by sending their name, phone number, and e-mail address to volunteers@warpstock.org.

TRAVEL PLANNING INFORMATION AVAILABLE NOW

Hotel and travel planning information is available immediately through the Warpstock 98 Internet web site at http://www.warpstock.org. Airfare and hotel discounts will be most generous to those who book as early as possible.

EXHIBITORS, SPEAKERS, AND ATTENDEES SHOW EARLY ENTHUSIASM

Warpstock 98 has already attracted the enthusiastic participation of exhibitors, speakers, and prospective attendees. Buck Bohac, President of Indelible Blue, one of the premier IBM and OS/2 Warp software dealers in the world, remarks, "Indelible Blue looks forward to exhibiting at Warpstock 98 in Chicago. We enjoyed providing software, books, and other OS/2 Warp-related merchandise to last year's Warpstock attendees, and we were highly successful in reaching that well educated and select audience of customers. It's a 'must do' event." (Indelible Blue's online store is on the Internet at http://www.indelible-blue.com.)

Prices for exhibitors are also expected to be at 1997 levels. An information kit for exhibitors is available by e-mail. (Please include your name, company name, e-mail address, telephone number, and mailing address.) Exhibitor space will be provided on a first come, first served basis. Prospective speakers are invited to mail the same information to the Warpstock staff.

John Franklin, a longtime OS/2 Warp enthusiast working for a major insurance company, adds, "It's great that Warpstock 98 will be held, and it's even better that it's in Chicago. As a Team OS/2er and user of OS/2 Warp at home and at work, I appreciate a show which can help me get the most out of my favorite operating system."

WEB BANNER AVAILABLE

To help spread the word about Warpstock 98 in Chicago, a web banner and logo are available immediately on the Internet at http://www.warpstock.org. We encourage all OS/2 Warp-related web sites to include this banner in their pages and to provide a link to the Warpstock 98 page.