Business Services Industry

Norfolk Selected as 2004 COVITS Site

Communications Today, Sept 25, 2003

Virginia Secretary of Technology George C. Newstrom announced the selection of Norfolk, Va., as the site for the 6th annual Commonwealth of Virginia Information Technology Symposium (COVITS). Newstrom's comments came at the end of the 2003 COVITS at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center. A consortium of Hampton Roads colleges and universities co-chaired by Dr. Roseanne Runte, president of Old Dominion University, and Dr. Marie McDemmond, president of Norfolk State, will host next year's event. The conference will be at the Norfolk Waterside and Convention Center, Sept. 26- 28, 2004

"Hampton Roads is the umbilical cord that ties Virginia to the rest of the world through its ports and its military presence," Newstrom told Communications Today. "In addition, this area has the core capabilities that we want to showcase, including our colleges and universities. Its diversity will make it attractive to thought leaders from around the world."

The 2003 COVITS was the most heavily attended, with more than 1,000 registered attendees. The program included keynote addresses from former British Prime Minister John Major and U.S. Army Gen. (retired) Norman Schwarzkopf. COVITS 2003 and COVITS 2004 are part of Governor Mark R. Warner's (D) multifaceted campaign to improve technology in the state, attract investments to a growing technology-based economy, and revolutionize government service delivery to Virginia customers.