The National Online Meeting

The 17th Annual National Online Meeting

The National Online Meeting, now in its 17th year, takes place at the New York Hilton, from May 14-16, 1996.

This key event continues to bring together an inspiring blend of information industry pioneers and practitioners from all over the world.

Unlike other events in the field, the National Online Meeting breaks new ground each year, setting industry standards and rules, unveiling new products and services, and provoking discussion--both practical and theoretical.

For our old and valued friends, the National Online Meeting promises a wealth of presentations covering both traditional and new areas of interest; for the newcomer, the range of stimulating sessions and events offered by the program will serve as the most cost-effective method of learning, establishing new contacts, and reviewing the dynamic information scene.

Who Should Attend?

For anyone concerned with information, its distribution and its value in decision making, this event is a must. Meet those who shape and supply the information that helps business, government, and education function effectively. This includes librarians, information scientists, publishers, database producers, online vendors, telecommunications professionals, market researchers, investment analysts--the list is virtually endless. If you are involved in any way with electronically retrieved information, then you will find something of interest at this important meeting.

Sessions

Whether one is a user, an educator, or a producer of database services, there will be presentations of true significance for everyone. A complete list of program offerings is contained on the pages which follow.

Product Reviews

The explosion and constant refinement of database products and services available make it increasingly difficult to keep abreast of this dynamic field. Product Review sessions allow users of online databases and CD-ROM products to learn more about such services directly from the producers and vendors. The National Online Meeting is successful in gathering producers from all over the world under one roof. It gives you the only cost-effective opportunity to meet and talk face to face with the suppliers of the services you use and acquire during the rest of the year. Approximately 90 Product Reviews will be given this year.

Online and CD-ROM Exhibition

The newest online and CD-ROM products, systems, and services will be on display in the Exhibit Hall. Booths will be manned by knowledgeable representatives, giving attendees many opportunities for discussion, demonstrations, and "hands-on" experience. Over 160 online exhibits are planned for the 1996 meeting. Exhibit hours are 10 AM to 6 PM on May 14 and 15, and 10 AM to 4 PM on May 16.

CD-ROM Gallery

For the ninth year, the National Online Meeting will host a separate demonstration area for those interested in seeing CD-ROM products in action. Called "CD-ROM Gallery," this exhibit will provide attendees with the opportunity to see the leading CD-ROM and multimedia products side by side and to make the cost and performance evaluations vital to informed purchasing decisions. Approximately 30 CD-ROM publishers will be exhibiting in 1996. CD-ROM Gallery will be open 10 AM to 6 PM on May 14 and 15 and 10 AM to 4 PM on May 16.

Integrated Online Library Systems

For the eighth year in a row, the Conference on Integrated Online Library Systems (IOLS) will be a "conference within a conference" at the National Online Meeting. Attendance at IOLS '96 requires separate registration.

Satellite Events

Satellite Events are held on the days before and after the meeting to help maximize the benefits of attending. These in-depth seminars are listed and described at the end of this preliminary program. Attendance at Satellite Events requires additional registration. (See registration form.)

Costs

The full 3-day conference registration costs $395 if paid by April 22, 1996, and $415 thereafter. Full registration includes a copy of the conference proceedings--a $59 value.
Single day registration is accepted. The cost is $190 per day if paid by April 22, 1996, and $200 thereafter. Single day registrants do not receive the proceedings as part of their registration fees but may purchase copies at the discounted price of $30 (normal cost is $59). Copies of the proceedings may be purchased at the meeting itself or through the registration form. (Note: this reduced price is for attendees only.)
Registration includes coffee and danish each morning of the conference as well as a wine mixer on Tuesday, May 14.
Hotel costs are not included in the registration fee.

How to Register

A registration form is included with this preliminary program. You may save a copy of the registration form, or submit your registration via e-mail. You may copy the registration form as many times as needed. Fax registrations are accepted, but please note that payment must be received by April 22, 1996, to qualify for the "Early-Bird" discounts.

Location

The 17th National Online Meeting and IOLS '96 will be held at the New York Hilton, which is located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas in New York City. All official program activities will be held at this hotel. A block of rooms has been reserved for attendees and exhibitors at substantially reduced rates. In order to obtain these rates, however, hotel reservations should be made through the official housing bureau, Blenheim Travel Services (see "Travel & Hotel" below). Additional information will be mailed to attendees upon receipt of meeting registration.

Sponsor

The National Online Meeting is sponsored by Information Today, Inc., publisher of Information Today, Link-Up, Searcher: The Magazine for Database Professionals, and Computers in Libraries.

Program Chair: Martha E. Williams -- University of Illinois

Organizing/Reviewing Committee: Charles Rubenstein -- Pratt Institute; Stephen P. Harter -- Indiana University; Howard Turtle -- West Publishing; Mickie A. Voges Piatt -- Chicago-Kent School of Law; Ieva O. Hartwell -- Consultant; Eve-Marie Lacroix -- NLM; Bonnie Lawler -- Advanced Research Technologies; Richard S. Marcus -- MIT; W. David Penniman -- University of Tennessee; Beth Duston -- Information Strategists

Who to Contact

Registration -- Registration Desk

Exhibits Manager -- Carol Nixon

Advertising Sales -- Mike Zarrello

Information Today, Inc.
143 Old Marlton Pike
Medford, NJ 08055
609-654-6266
Fax: 609-654-4309
e-mail: custserv@infotoday.com

Travel & Hotel

Blenheim Travel Services, Inc. has been designated the official housing bureau and travel agency for the National Online Meeting and IOLS '96. For all hotel reservations, please call Blenheim Travel Services at 201-444-0060, or toll free (in the U.S.) 800-829-2281. If you prefer to fax your travel plans, the fax number is 201-444-0062. The New York Hilton's reduced guest room rates for National Online Meeting attendees range from $160 to $195 for a single room and $180 to $215 for a double. Please call Blenheim Travel early to get the lower rates. If Hilton rooms are no longer available, Blenheim Travel can assist you in finding other accommodations nearby. In addition, discounted airfares have been arranged on the lowest restricted fares as well as on nonrestricted coach fares. Advance booking and specific rules apply. All major credit cards are accepted.