SMART TechTrends 2004 is the nation's premier science, technology and R&D conference hosted by SMART, Strengthening the Mid Atlantic Region for Tomorrow. The SMART Organization focuses on developing cross disciplinary collaboration among Mid-Atlantic business, government, academia and tech organizations as well as enhance technology education. This exhibition provides a platform to further progress technological development and the dissemination of innovative ideas. This four-day conference, August 3-6, 2004, will be held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, PA.

This is the only conference that brings together the extraordinary science, technology, and research and development players from business, academia and government in the Mid-Atlantic region with every federal agency supporting research and development. Mid-Atlantic – Russia Business Council will organize a Russian delegation to participate and a Russian mini-pavilion (MARBC Pavilion #815), which will provide an ample amount of opportunities for business cooperation between American and Russian enterprises and scientific institutes at the exhibition.

Mid-Atlantic – Russia Business Council will secure a few Russian presentations to discuss the newest initiatives and hottest topics in the Russian technological industry and to foster the development of successful relationships between Russia and the USA.

Representatives will present the program "SMART TechTrends 2004 – Expansion of Opportunities in the Sciences and Technologies" with the purpose of further utilizing the vast array of technological opportunities within the Mid-Atlantic Region. In addition to the plenary sessions featuring well-known scientists and representatives of the venture capital arena, business and government, a whole program of specialized seminars will be held at the SMART TechTrends 2004 exhibition. Topics include: biotechnology, nanotechnology, energy & the environment, industrial technology, the defense industry, technology transfer and venture capital, information technology and transport.

Anticipated speakers include:

• Tom Ridge, Secretary of Homeland Defense Office (invited)
• Congressman Tim Murphy
• Congressman Mike Doyle
• Congresswoman Melissa Hart
• Congressman John Murtha
• Congressman Curt Weldon
• Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll and many more.

Attendee and exhibit registration are now available for the 5th Annual SMART TechTrends Conference & Exhibition at www.techtrends.org. For further information regarding the Russian activities at SMART TechTrends 2004, please visit www.ma-rbc.org or contact Val Kogan, Mid-Atlantic – Russia Business Council, by phone: 215.708.2628, e-mail: val@ma-rbc.org