AUSTIN, TX -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 07/02/07 -- The IEEE Engineering Management Society (EMS) today announced distinguished keynote speakers for the 19th International Engineering Management Conference (IEMC 2007) which will be held at the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort and Spa July 29 through Aug. 1, 2007.

The world-class speakers include a leading human-computer interactive expert, Gerhard Fischer, who opens the conference on Monday, July 30, with a unique perspective on Meta-design and Social Creativity. Pike Powers, a driving force in building Austin's high-tech foundation, leads mid-day sessions with a plenary panel discussing Vision to Reality: Creating a Technology Center. Tuesday's sessions are highlighted by Former Director of John F. Kennedy Space Center, James W. Kennedy, with Perspectives on Leadership and Space Exploration. Jim Swartz, Competitive Action, delivers insights to leadership with "Seeing David in the Stone." Wednesday's plenary address features Dan Heath, best-selling author of "Made to Stick" and executive program educator.

"We believe IEMC 2007 will be filled with inspiring and informative presentations from some of the industry's most accomplished speakers," said Leslie Martinich, vice president, Publications, IEEE Engineering Management Society, and Chapter Chair, IEEE Central Texas EMS. "Each conference day will begin with insightful topics which will set the tone for a slate of sessions focused on practical approaches to managing creativity."

The speaker schedule is available online at http://www.iemc07.org. Condensed bios follow:

Monday, July 30, 2007, 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. -- "Meta-Design and Social Creativity"

Gerhard Fischer is a Professor of Computer Science, a Fellow of the Institute of Cognitive Science, and the Director of the Center for Lifelong Learning and Design (L3D) at the University of Colorado at Boulder. He is a member of the Computer Human Interaction (CHI) Academy.

Monday, July 30, 2007, 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. -- Plenary panel "Vision to Reality: Creating a Technology Center" discussion led by Pike Powers, with Ben Streetman, Eliza Evans and Milton Holloway

A partner since 1978, Pike Powers is Partner-in-Charge of the Austin office of Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. Mr. Powers was Executive Assistant to Governor Mark White in 1983 and from 1972 to 1979 represented Jefferson County in the Texas House of Representatives. Since the early 1980s, Powers has been a driving force behind Austin's rise as a leading technology center. In a recent article, he was described as "the leading economic development rainmaker for Central Texas, a catalytic force in helping build the region's high-tech foundation."

Tuesday, July 31, 2007, 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. -- "Perspectives on Leadership and Space Exploration"

James W. Kennedy, Former Director, John F. Kennedy Space Center, was born in Riverdale, Md., and raised in Cocoa Beach, Fla. He is a graduate of Cocoa Beach High School and began his career with NASA in 1968 in the Aerospace Engineering Cooperative Education Program at Kennedy Space Center, and subsequently, Marshall Space Flight Center.

Tuesday, July 31, 2007, 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. -- "Seeing David in the Stone"

Jim Swartz is chairman of Competitive Action, Inc., and founder of Cygnus Systems Inc., a computer imaging design and manufacturing operation. Swartz founded Competitive Action in 1987 and is the author of the bestseller "The Hunters and the Hunted," published by Productivity Press, New York, NY. He has delivered over 20 keynote presentations at major conferences around the world. His book "Seeing David in the Stone" describes the best practices of successful innovators and is a must-read for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Wednesday, August 1, 2007, 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. -- Plenary Address: Dan Heath "Made to Stick"

Dan Heath is the co-author of the New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling business book "Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die," published by Random House in January 2007. "Made to Stick" describes the traits that link sticky ideas of all kinds, from urban legends to corporate mission statements to advertisements. Dan has taught and consulted on this topic with audiences from organizations including Nissan, Microsoft, Home Depot, Fannie Mae, the Aspen Institute, and West Point. Currently a consultant at Duke Corporate Education in Durham, North Carolina, Dan also co-authors a column called "Made To Stick" for Fast Company magazine.

General information about the conference can be found at http://www.IEMC07.org. Registration is available online at http://lifelong.engr.utexas.edu/iemc2007/registration.cfm.

About IEEE

The IEEE Engineering Management Society (EMS) directs its efforts toward advancing the practice of engineering and technology management as a professional discipline, encouraging theory development for managing organizations with a high engineering or technical content, and promoting management transitioning and high professional standards among its members. The IEEE Engineering Management Society offers many outstanding opportunities. Visit its website for all events, http://www.ewh.ieee.org/soc/ems/.

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