Covad CEO to Keynote on "Digital Opportunity" at Chicago Workforce Convocation.

Business Editors/High Tech Writers

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 9, 2000

The Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) today announced that Robert Knowling, Chairman, President and CEO of Covad Communications, will deliver a major keynote address at ITAA's IT Workforce Convocation in Chicago, Illinois on April 10, 2000.

Knowling is Chairman of ITAA's Digital Opportunity Initiative, which creates new opportunities for a more diverse cross section of Americans in the IT workforce. The initiative offers internship opportunities, education and outreach and a business commitment to expanding IT jobs for minorities.

"Bob Knowling is a leader in the IT field, and he is absolutely committed to building the IT workforce through encouraging minorities to strive for jobs in this lucrative and fast growing market," said ITAA President Harris N. Miller. "The high tech community cannot afford to leave out any segment of the US population. There is a critical shortage of workers for jobs that must be filled. Bob understands the need to expand our reaches," Miller added.

Knowling was invited as a guest of First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton to attend the 2000 State of the Union address given by President Clinton in part because of his work with ITAA's Digital Opportunity Initiative.

The ITAA Workforce Convocation 2000 is also hosted by the Chicago Software Association and will offer breakout sessions organized around four tracks--education, partnerships, professional development, and outreach. It will highlight replicable programs to expand training and recruitment opportunities, determine priorities for the private sector and government action, and recognize excellence in innovative partnerships. Breakout topics in the tracks include School-to-Careers, Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers to Use Technology, Career Development for the IT Professional, Improving Retention and Reducing Turnover, Industry/Education Partnerships; and Promoting Diversity in the Digital Age.

Members of the working press are encouraged to attend this information-intensive event. Interact with IT industry executives and strategists, gain news and background, key contacts, and story ideas in a candid, relaxed setting. Full program details are available through the Internet at www.itaa.org/workforce/events/00convo.htm Media can register to receive a free press pass by email to Tinabeth Burton, [e-mail] .

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for the Convocation 2000. Sponsor benefits include speaking/exhibit opportunities, complimentary registrations, and visibility on all Convocation promotional materials. Current sponsors joining ITAA include : AMS, Oracle Corporation, Microsoft, Devry, ITT Educational Services, ITI, Freelance Technologies, Renssalaer Polytechnic Institute, Tata Consulting, TRW, PeopleMover, IT Recruiter Magazine, National Alliance of Business, Education Development Center.

ITAA's 1998 survey on the IT workforce issue, Help Wanted 1998, found 346,000 unfilled jobs for programmers, systems analysts and computer scientists in American companies. A new workforce skills study, which will examine IT jobs and the skills required for these positions, will be released at the Convocation 2000. Other ITAA Workforce Development initiatives include replicating a successful program to train and place people with disabilities for IT jobs through a US Department of Labor grant; ; a program encouraging IT involvement among African Americans, Native Americans and Hispanics; and implementing a nationwide program to engage IT employers in School-to-Work activities also with US Department of Labor grant support.

ITAA has numerous resources available on its website about the IT workforce issue at http://www.itaa.org/workforce/.

The Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) provides global public policy, business networking, and national leadership to promote the continued rapid growth of the IT industry. ITAA consists of 400 direct and 26,000 affiliate corporate members throughout the U.S., and a global network of 39 countries' IT associations. The Association plays the leading role in issues of IT industry concern including taxes and finance policy, intellectual property, telecommunications competition, workforce and education, encryption, critical infrastructure protection, online privacy and consumer protection, securities litigation reform, government IT procurement, and human resources policy. ITAA members range from the smallest IT start ups to industry leaders in the Internet, software, IT services, ASP, digital content, systems integration, telecommunications, and enterprise solution fields. For more information visit http://www.itaa.org .