News Feature — 2nd Shift, Tangential Vectors

Sexiest Geek Alive to be Crowned June 20th at Broadband Year 2001 in San Jose, CA

For Immediate Release
Contact: Veronica
Jerow Imark Communications
508-647-8635
vjerow@broadbandyear.com
"http://i.cmpnet.com/chipcenter/eexpert/lgoldberg/www.broadbandyear.com"

Natick, MA (April 10, 2001) - Imark Communications, a leading producer of conference-driven tradeshows in emerging and high-growth markets worldwide, has signed a Joint Venture agreement with Geek & Guru to host The Sexiest Geek Alive "pageant" at 20 of its 25 ITEC's (regional Information Technology conferences) this spring. Online, Regional and International Semi-finalists will then compete for the title of "Sexiest Geek Alive 2001" at Broadband Year 2001, on June 20th in San Jose, California.

After its successful launch in 2000, which garnered unexpected international media attention, over 18,000 registrants, and millions of hits on the Sexiestgeekalive.com web site, SGA founders decided to expand the search. Imark's ITEC events provide the perfect forum to attract the sexiest geeks, drawing over 200,000 professional technology attendees to its regional programs across the country. And the annual Broadband Year event, a no-fluff conference and exposition which examines technology and business issues surrounding broadband, is a great fit for the culminating crowning.

"We are very proud to be hosting the SGA crowning," says Jennifer LaFond, Broadband Year 2001 Show Director for Imark Communications. "Broadband Year applauds the 'geeks' and their incredible insight and progress in technology. I'm glad that we can provide this forum to acknowledge their accomplishments."

There are three phases to the "brains not beauty" contest. First, contestants from around the world test their intellect about technology and "geek" culture by answering 40 questions located on the www.sexiestgeekalive.com web site. Based on points awarded for correct answers and a follow up interview, contestants will be selected to compete either online or at the ITEC in that region. All Sexiest Geek Semi-finalists will then compete in San Jose, CA for bragging rights to the title of Sexiest Geek Alive along with cash and prizes.

Tony Northrup , last years crowned Sexiest Geek, "won based on his true sense of geekness," says Jim Rosnack, co-creator and Webmaster of the contest. Tony was crowned with the Sexiest Geek title last March at the South by Southwest Interactive Festival. The contest was hosted by Chase Masterson, best known as "Leeta" from the television show "Star Trek- Deep Space Nine," and comedian Kerry Awn. This year's host has yet to be named, but will be announced soon. National Media coverage for the contest has included People Magazine, Good Morning America, The Montel Williams Show, CNN and numerous others.

Broadband Year 2001 streamlines all the latest technology and competitive business issues surrounding broadband, June 18 - 22, at the San Jose Convention Center in San Jose, CA. Featuring a conference and exposition, the event covers the complete end-to-end network solution set. The conference sessions and tutorials cover edge devices, access devices, the Core, media gateways and media gateway controllers. And the exposition offers the chance to learn and see the technologies in action. Broadband Year 2001 attracts network professionals from service providers, equipment manufacturers, and the enterprise industry.

ATTENTION CALENDAR EDITORS!
For more information on attending Broadband Year 2001 in San Jose, June 18 - 22, 2001, visit "http://i.cmpnet.com/chipcenter/eexpert/lgoldberg/www.broadbandyear.com", call 508-647-8635 or e-mail vjerow@broadbandyear.com.

About Imark Communications:
Imark Communications (Imark) is an international, event-centric B2B integrated media company specializing in the Information Technology and Telecommunications industries. In addition to event production, Imark offers a full spectrum of integrated marketing services to assist client companies in producing their own events. In 2001, Imark will produce over 90 of our own events globally. For more information please call 508.647.8600 or visit www.imark-com.com.

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