2003 is a landmark year for the PTC/USER World Event. Over the years, the conference has been well-known for its wealth of technical content and opportunities to meet with software users. In Orlando this June, we will feature an expanded agenda and a completely new track of business solutions, entitled "Business Initiatives".

Created for managers and executives, this new track teaches how companies can leverage product development to gain true business advantage and deliver bottom-line value. Participants will meet with experts from PTC Enterprise Consulting Partners and managers from the customer community sharing their experience and insights. Generating business value in enterprise collaboration, delivering product quality (six sigma), growth and profitability through product lifecycle management and ROI in product development are just a few of the topics to be discussed.

We received a record number of abstracts for our Call for Papers--over 100 submissions in all--and as a consequence, we have increased the total number of user presentations by more than 50% over the 2002 conference. With the new track, and the excitement surrounding the release of the revolutionary Pro/ENGINEER® Wildfire™ software, you can't afford to miss this year's conference.

Free Training

Once again, PTC will offer free training to conference attendees. To help companies transition smoothly from their current configurations, the Pro/E Wildfire Workshop will offer hands-on training and special tips and tricks. It will also introduce the new certification programs for Pro/E Wildfire, including preparation guidelines necessary to be successful on the examinations. You can sign up for this training when you register for the conference at www.ptcuser.org/2003 but please don't delay: availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Out-of-This-World Keynotes

We are honored to have two exceptional keynote speakers. Ken Mattingly, Apollo 13 veteran and Space Shuttle astronaut, will share the true story behind the most inspiring example of crisis management in recent memory. As Mr. Mattingly notes, the miracle of Apollo 13 was not in one person rising to the occasion, but in hundreds and thousands working at peak performance to do the impossible.

Our second keynote is John Dean, Vice President of Global e-Business and Chief Information Officer of Steelcase, Inc. Learn how Steelcase is meeting the IT challenges of the global enterprise to produce its broad portfolio of world-class furniture systems, lighting, storage, seating, and architectural and technology products.

Tracks and Sessions

There will be three main tracks and over eighty sessions in Orlando. The tracks are:

• Design & Manufacturing
• Administration & Information Technology
• Business Initiatives

For a current list of sessions and thumbnail descriptions, visit www.ptcuser.org/2003/sessions.html.

Other Events

• 14,000 square-foot exhibit hall with over 90 exhibits of the latest innovations.
• PTC Corporate Presentations. CEO Dick Harrison and CMO Tom Butta will present the state of PTC and their view of the industry and vision for the company. CTO Jim Heppelmann will discuss PTC’s product strategy and development plans.
• Technology Demonstration Suites will give you a glimpse of the future from leading solution providers like CADTRAIN, HP, Sun Microsystems, IBM, Intel, and BearingPoint.
• PTC Product First Pavilion. Stop by to find the way to Product First with PTC. Come hear the latest in PTC products and services. Schedule individual consultations with PTC Technical Support, Licensing, Maintenance and Strategic Services and don't forget to pick up your limited edition 2003 PTC/USER World Event t-shirt!
• Meet Your Regional User Group and Meet Your Technical Committee Breakfasts provide a great opportunity to meet with your peers.
• Special Interest Meetings are informal gatherings of attendees sharing a common interest related to the use of PTC software.

Your fee of $850 USD includes admission to all sessions, activities and receptions, breakfast and lunch for three days, conference CD-ROM and gift. Deadline for early-bird registration is May 9. After the deadline, the fee increases to $950 and registrations will be accepted on a space-available basis.

We hope to see you in Orlando!

Visit www.ptcuser.org/2003 for details or to register.