By Elena Barbre

In celebration of the National Science Foundation's Science and Technology Week, the Ballston Partnership presents InfoBits '98 on April 30 and May 1. Titled Mainstreaming in an Internet World, this year marks the fifth annual InfoBits science, engineering, and information technology showcase, featuring a series of workshops, a roundtable, a technology showcase/career expo, and a teleconference with John Levine, author of Internet for Dummies and More Internet for Dummies.

George Mason University is a sponsor of the event and will have a booth at Ballston Commons Mall on April 30.

InfoBits begins with a preview of the 1998 World Congress on Information Technology by George Newstrom, vice president of Electronic Data Systems. Workshops follow on topics including Solving the Year 2000 Dilemma, Electronic Commerce and Direct Response Technology, New Technology and Applications, Federal Contracting on the Web, Venture Capital: Gaining Access to Technodollars, and The New Workplace: The Education Challenge.

At the technology showcase/career expo, participants will see new technologies in action, learn about careers in technology, and have the chance to buy Levine's books and get th em signed.

On May 1, Yong K. Kim, chairman and CEO of User Technology Associates, speaks on Global Links: Cooperation and Competition in a World Economy. A roundtable, moderated by Senator Mary Margaret Whipple, includes members of the House of Delegates' Science and Technology Committee. An InfoBits awards luncheon, with a keynote address by Levine, wraps up the event and honors an individual or company demonstrating excellence in integrating technology and the community.