General Information

This will be a plain-speaking conference focusing on cases studies and practical applications designed for non-technical professionals working to improve neighborhoods in our urban cities and rural towns. Attendees will know exactly which broadband applications are best suited for their local situations and how to get started. This conference will focus on how to use new communications technology, mainly broadband and wireless Internet, to spur, support, and sustain economic development in inner city and low-income neighborhoods. This conference is directed by Dr. Jabari Simama, Vice President of Community Development at Benedict College. He is being advised by a committee of national experts.

This conference will be the first of five annual meetings that will be hosted by Benedict College's Center of Excellence in Community Development. It will offer an intimate setting for leaders, practitioners, and experts from government, education, business, public housing, community development corporations, government economic development agencies, and technology organizations to locate the digital community model in the context of real community and economic development projects being planned. The conference will offer solutions that have broad and national application relevance. The presentations and proceedings will be published and made available to attendees and other stakeholders.

EVENT CO-SPONSORS

Clemson Institute for Economic & Community Development
SimDesk Technologies, Inc.
SC Association of Community Development Corporations
SC Technology Alliance
South Carolina Department of Commerce
State of SC Commission for Minority Affairs
South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership

HOTEL INFORMATION

Clarion Town House Hotel
1615 Gervais Street
Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Reservations
(800) 277-8711 or (803) 771-8711

Room Rate
$85 plus 10% occupancy tax.
$1.00 one time phone access charge per room/per day for unlimited local calls.

Reservation Deadline
February 2, 2006. Please reference Broadband in Cities & Towns 2006 Conference.

Check-in Time
3:00 PM

Check-out Time
12:00 PM

NOTE: The Clarion Town House provides a shuttle from the Columbia airport that leaves on the half hour between 7am and 10pm. If the shuttle is not available at the time of your arrival, you can take a cab and be reimbursed by the hotel for up to $15 provided you have a receipt.