NLIS 10
September 19, 2001
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)
 

NOTE TO EDITORS:

In response to recent media inquiries as to whether recent tragic events in the United States have affected plans for the international Wireless Vision Congress, this is to confirm that the congress will open in St. John's next week. From September 26 to 28, more than 300 delegates representing more than 20 countries are confirmed to journey to St. John's to participate in a global dialogue on the enabling impact of wireless technology on health care, education and the economy in both urban and rural environments. 

In light of the recent events in the United States, some speakers and delegates scheduled to participate in the congress have understandably elected to remain home. However, these developments have not affected any of the keynote sessions, or other major components of the congress. More than 60 speakers from around the world are confirmed to participate in 24 sessions and events being held over the three-day event. New delegate registrations are being received daily.

The first transatlantic wireless transmission was received by Guglielmo Marconi on December 12, 1901, on Signal Hill in St. John's. The inventor's grandson, Prince Guglielmo Giovanelli Marconi, had intended to participate in person at the congress, but has since altered his plans to join the event via satellite "wireless" from Italy instead � an appropriate illustration of what his grandfather's work has made possible in the last century. 

The Wireless Vision Congress is a major component of the Receiving the World celebrations being held by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador in partnership with the Government of Canada throughout 2001. 

Media contact: Mary MacNab, Communications, Special Celebrations Corporation, (709) 729-3813.

2001 09 19                                        4:00 p.m.