ISPA 10th Birthday

6 June 2006

This year is one of great significance for South Africa.

Not only is 2006 the 50th anniversary of the Womens March on the Union Buildings and the 30th anniversary of the Soweto student uprisings, 2006 is significant in the quest to unshackle the Internet. It is the 10th anniversary of the formation of the Internet Service Providers Association of South Africa (ISPA), which took place on the 6th June 1996.

From establishing the Johannesburg Internet Exchange (JINX) to influencing South Africa’s telecommunications and Internet policies, ISPA has achieved a great deal in the space of a decade. A further ISPA achievement and the milestone that is the subject of this letter is the 5th anniversary of iWeek.

Taking place from 4 7 September 2006, ISPA and UniForum SAs flagship annual gathering has emerged from a purely South African event to a truly international conference attracting the best and brightest from the worlds Internet community.

The primary reason why iWeek has grown in leaps and bounds is due to the calibre of its partners. In particular, the ongoing support from co-host UniForum has meant iWeek has been able to relocate to one of the countrys premier conference venues: The Castle, Kyalami in Midrand.

It should be noted that a major change to iWeek this year is the availability of over 450 square metres of prime exhibition space to profile products and services specifically targeted at Internet Service Providers.

Traffic through the exhibition area is sure to be substantial as iWeek delegates are attracted to attending the presentations of top class local and international Internet personalities including: David Jarvis (UniFi Knysna Project), David Frankel (Co-Founder, Internet Solutions and first Co-Chair of ISPA), Mark Todes (Director, Korbitec and ex Co-Chair of ISPA for a number of years), Ferdinand Tjombe (ISPA Namibia), Iyavar Chetty (Film & Publications Board SA), Mark Shuttleworth (Director, HBD Capital), Esther Dyson (founding Chair of ICANN), Veni Markovski (ICANN Board and ISOC Board of Trustees) and Dr Tracey Cohen (ICASA) but to name just some in this excellent line-up.

A number of speakers from other ISPAs around the world will also address the conference on this auspicious occasion.

As in previous years, iWeek is sure to promote robust, interesting and intelligent debate amongst delegates. The themes for the different sessions include such topical issues as: The Internet in South Africa: The Last 10 Years & the Next 10 Years, The Wireless Internet Boom, VoIP & Spam, Regulatory Development: Who is Watching What?, and finally Interception, Data Retention and Content.

Members and industry representatives are encouraged to tell their staff and customers about this exciting event.

If you have any queries or are interested in sponsorship or exhibition space please contact Jacqui (011 678 2097) or Elaine (011 314 7751) or email iweek @ ispa.org.za.

Kind regards
The Events Working Group