ANN ARBOR – Join the Ann Arbor IT Zone, Ann Arbor SPARK, Ann Arbor Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and the University of Michigan Alumni Association for a panel discussion featuring local experts who will share where we are, where we?re going and what you need to know to make the most of the technology opportunities in Washtenaw County.

Whether you?re looking for a job in the area, seeking new client contacts for your business or just want to network, you?ll be amazed at the state of the technology industry highlighted in this program called The Business of Technology in Ann Arbor – What it Means to You, Your Career and Your Business. It is scheduled for May 11 from 5:30 ? 8 pm at Kensington Court, 610 Hilton Blvd., Ann Arbor.

The panel consists of Larry Freed of ForeSee Results, Farnam Jahanian of Arbor Networks and Jim Sterken of Arbortext. It will be moderated by Michael Finney, president of Ann Arbor SPARK.

Kathleen Stevens, senior manager, Career Services, New Product Development, at the University of Michigan Alumni Association, said her organization decided to partner with the Ann Arbor IT Zone because they were impressed with the efforts the IT Zone has made in helping entrepreneurs in the area, a hotbed for technology in recent years.

?We were doing things already with the IT Zone, and when we looked at Ann Arbor and how technology is booming, we decided to put together a career enhancement program,?? she said.

The U-M has 400,000 active alumni around the world, of which 37 percent live in Michigan, and half of those in Southeast Michigan. So the workshop will teach U-M alumni and students some valuable career tips. Such as:

Building relationships that will help you advance professionally and personally;

Learning the latest workplace trends and discuss key topics;

Making valuable career connections with fellow alumni;

The cost for Ann Arbor IT Zone and Alumni Association members is $20 in advance, and $30 at the door. Non members pay $25 in advance and $35 at the door.

To register online, click on AnnArborITZone.Com