Among the keynote addresses slated for Web '97 are Marimba, Inc. CEO, president and co-founder Kim Polese, who will share her insights on the next generation of Internet tools and how they will be used to propel the Internet into the next century; Javasoft president Dr. Alan Baratz will address the future of the Internet as it relates to the use of Java; and Macromedia chairman Bud Colligan will speak on building communities through networks.

"Looking at the exhibitors and speakers we've lined up for Web '97, it's obvious that this is the show where the industry actually evolves itself," said conference director Eric Faurot. "Web '97 is not about how to find your next car online. It's about getting to the core of how a disparate community of designers, developers, marketers and webmasters are driving this industry and shaping the future of the Web."

Among the more than 75 companies already exhibiting at Web '97 are IBM, Macromedia, Microsoft, NetObjects, Inc., VDONet Corporation, Worlds Inc., Borland International, Asymetrix, Intel, Sybase/Powersoft, General Magic, and Symantec.

Web '97 will feature over 125 technical classes spread out over six tracks - Strategy and Content Development, Design, Programming, Architecture Design and Maintenance, Usability, and Tools and Techniques - which will take Web professionals through every phase of creating and evolving more successful websites.

The Web '97 theme of community is most evident on its Web site at http://www.web97.com, where participants can enter their interests and conference schedules in an effort to create networking opportunities prior to the show. Immediate online conference registration and a humorous Python-esque Shockwave application are among the highlights at the site.