The United States Government supports the growth and development of northern Thailand’s IT-based “Creative Economy” industries. To contribute to this effort, the U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai, in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok will host an international conference on February 18-19 on “Northern Thailand’s Creative Economy:  Opportunities and Challenges in the IT Sector.” Organizations associated with the conference include the Chiang Mai Provincial Government and Public Relations Department, the Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce, and Chiang Mai University's Department of Computer Engineering.

This event will bring together U.S. IT firms based in Bangkok and Southeast Asia with the private-sector and public-sector players who are building northern Thailand’s IT industry.  The conference aims to generate new business partnerships, boost the recruiting of northern Thailand’s IT talent, and lay the groundwork for sales, service, and investment opportunities.  Non-IT firms that are consumers of IT services are also welcome to participate.

This two-day conference will explore the elements that make up successful IT-based Creative Economies by examining factors such as funding, infrastructure, access to and development of talent, best practices necessary to be successful in northern Thailand’s IT sector, and case studies of such successes here.  U.S. Ambassador Eric G. John will open the conference, and the keynote speaker will be Deputy Minister of Commerce Alongkorn Ponlaboot.  Chiang Mai Governor Amonrapun Nimanandh will also participate.

Conference participants will have the opportunity to network with business leaders and service providers from local, national, and internationally known companies and institutions.  Dynamic discussions will follow about opportunities for IT business partnerships in northern Thailand, and success formulas for growing IT-based industries in the region.

Conference-goers will also be able to view an “Information Village” that will showcase products and services offered by key players in the “Creative Economy” IT sector.  Companies and organizations that participate in the Conference are welcome to request space for a display booth in the “Information Village” by sending an email request to chninfovillage@N0SPAM.gmail.com¹ .

The Creative Economy’s IT sector is multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary, and conference participants will reflect this diversity:  entrepreneurs, business leaders, academic specialists, government and public sector officials, and creative technology professionals from across the IT sector. 

The Agenda is attached² for your reference. Hotel reservations can be made for the conference by contacting Khun Kittiya Dalhed ( kittiya.dalhed@N0SPAM.shangri-la.com³ ), Event Sales Manager, Shangri-La Hotel, Chiang Mai. Request the special room rate for conference goers: Deluxe Room: $80 USD, Horizon Deluxe Room: $127 USD.

Please use the on-line form below to registration. The deadline for conference registration is on February 10, 2010.