WASHINGTON D.C. - The Progress & Freedom Foundation is releasing a preview agenda for the 12th annual Aspen Summit,"Global Competition, Convergence & Culture." The Summit, scheduled for August 20th - August 22nd, promises to continue its record of offering thought provoking discussion from prominent industry leaders, academia and policymakers. Keynote speakers for this year's Aspen Summit will include Federal Trade Commission Chairman Deborah Platt Majoras; SAP Americas Inc. President and CEO Bill McDermott; and Qwest Communications International Chairman and CEO Richard Notebaert.

The Honorable Deborah Platt Majoras will be a featured luncheon speaker at the 2006 PFF Aspen Summit. Majoras, sworn in as FTC Chair two years ago, has extensive experience in antitrust law, including serving as Deputy Assistant Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. Her luncheon address will provide an informative look at the FTC's current activities and issues.

Bill McDermott of SAP Americas, Inc., will also present a keynote luncheon address at the Summit. McDermott will present a unique view of the concerns of the global software industry from the perspective of the one of the largest global business software providers.

Richard C. Notebaert of Qwest Communications International Inc., will present Tuesday's morning address. Notebaert, a leader of the telecommunications industry for more than thirty years, will provide insight into competition, innovation and regulation of the communications market. Detailed information about the keynote addresses, including additional keynoters, will be released in upcoming weeks.

This year's expert panel discussions, moderated by PFF Fellows, will offer a wide range of topics concerning all aspects of technology policy. "Global Perspectives on the Digital Economy," moderated by PFF Senior Fellow and Senior Vice President of Research Thomas Lenard, will present views on current e-commerce issues such as data breach mandates. Senior Fellow and Director of the Center for the Study of Digital Property James DeLong will lead "The Definition and Protection of Global IP," a discussion on global intellectual property concerns. Participants in the panel "Media in a Converged, Global Age," moderated by Adam Thierer, Senior Fellow and Director of the Center for Digital Media Freedom, will discuss such issues as media ownership caps and content controls in an environment of converging media platforms. Finally, the panel "Net Neutrality, Investment & Innovation" will explore the timely and controversial topic of network neutrality mandates that are currently being considered in Congress. The venerable tradition of thought-provoking Monday night dinner panels will also return for this year’s Summit.

The agenda and further details about the 2006 PFF Aspen Summit at the St. Regis Hotel in Aspen, Colorado can be found on our web site and registration can be performed online. An early registration discount for attendees will be offered until June 30th. Members of the media will have their registration fees waived and should contact Amy Smorodin for more information at asmorodin@pff.org or (202)289-8928. Further details regarding the Aspen Summit will be announced in upcoming weeks.

The Progress & Freedom Foundation is a market-oriented think tank that studies the digital revolution and its implications for public policy. It is a 501(c)(3) research & educational organization.