WASHINGTON D.C. - The Progress & Freedom Foundation is releasing a preview agenda for the 2008 Aspen Summit. Just added to the program is John Horrigan, Associate Director of Research at the Pew Internet & American Life Project, who will give the keynote address at the August 17th opening reception. Horrigan's presentation on how technology users' behavior has evolved will set the tone for the popular conference held at the St. Regis in Aspen, Colorado. In focusing on users, Horrigan will discuss not only the highly wired netizens who shape so much popular discourse on information technology, but also a range of user types -- moderate users who happy with the role of technology in their lives, others suffering from the hassles of too much connectivity, and some content to stay mainly on the digital sidelines. This discussion will help identify the tensions and frictions deploying next generation networks and applications to the variety of users of information technology in the United States.

Horrigan is a leading expert on the online behavior of broadband internet users and consumers of information technology. In addition to his work at Pew, Horrigan is also Chairman of the Board of the Telecommunications Policy Research Conference, serving as program committee chair for the conference in 2004 and 2005. Prior to joining the Pew Internet & American Life Project, Horrigan was a staff officer for the Board on Science, Technology, and Economic Policy at the National Research Council. He has also served as press secretary to U.S. Congressman Jake Pickle. Apart from his responsibilities at Pew, Horrigan has taught as an Adjunct Professor of Government at the University of Texas at Austin’s Washington Campus, the Archer Center.

Horrigan will join other fascinating keynote speakers at this year's Summit. Other confirmed speakers include Patrick Esser, President of Cox Communications and Richard Fisher, President and CEO of Dallas Federal Reserve Bank. In addition to fascinating speakers, the Summit will offer thought provoking discussion panels on such pertinent issues as next generation communications networks, intermediary liability, online copyright enforcement and the global economy. Just added to the program is a discussion panel on online advertising, which will feature Federal Trade Commission General Counsel William Blumenthal. The preview agenda can be found on the PFF website. More details on additional speakers and panelist will be added upcoming weeks.

Information about the 2008 PFF Aspen Summit, to be held August 17th - 19th at the St. Regis Hotel in Aspen, Colorado can be found on our web site. Registration can be performed online, and a discounted rate is available before June 30th. Members of the media are always welcome to attend and should contact Amy Smorodin at asmorodin@pff.org or (202)289-8928. Further details, including keynote speakers and detailed panel descriptions, will be announced in the upcoming months.

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.