BUSINESSES in Gwent are being given the chance to be at the vanguard of the communications revolution.

A major information technology exhibition, sponsored by leading players in the ICT world, is coming to Gwent.

Staged at Newport's Celtic Manor Resort, the ICT02 Wales event will include an exhibition, seminar programme for the public and private sectors and also an awards ceremony.

Patricia Howard, director of Newport-based Assetz Communications, which is organising the event, said: "I am delighted to announce that the Welsh Development Agency, the main event sponsor, key sponsors the National Assembly for Wales, Newport council, Alcatel, ELWa and Hugh James Simey and a number of other organisations in Wales, are supporting ICT02 Wales Cymru.

"It is with the full support of these key partners that ICT02 will enable organisations to take advantage of the communications revolution."

Wales Information Society director Rosemary O'Connor said: "ICT02 brings together the very people who can influence change toward and information society in Wales and as such we welcome the initiative and are delighted to lend our support."

WDA all-Wales media technology programmes director Patrick Sullivan said: "Infor-mation communication technology is key to the economic and social prosperity."

Brian Dunford, economic development manager, environment and the economy at Newport council, said: "This region is home to some of the world's leading ICT suppliers, including Mitel and Alcatel, and as one of the biggest users of ICT in South Wales, NBC has recognised the contribution ICT can make to productivity. We are pleased to support ICT02 at the largest dedicated ICT event to be held in Wales."

Alcatel chairman Peter Radley said: "Alcatel provides the building blocks for today's and tomorrow's communications networks and has several offices throughout the UK, including its Coldra Woods premises in Newport."

George McKechnie, ELWa director of participation and communication, said: "ELWa regards ICT awareness and skills as one of the essential elements of Wales' future economic prosperity."

The event is due to be held at the Celtic Manor Resort on February 28. Newsnight's Jeremy Paxman will be chairman of the awards ceremony. For more details visit www.ictwales2002.co.uk or call (01633) 224425.