Interactive '96 Draws More than 3800 Training Professionals

INAUGURAL BEST OF SHOW AWARDS RECOGNIZE CREATIVE NEW INTERACTIVE
APPLICATIONS

MEDFORD, MA (MAY 23, 1996) - SOFTBANK Institute announced today that more
than 3800 training and performance support professionals and interactive
technology developers met last week in Atlanta at the Interactive '96
Conference & Expo held at the Georgia World Congress Center. This
represented attendance growth of 73 percent over last year. The '96 Expo
show floor saw an 82 percent growth over 1995, with more than 140 vendors
representing products and services used in interactive training exhibited
at Expo.

"The reason for the explosive growth at this year's conference and expo is
three-fold," said David Holcombe, Director of Program Development and
Marketing. "First, the growth in the use of interactive technology in
training is resulting in an increasing number of vendors focusing on the
training market. Second, this is the world's largest forum for buyers of
interactive products and services used in training, and vendors wanted to
be sure to be where their market is. And third, the conference program was
carefully crafted to attract a high-quality buying audience."

The Interactive '96 Conference and Expo was the world's largest forum
focused expressly on the application of interactive multimedia
technologies in training and performance. The event attracted training
professionals, interactive multimedia developers and designers, IS
professionals, instructional designers, computer-based training and
interactive video authors, and online documentation specialists from
around the world to learn how interactive technology can be used in
training to enhance the performance of organizations.

This year's conference offered more than 120 solution-based educational
sessions on such topics as Using Web Technology, Design Methodologies,
Management Perspectives, Techniques for Experienced Multimedia Developers,
The Classroom and Multimedia Convergence, Distance Learning, Tackling the
First Multimedia Training Project, Supporting Performance Systems,
Processes and Tools, Performance Support Application Design, and Online
Documentation and Help. Interactive technology was not only discussed, but
also utilized in the presentation of the sessions - several sessions were
delivered via satellite broadcast links to sites around the country.

In addition to a comprehensive conference, Interactive '96 offered the
largest expo of its kind in the training industry. Many vendors used this
opportunity to announce new products and services. "The Interactive '96
trade show was a phenomenal success for us," said Steve Thomas, President,
Pathlore Software Corporation. "It was the perfect place to officially
unveil PHOENIX for Windows, our comprehensive CBT product for
client/server environments. We were able to speak directly to the
audiences who would find PHOENIX for Windows most compelling large
companies, banks, and insurance companies, as well as independent CBT
consultants."

BEST OF SHOW AWARDS

A Best of Show Awards program was introduced this year in order to
recognize outstanding new applications of interactive technology. This
program gave attendees an opportunity to vote on the best application of
an interactive technology in training, performance support or online
help/documentation.

Innovus Corporation's Egghead Online Product Training application was
chosen as the winner in the Online Help/Documentation category. The
application was specifically designed to keep Egghead in-store employees
current on new and existing products, by linking all information, media,
and quiz questions to a corporate database. "We're especially pleased to
win this award because it is a People's Choice award, said Linda Miller of
Innovus. "The award capped off a great show for us and confirms the need
for network deployable multimedia applications that link to information in
corporate databases. It substantiates that our technology meets the needs
of our target customers."

The winner of the Performance Support Best of Show Award was Athena
Interactive, Inc. for their application The New Leader Coaching for
Excellence. This application combines the latest in interactive
technologies and management training expertise to produce a CD-ROM that is
engaging and effective. The Virtual Village interface and instructional
design have already won industry recognition. "This is the third award we
have received since the release of the New Leader series," said JF
Goldstyn, Director of Marketing at Athena Interactive. We truly appreciate
the recognition for the hard work and dedication of the many individuals
involved in the project."

Numonics Corporation's Interactive FlipChart won as the best Training
application. The Interactive FlipChart is Windows software that operates
with Numonics IFC hardware, a real paper flipchart that never forgets.
Data printed on the paper is captured for future use, editing and
printing.

SOFTBANK Institute is the world's leading provider of professional
development and networking opportunities for employees responsible for
enhancing performance in the workplace. In addition to the annual
Interactive Conference & Expo, SOFTBANK Institute produces the annual
Computer Training & Support Conference & Expo, the semi-annual Support
Services Conference & Expo, and provides year-round professional
development through SkillTech Professional Seminars. SOFTBANK Institute is
a division of SOFTBANK Exposition & Conference Company.

SOFTBANK Expos, the world's largest Internet conference & trade show
company, presents 21st century technology events, including
NetWorld+Interop, Interop DotCom, JavaOne, Seybold Seminars,
WebINNOVATION, Windows Solutions, ComputerMania, Interactive 96, Support
Services and Computer Training & Support. Its divisions include Strategic
Networks Consulting, which provides custom consulting, advisory services,
enterprise testing & benchmarking, and a national seminar series. The
events begin with premier educational conferences which attract the
brightest technology professionals. The interactive trade show floor is a
professionally enriching experience for qualified attendees who also
participate year-round via online events and a collection of focused
newsletters.

SOFTBANK Expos, 303 Vintage Park Drive, Foster City, CA 94404
1-800-4-SBEXPOS, 415-578-6900, http://www.sbexpos.com

NOTE: For information on attending or exhibiting at Interactive '97, to be
held in Denver, Colorado, June 1-4, 1997, call 1-800-34-TRAIN.
 
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