In the age of mass media, research shows that engineers are making full use of available on-line news sources. Over the past two years, there has been double-digit growth in usage of blogs, video clips, RSS feeds, social networks, and on-line forums among electronic engineers.

Our panel discussion, moderated by Rhonda McGee, research director for EDN, will further reveal how leading electronic suppliers have leveraged the use of and integrated these channels in their marketing communications mix.

Learn how companies such as Chip Estimate.com, National Semiconductor, SupplyFrame, and Synopsys have used these new media to extend their reach, establish their brand, and improve sales revenues. This very interactive panel will explore why and how companies adopted these technologies, goals they hope to achieve, hurdles they had to overcome, and what was ultimately accomplished. We will also preview those technologies believed to be on the cutting-edge coming years.

Rhonda McGee Director of Research, Boston Reed Business Information

Ms. McGee draws from 20 years of applying quantitative and qualitative market research techniques and possesses an extensive background in all phases of survey planning, implementation, and reporting. As director of Research for Reed Business Information, Ms. McGee has administered projects among a spectrum of audiences, ranging from high-level business executives to plant managers for many leading corporations. She has done extensive research in the engineering community through her work on EDN, Design News, and Test & Measurement World.

Jeff Curie Vice President, Marketing SupplyFrame

Mr. Curie has 18 years experience in on-line marketing, market development and product marketing from IBM, SupplyFrame & Access360. His expertise includes developing online advertising approaches to B2B markets, audience development, ad networks, search engine optimization and pay-for-performance ad models.

Phil Gibson Vice President, Technical Sales & Web Tools National Semiconductor Corp.

Mr. Gibson manages the customer experience, web infrastructure, communications, board manufacturing and sales tools. National’s web site consistently wins awards for advanced design capabilitie, and the WEBENCH® online design environment delivers high-performance analog designs and ease of use.

Sean O'Kane Marketing Director, Chip Planning Solutions Organization ChipEstimate.com

Mr. O'Kane recently joined Cadence through the acquisition of Chip Estimate Corporation, where he served as vice-president of business development for the past 2 years. Prior to joining Chip Estimate, Mr. O'Kane managed corporate worldwide sales operations for Atrenta, Inc. His industry experience includes sales management and e-business solutions positions at AccelChip (acquired by Xilinx), Interactive Network Television and Synplicity.

Rich Goldman Vice President, Corporate Marketing Synopsys

Mr. Goldman has been at Synopsys for 16 years. His responsibilities include MarComm, public relations, events, creative services, web, market research, executive speaking placement and preparation, community and employee communications, strategic alliances, university programs, standards and industry relations.