DePaul University's Richard Driehaus Center for International Business will sponsor two events this fall to promote trade and investment in Italy's information technology industry.

      The Driehaus Center will host a discussion of Italy's information technology environment on Sept. 12, from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., in room 8005 on the 8th floor of the DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson Blvd. Thomas Muscarello, director of external programs and research for DePaul University's School of Computer Science, Telecommunications and Information Systems, will moderate the program, which features four panelists. Jim Vick, solutions partner, and Annette Rehmke, international tax partner, Deloitte & Touche, will make a presentation on international e-commerce and information technology opportunities. Peter Sedgwick, Managing Director of Compuware, S.P.A., Italy, will discuss the information technology industry in Italy. Finally, Carlo Santoro, director of Fiera Milano Office, Italy America Chamber of Commerce, will talk about the upcoming SMAU 2000 IT Exposition in Milan, the second largest technology trade show in Europe and largest high-tech trade show in Italy. The program is free, but reservations are required.

      From Oct. 14 to Oct. 21, DePaul is sponsoring a delegation of local executives interested in attending an e-commerce business-to-business program to Milan, Italy. Participants will receive an advance briefing by a program leader and other experts with substantial experience in the region. While in Milan, participants will attend the SMAU 2000 Exhibition and visit with business and government officials who have an intimate knowledge of the industry and the country.

      Lodging, breakfasts, local transportation, some additional meals and cultural activities are included. Participants who sign up before Aug. 30 will have the opportunity for one-on-one business visits arranged with firms pre-qualified by the U. S. Department of Commerce and the European Union through the Trans Atlantic Small Business Initiative. For more information about the SMAU 2000 Exhibition, see the Web site www.smau.it, and for more information on Trans Atlantic Small Business Initiative, see the Web site www.tasbi-smau.com.

      If you would like to register for the Invest in Italy Chicago Program at DePaul on Sept. 12, or if you would like more information about the Milan program, please call Ellen Dawson at (312) 362-8474 or e-mail her at edawson@wppost.depaul.edu.