The Queensland Education, Science and Technology Network (QUESTnet) is the Queensland regional component of the Australian Academic and Research Network - (AARNet).

Each year since the early 1980s the Management Committee of QUESTnet has held annual networking conferences which have developed from a local event into the national conference of today.

These events are focused at network technologists and the IT professionals who must work closely with such technologists. A key focus is providing an opportunity for the development of network professionals along with a forum to exchange information on "real world" network experiences and future network development scenarios.

It's all about the networkers networking.

Pre-conference tutorials will be offered in topics where it is thought organisations are seeking skills development for their network staff.

Each year one of the member universities of QUESTnet hosts the event. In 2000, the University of Southern Queensland will provide this national forum for network technologists and practitioners, support professionals and network users.

QUESTnet 2000 will have multiple streams focusing on detailed technical issues and services, policy and support issues associated with networks. The network is now more than ever a critical component of an organisation and networkers must become very much aligned with the business of the organisation - in addition to being attuned to the business of the network.

We will explore this dual focus of networking professionals throughout the Conference with this year's theme - "Telecommunications Across The Range".

This year's Conference will be held at the University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba. We are planning a cost effective, entertaining and informative time for all participants.

I invite and encourage you to join us at Toowoomba for QUESTnet 2000 in June this year.

Dr. Jeff McDonell
Chair Person
QUESTnet 2000 Organising Committee