General Chair's Welcoming Message

APEC returns to Disneyland in 2004! The Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim is a favorite of APEC attendees, as demonstrated by a record number of technical submissions for the upcoming conference and exposition. If you have never attended APEC at Disneyland, consider making it a family event! The Disneyland Hotel, located in the Downtown Disney complex features traffic-free walking access to many shops and restaurants, and of course, the Disneyland and California Adventure theme parks. There will be a spouse program for those looking to explore beyond Disney, and our Wednesday Banquet is set to take place in the California Adventure park.

But, alas, there is business to tend to. The APEC conference committee has worked hard this year restructuring the conference to better meet the needs of you, the attendees. Updated features include handpicked Seminars, timely and controversial Rap Session Topics, an outstanding line-up of Plenary Speakers and expanded exposition hours. Join us on Monday night for the annual MicroMouse competition and see some of the best mice in the world vie for this year's title.

New events this year include the OEM Initiative and the University Research Showcase. The OEM Initiative, designed to address timely issues facing the dc power supply community, represents a fresh direction for APEC. The University Research Showcase offers an opportunity to see the direction the leading University programs are heading. Both will provide opportunities for lively interaction with colleagues, both new and old, from all facets of the power electronics community.

On behalf of the conference committee, I invite you to participate in what promises to be the best APEC yet. The mix of technical content, social events, industry exposure and networking opportunities make APEC 2004 an event that you and your company cannot afford to miss. See you in Anaheim!

James Kokernak
General Chair