A new annual conference and exhibition next month will underline the massive growth in York's IT and digital industries.

The event, organised by IT and Digital York, one of three technology business community organisations supported by Science City York, will be held at York Racecourse on Thursday, May 19.

It comes hot on the heels of recognition of York as one of Britain's Science Cities in Chancellor Gordon Brown's March 2005 budget statement, where he stated that Britain was poised to become a world leader in science, knowledge and research-based industries.

National recognition of York as a Science City is key to the continued success of the Science City York and its mission to achieve international recognition as a leading science base.

Main speaker will be John Coulthard, Microsoft UK's director of small business, who is responsible for bCentral, the largest and most visited small business portal in the UK.

There will be workshops on subjects including security, open source software, intellectual property and GRID computing.

An exhibition of local and regional IT and digital businesses and support organisations will include a showcase of five small and medium-sized enterprises highlighting their innovations.

Anna Rooke, manager of Science City York, said: "York's IT and digital sector is growing rapidly and we are very excited at the prospect of having a conference and exhibition dedicated to the many subjects and specialisms it entails. Events such as this are integral to the work of Science City York."

For more information and to register to attend the conference and exhibition, phone Rose Lindsay-Smith on 01904 554433.

Updated: 10:17 Tuesday, April 19, 2005