Palm pilots, laptops, wireless accessories and state-of-the-art computer systems graced the floor of the Duke Ellington Ballroom on Wednesday for the third annual “Showcase 2001, Technology for the New Millennium.”

The showcase featured booths from 29 faculty members and 28 vendors, a step up from last year’s conference of seven vendors and 13 faculty members. The showcase included a raffle, and was in conjunction with an awards ceremony for the top NIU Web sites from 41 different candidates.

Laura Miller, information technology coordinator for faculty development and instructional design center, said she was impressed with the raffle prizes donated to the conference.

“I didn’t know we would receive so many sponsorships,” she said. “I’m very happy to see so many students attending as well.”

Carol Scheidenhelm, instructional technologies coordinator for faculty development and instructional design center, agrees.

“We really appreciate the faculty for all the time and effort they put forth in planning and taking part in today,” she said. “It’s rewarding to hear people say how excited they are about the showcase.”

Scheidenhelm also commented on how well the vendors were interacting with the participators.

“It seems that most people are interested in new ideas,” said Jennifer Voegele, sales representative for Micro Solutions Inc. “We get a lot of people who keep asking what’s coming out next.”

Voegele said she appreciates the fact that they were invited to the conference, and that it’s nice to meet people who are interested in the technological world.

“This is pretty interesting,” junior OMIS major Isaura Franco said. “I didn’t even know half of these companies existed. They taught me things I didn’t even know about computers.”

Sophomore business major Min Lee also found the showcase to be interesting.

“Just looking around makes you want to look more into computer science,” Lee said. “I’d like to see what variety there is and narrow down what I want.”

Barry Poll, Dell systems consultant and an NIU alumnus, said he’s familiar with the territory, and enjoys the showcase.

“A lot of people walk by and say, ‘Hey I have a Dell computer,’ or even ‘Hey I know Dell,'” he said. “I think these things are great for students and faculty.”

Web site Awards

Out of the 41 nominees there were six awards presented. Each was given a certificate, and a plaque with a golden mouse on it.

Best Entertainment Award: Sigma Tau Delta — Xi Delta Chapter

Best Navigation Award: NIU Financial Aid

Best Educational Award: Art 302

Best Interactive Award: Cooperative Education and Internship Program

Best Use of Graphics or Multimedia Award: Art 302

Petronio Bendito, interactive and printed media designer and coordinator and designer of the Art 302 Web site, won the final award for “Best in Show” because of his other awards.