Last year we recognized that the speech industry was at a tipping point, or the point at which change becomes unstoppable. To illustrate this point, we featured Malcolm Gladwell, author of the best-selling book, The Tipping Point, as our keynote speaker. Not surprisingly, a lot has happened since the industry tipped: We're seeing speech technology in economy-class cars and advertised on television to millions of households, popular video games with more robust voice commands, and retail shelves stocked with affordable, speech-enabled aftermarket navigation systems. It's clear that speech is in the mainstream-the focus of this year's conference.

Speech technology has become mainstream for organizations seeking operational efficiencies through self-service. For enterprises, speech enables employees to reset passwords, sign up for benefits, and find information on company policies and procedures. In healthcare, doctors have long used speech dictation systems to record symptoms and diagnosis; healthcare organizations are beginning to use speech to contact patients for appointment management, report test results, and for healthcare management. Government organizations use speech technologies to better serve their constituencies. During the 2007 California wildfire season, local government voice systems notified thousands of homeowners of potential fire danger, which was likely the leading reason for so few deaths. Speech has clearly made a positive impact on many people and organizations. At SpeechTEK 2008, a variety of organizations will explain how they are succeeding with speech technology as well.

SpeechTEK 2008 is the world's biggest speech technology conference and exhibition. Nowhere else can you find so much information on the latest ideas, technologies, services, and solutions. This year, we offer more leading-edge information and opportunities for interaction with industry movers and shakers.

Keep your company in the speech technology mainstream by attending SpeechTEK 2008 and discussing how these exciting new technologies will drive the future. This program describes the many activities and opportunities that will help your company chart a successful course with speech technology.

Welcome to SpeechTEK 2008, our best conference ever.