NORWALK, Conn. -- Assembly Technology Expo, the world's largest "all-assembly" trade event, will feature two free keynote addresses by senior-operations executives from General Motors and the Ford Motor Co. Gerald L. Elson, vice president of General Motors and general manager of GM Vehicle Operations, will kick off the event with his presentation, entitled "Emerging Technologies in Automotive Manufacturing," on September 24, 2002. Elson is currently responsible for manufacturing engineering, manufacturing-engineering services, program/project management and worldwide facilities for the auto maker.

"Technology as an Enabler for People and Quality" is the subject of Anne Stevens' speech to be given on September 25, 2002. As vice president, North America Vehicle Operations for the Ford Motor Co., Stevens is responsible for overseeing the operations of eight stamping and tool and die plants, as well as 21 assembly plants in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Assembly Technology Expo will take place September 24-26, 2002, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill. Now in its 23rd successful year, ATExpo is sponsored by ASSEMBLY magazine. For more information, call 203-840-5686, or visit www.atexpo.com.