PALO ALTO, Calif.--Aug. 24, 2005-- HP today announced that it will offer an interactive experience based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology at the inaugural HP Technology Forum 2005. The program will allow attendees to get "tagged" with a personal RFID badge and experience in real time one of today's highest-profile emerging technologies. HP Technology Forum 2005, the company's largest technical training venue and product solution showcase in North America, will be held from Sept. 12 - 15 in the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. HP and Hitachi created "Mission RFID: Get Connected" so attendees could have a hands-on experience of how RFID is being applied to meet today's business challenges. Conference-goers who choose to participate will receive an RFID-tagged event badge and pick up their assignment at interactive kiosks in the "RFID Connection Zone." By performing a number of "missions" over the course of the week, attendees have an opportunity to learn the power of RFID technology. "Our goal is to maximize the business value of HP solutions for our customers and partners by giving them a deeper understanding of overall capabilities and potential uses," said David Parsons, vice president of marketing, Technology Solutions Group, HP. "We're highlighting RFID technology from HP and Hitachi so our customers can experience cutting-edge solutions in a fun, yet practical way." RFID technology can be integrated into a variety of business applications and systems, from supply chain and point of sale, to asset management, individual security and environmental monitoring systems. HP currently uses RFID technology to tag select consumer products that are shipped to retailers as part of its consumer products supply chain. In addition, HP offers a broad range of products and services to enable RFID implementation. HP Technology Forum remains dedicated to training The HP Technology Forum offers more than 400 technical training and breakout sessions, more than 200 hands-on workshops and a 12,000-sq.-ft. demonstration area to enhance the user learning experience. Sessions will include timely topics such as Internet security, storage infrastructure, virtualization and blade solutions. Attendees also will have opportunities to ask questions of HP executives, share ideas and participate in one-on-one meetings. Technical users will be able to network and learn about the latest HP technologies and services that can help their businesses become an Adaptive Enterprise, able to synchronize business and IT to capitalize on change. The event will also include content designed for small and mid-size companies and channel partners as part of the HP Smart Office program, which aims to simplify the IT process through smart advice, smart technology and smart support. Additionally, HP's Certified Professional community will be hosting its annual technical training meeting and certification-testing program at the forum. More than 38,000 HP Certified Professionals in the Americas will be invited to participate, share their knowledge and learn side by side with HP customers. Detailed information on the conference and technology training sessions is available at www.hptechnologyforum.com.