The Cairo ICT conference and exhibition was originally envisioned as a place for amateurs and professionals working in the business of information technology to come together. The concept emerged in 1995 when the computer market was still very nascent, and in 1996, planning and preparations for the exhibition began. Cairo ICT became an integrated forum for the exchange of ideas and opinions on the development of information technology, rather than just a place to buy and sell. The first sessions of the forum took place in 1996, and the opening ceremony was attended by several ministers, including former Shura Council speaker, Safwat El-Sherif, and former minister of telecommunications and transportation Soliman Metwally, and a number of dignitaries. Many major companies participated in the event, including NCR, Microsoft, and IBM. With the first exhibition's success in 1996, the second exhibition in 1997 witnessed an increase in participation requests, with even Israeli companies expressing interest. At the time, Israel was making strides in the telecommunications and information technology sector. A number of important personalities from outside Egypt, as well as amateurs in the communications, and information technology field wished to partake as well. The exhibition now takes place annually with major local and international telecommunications and information technology companies participating. Throughout the conference, the Egyptian government, represented by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, showcases its future plans for the sector as well as investment opportunities available. This year will mark the 18th session of the exhibition and the course of the event will witness more than 28 discussion panels. Cairo ICT is scheduled to be held from the 4-7 November and will strive to address issues relevant to the telecommunications and information technology sector and contribute to community development. More than 500 Egyptian and international companies are participating in the 2014 Cairo ICT exhibition, which will feature more than 28 discussion panels on various information technology and communications topics, accompanied by participating companies showcasing their services. Among the most prominent of the participating companies are: 1. Arabsat 2. Asus 3. Avaya 4. Bee 5. Canon 6. Cisco 7. Dell 8. Delta Systems 9. e-finance 10. Egypt Post 11. EMC 12. Ericsson 13. Fawry 14. Gateworx 15. HP 16. Huawei 17. IBM 18. Intel 19. Lenovo 20. Microsoft 21. Mobinil 22. OSN 23. Qualcomm 24. Samsung 25. Telecom EgyptVodafoneXerox
