USDC HOSTS SECOND ANNUAL FLEXIBLE MICROELECTRONICS & DISPLAY SUMMIT

Conference to Highlight Latest Advancements and Challenges Surrounding Commercialization of Flexible Displays

SAN JOSE, Calif., December 11, 2002-The U.S. Display Consortium (USDC), a public/private partnership chartered with developing the flat panel display (FPD) industry infrastructure, will host the second annual Flexible Microelectronics and Display Workshop & Conference on February 3-4, 2003 in Phoenix, Ariz. Bringing together leading industry, government, R&D and academic experts in one unique forum, the summit will highlight the latest advancements and hurdles facing the evolution of flexible display and microelectronics technology. Co-sponsors of the workshop include the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL), Cambridge Display Technologies, DuPont Displays, Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) and Universal Display Corp.

The purpose of the conference is to explore the current status of the technology, markets and applications for flexible displays; educate potential participants in supply-chain development programs; and identify future investment opportunities. The results ascertained by last year's first-ever workshop helped to establish the technology roadmap and better tailor R&D investments by the government, USDC and the industry to create, evolve and commercialize the production of flexible displays and microelectronic backplanes.

Keynote presentations will include:
" "Markets for Plastic Electronics" - Tom McLean, Avecia
" "Web-Processing in the Real World" - Steven Abbott, Ph.D., Autotype International
" "Military Applications Perspective" - John Pellegrino, Ph.D., U.S. Army Research Laboratory
" "Flexible Microelectronics & Roll-to-Roll Cost Modeling" - Abbie Gregg, AGI Inc.

The upcoming workshop will include more than thirty presentations from industry, government and academic experts on the following topics:
1) Flexible Microelectronics Strategic Overview
2) Materials Advancements for Flexible Microelectronics
3) Manufacturing on Flexible Substrates
4) Flexible Microelectronics Backplane Technologies
5) Displays on Flexible Substrates
6) Markets and Applications for Flexible Microelectronics

Specifically, technology trends, product applications and market evolution of the various display and microelectronic backplane technologies that are applicable to flexible devices will be discussed. Also to be addressed are the implications and requirements on manufacturing technology, materials and components. Lastly, the learning experiences from other industries that have followed a roll-to-roll manufacturing paradigm will be explored to better understand the practical timing of this transition.

The conference will be held February 3-4, 2003 at the Hilton Squaw Peak Resort in Phoenix, Ariz. More information on the conference agenda, site and registration process can be found at www.usdc.org

About the USDC Summits
The USDC sponsors summits throughout the year to gain industry consensus on impediments to the deployment of new display technologies, and to identify critical supply chain projects that can speed product development and implementation.

For more information, please contact:
US Display Consortium
Heidi Hoffman
84 W. Santa Clara Street, Ste. 790
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 993-8111
heidi@usdc.org

About the U.S. Display Consortium
The U.S. Display Consortium is an industry-led public/private partnership providing a common platform for flat panel display and flexible microelectronics manufacturers and developers, FPD users, and the supplier base. Headquartered in San Jose, Calif., the consortium’s primary mission is to fund supply-chain projects and share the results with USDC member companies. The USDC also provides a communication channel among industry, government and the financial communities for display issues; sponsors workshops to broaden the impact of technological developments; and educates consumers on the importance of displays in providing access to information technology. More information about the USDC can be found at www.usdc.org