ES99 is the nineteenth Annual International Conference of the British Computer Society's Specialist Group on Knowledge Based Systems and Applied Artificial Intelligence (SGES), which will be held in the attractive surroundings of Peterhouse College in Cambridge.

The scope of the conference has expanded over recent years to cover not just traditional knowledge based systems, but to include the whole range of AI technologies and application areas. Its principal aims are to review recent technical advances in knowledge-based systems technology and to show how this leading edge technology has been applied to solve business problems.

To meet these objectives, ES99 has parallel technical and application streams of refereed and invited papers on both technology and applications. The programme also includes tutorials to provide greater depth in selected topics, a workshop on Knowledge Management, an event showcasing AI demonstrators and an exhibition of leading AI tool and software providers. Our aim is for ES99 to have the widest possible appeal to the industrial, commercial and academic communities throughout Europe.

A special feature of this year's conference is a presentation of his prize-winning IJCAI Computers and Thought lecture by Prof. Nick Jennings (Queen Mary and Westfield College, London). This was first presented at the IJCAI conference in Stockholm in September 1999 and is the first time that any European has won this prestigious international award.

As in previous years the conference aims to bring together researchers and developers from a wide range of academic, research and industrial backgrounds. Delegates will have the opportunity to discuss their ideas and problems with research staff working at the leading edge of AI developments and with developers with experience of the practical issues of getting systems into operation. The conference will qualify for the IEE and BCS CPD schemes.

In addition to the formal sessions, the conference programme includes a welcome reception and a Gala Dinner. Plenty of time has been inserted into the programme to allow discussions with other delegates and time to make new contacts and renew old acquaintances.

ES99 offers a valuable opportunity to keep up to date with developments in AI and to share experiences in the practical issues of developing AI based systems.

Further information about the conference will be placed here as it becomes available.

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