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IF YOU GO:

WHO: Technology Futures of North Central PA

WHAT: "Doing Business in a Natural Gas Economy"

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Oct. 31

WHERE: Penn College Field House

Gas drilling has been a hot topic in Lycoming County for the past few months, and Technology Futures of North Central Pennsylvania is hosting a one-day conference so citizens and business owners can learn more about the impact of gas drilling in the region.

"Doing Business in a Natural Gas Economy: The Opportunity, the Technology and the Infrastructure" will be held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 31 at the Penn College Field House.

Individuals and businesses can register until Monday by calling Lauri Moon at 570-326-9467, extension 8085, or online at www.williamsporttechregion.com. There is a registration fee to attend.

The conference is designed to help people understand the new technology that is making it possible to capture the natural gas, see the business opportunities for technology and business service providers and grasp the work force impact that can be expected if the resource is fully developed.

"The conference really is for business owners and other interested people in the community who really want to understand a good overview about the role that the Marcellus Shale will play in the region," James Shillenn, member of Tech Futures and executive director of the IMC, said.

The event will start with exhibitors at 8 a.m. and speakers will begin at 9 a.m. "The exhibitors are going to include a number of natural gas exhibitors and some of the technology companies and organizations within the community," Shillenn said.

Just some of the speakers at the event will include Tom Murphy, Cooperative Extension educator at Penn State University, Rich Adams, watershed management program nanager; Vincent J. Matteo, president and CEO of the Williamsport-Lycoming Chamber of Commerce; and Steve Rhoads, president of Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Association.

Shillenn said that opportunities for businesses is a topic that will be focused on at the conference. "There is an opportunity for manufactures to be suppliers to the Marcellus Shale industries," Shillenn said.