May 17, 2002-Dearborn, MI- MacHack, the legendary Dearborn, MI, developers' conference, is only weeks away. Now, the committee is ready to unveil not only the preliminary sessions list, but something just as important, the conference aesthetic.

Every year, the MacHack conference attempts to provide a unique conference theme that not only embodies the spirit of the conference but also ties together the ethos of the hack contest with the engineering "geekiness" that makes MacHack what it is. In years past, the themes have included 2001: A Hack Odyssey, the Voyage of Darwin and a heavily caffeinated 72-hour Diner.

This year, with much flourish, MacHack calls upon the Iron Hackers. These developers of the highest technical prowess do battle for 72-hours each to prove their technical prowess versus their opponents. They come from across the globe to test their skills and vie in the legendary MacHax(tm) Group Best Hack Contest. And should one of these challengers win the coveted Victor A-Trap he will gain the peopleÕs ovation and fame forever.

This theme, "Hakku no tetsujin", literally Iron Man of the Hack, will be emblazoned on all conference materials, making a unique souvenir proving to all that the attendee is indeed an Iron Hacker.

Conference registration costs $525 and includes access to all conference events, 3 meals and the conference banquet. Of course, attendance of the legendary Hack Show is mandatory. Secure registration and more information are available at the conference website. MacHack 17 will take place June 20-22, 2002, in Dearborn, Michigan. More information is available on the Web from .

MacHack is a trademark of Expotech, Inc. MacHack is not affiliated with The MacHax Group, although we've all been enjoying the Hack Contest together each year for umpteen years! Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. All other trademarks are the properties of their respective holders.