Dvorak has been a columnist for PC magazine since 1985 and a sought-after conference and trade show speaker. His presentation will look at where advanced technologies, such as wireless communications, are heading, and what impact they'll have on restaurant operators.

"FS/TEC attendees have a treat in store because few people are as attuned to technology trends as John Dvorak," said Alan Gould, publisher of Nation's Restaurant News, which produces FS/TEC '99 with Robert N. Grimes, chairman and chief executive of CynterCorp.

The trade show will be held at the Dallas Convention Center. Dvorak will address attendees and exhibitors during a luncheon on Tuesday, Nov. 2, before presentation of the FS/TEC Technology Awards for team and project excellence as well as distinguished achievement in foodservice technology.

Other FS/TEC '99 highlights will include a 36-seminar educational program and nearly 200 exhibitors displaying virtually every software and hardware application of interest to the foodservice and hospitality industries. In addition, selected foodservice companies will be honored with Nation's Restaurant News Technology Innovation awards sponsored by NCR Corp.

After graduating from the University of California, Dvorak began his professional career as a chemist. But he quickly joined the microcomputer revolution with the purchase of an early SQL computer in 1976. Two years later he launched a successful software company, specializing in CP/M microcomputer software. In 1982 CW Communications approached him to edit a growing new journal called InfoWorld. A few years later he took his popular "gossip" and news column to CP magazine.

In addition to writing on technology issues for a number of computer and consumer publications, Dvorak is an on-air television columnist for C/NET and hosts a weekly Public Radio show called Software/Hardtalk, which is broadcast to more than 100 stations. He is also the author of several current books, including "Dvorak's Guide to PC Telecommunications," "Dvorak's Buyer's Guide" and "Dvorak Predicts."

A special cocktail reception will be held on Oct. 31, and then FS/TEC '99 officially will begin on Monday, Nov. 1, at 11:30 a.m., with the exhibit hall opening at 2:00 p.m.

Founding Sponsors of FS/TEC are IBM, MICROS Systems, Microsoft and NCR Corp. Corporate Sponsors include Aloha by Ibertech, Epson America, ParTech and Radiant Systems. Affiliate Sponsors are Novus Services, Hospitality Solutions International and TRIDEX Corp.

For information about exhibiting or attending, please call (212) 756-5245, fax your request to (212) 486-1148