For the first time in Houston, major CEOs representing different industries will share their global strategies in one conference. Hosted by the Houston Strategic Forum, the conference will be held on October 2, 2008, at the Houston Marriott Westchase from 11 AM to 6 PM.

The five keynote speakers are:

1. John Mendelsohn M.D., President, MD Anderson Cancer Center
2. Clarence P. Cazalot, Jr., President and CEO, Marathon Oil
3. Dr. Renu Khator, President and Chancellor, University of Houston
4. Robert E. Beauchamp, President and CEO, BMC Software
5. Larry Kellner, Chairman and CEO, Continental Airlines

“This conference embodies the strategic thinking and global execution of Houston’s premier companies,” said Ravi Kathuria, President and CEO, Member of the Board, Houston Strategic Forum (HSF).

In addition, to the five keynote speakers, six major business leaders and a coalition of 18 business organizations are also participating in the conference. “Never before have so many executives and Houston business organizations come together for advancing strategic thinking in Houston,” said Kathuria.

Kim Denney, President, Air Liquide, will make the conference introductory remarks.

Introducing the keynote speakers are:

1. Walter Ulrich, President and CEO, Houston Technology Center
2. Jeff Moseley, President and CEO, Greater Houston Partnership
3. John Hofmeister, former President, Shell Oil Company
4. Lane Sloan, former President, Shell Chemical Co.
5. Robert A. Peiser, President, NACD, former CEO, Imperial Sugar Company

The 18 supporting organizations are: Greater Houston Partnership, Houston Technology Center, MIT Forum, TiE Houston, Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, U of H Bauer Alumni Association, Galleria Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Corporate Directors, French American Chamber, MBA Council of Houston, British American Business Council, Texas-Israel Chamber of Commerce, Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, CEO Netweavers, Turnaround Management Association, Greater Southwest Houston Chamber of Commerce, Asian Chamber of Commerce and the Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance

“HSF’s phenomenal growth over a short three year span, from a small boutique organization to a preeminent business organization that enjoys a stellar reputation, has enabled us to offer Houston a conference of such proportions,” said Kathuria.

Conference fees are $150 for members and $200 for visitors. Early registrants receive a discount of $50. To learn more please visit www.HoustonStrategicForum.org

The mission of the Houston Strategic Forum is to provide an effective and enriching forum where business executives gain practical insights into the development and execution of strategies in large organizations.