Paul Acevedo and Leo Daniels, two enthusiastic users of the system, are hosting the event. They hope to tap into a nationwide community that has developed around the Sega Saturn Net Link since its debut in October 1996.

With its features including Chat, email, and Web access, the Sega Saturn Net Link has enabled many users to communicate over the Internet and share common interests, particularly in the area of video games. The Net Linkers Bash will be the first chance for many users to meet each other in person.

"We have a very active and motivated group of users," explained Ken Soohoo, Founder and Chief Technology Officer of PlanetWeb, Inc., the company that developed the PlanetWeb Browser software for the Sega Saturn Net Link. "This should be a fun and exciting event."

All Sega Saturn users, and especially Sega Saturn Net Link users, are invited to attend. Planned activities include video gaming tournaments, with prizes donated by Sega and other companies, and results being announced live via Internet Relay Chat (IRC) and the Web. Game tourneys will include Saturn Bomberman, Sega Rally Championship Plus, Vitual On, and Duke Nukem 3D. In addition, Acevedo and Daniels are planning on guest speakers from PlanetWeb (tentatively) and other game companies, door prizes and other gaming-oriented activities.

The admission fee is a reasonable $30 per person. Attendees can also receive discounted rates at the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel, where the convention is being held. Additional registration and discount travel information can be found at the official web site for the Net Linkers Bash, at www.netlinkworld.com/nlbash/.