COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 5, 1998 -- American Electric Power (NYSE:AEP) is hosting a workshop that will attract about 250 utility sales professionals who want to hone their technology marketing skills in preparation of electricity deregulation and other industry changes. ElectroTECH '98: Vision & Tools for a Competitive Market will be held March 22-24 at the Hyatt Regency Columbus. "AEP is excited about hosting the ElectroTEC '98 conference because it offers tremendous insight on emerging technologies that can benefit industrial and commercial customers by providing energy solutions," said Carl Byrd, AEP's emerging technologies coordinator and a conference moderator. "Attendees will be provided the information, tools and vision to become successful in the changing energy marketplace," Byrd said. The three-day workshop is recommended for product managers, new business development managers, account representatives, technology support, segment managers, account executives, marketing managers and directors. Sponsored by The Electrification Council (TEC), the conference will feature in-depth technology, case study and application information on technologies appropriate for participants' customers. Workshop organizers hope to expand attendees' vision and suggest additional tools to work with in the new competitive marketing and sales environment. Additional topics will include: Emerging technologies that benefit customers; How to finance technologies and services; Services that will add value to your product mix; Customer perspectives on energy decision making. Further information on the workshop is available by contacting TEC at 202/508-5900. TEC, an affiliate of the Edison Electric Institute, works to bring together all electric utilities and trade allies. TEC's mission is to increase the market acceptance of electrotechnologies by serving as the electric industry trade ally partnership. AEP, a global energy company, is one of the United States' largest investor-owned utilities, providing energy to 2.9 million customers in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky. AEP has holdings in the United States, the United Kingdom and China. Wholly owned subsidiaries provide power engineering, consulting and management services around the world. The company is based in Columbus, Ohio.