The Technical College System of Georgia, Office of Adult Literacy sponsored this three-day event featuring an array of staff development workshops, guest speakers, an exhibit hall, and other educational opportunities. First Lady of Georgia Shirley Carver Miller and BellSouth President-Georgia, Carl Swearingen continued their leadership roles as conference co-chairs for this event held at the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel in downtown Atlanta from February 18-20, 1998. Keynote speakers included Governor Zell Miller, Chancellor Stephen Portch, and Attorney General Thurbert Baker. It has been under the leadership of the Miller Administration that Georgia has realized significant literacy gains including state funding for full-time literacy teachers in 159 counties, the Certified Literate Community Program involving a collaboration of community resources, and the Workplace Literacy Program which offers employer recognition through the Governor's Awards for Achievement in Workplace Learning. First Lady Shirley Miller was given special recognition for her contributions to literacy and was presented the Georgia Torchlight Award for Literacy, while Carl Swearingen received the Georgia Lamplight Award for his years of service promoting literacy in Georgia. Additionally, Mrs. Miller's Executive Assistant, Ms. Beverly Messer received special recognition for her tireless efforts and loyal support of literacy. With 60 workshop sessions centered around staff development and community based educational issues, participant attendance was at an all time high of over 1,500 individuals. Attendees left armed with new learning techniques and more innovative strategies to aid the adult learner. Additionally, seven 1998 Literacy Ambassadors and 11 former Ambassadors were present to host the EAGLE display in the exhibit hall to serve as conference hosts and program participants. The theme of this year's conference "Literacy: Global Connectivity" was prevalent throughout the week. Registered attendees received a unique denim conference bag and a button bearing the conference theme and logo. The fabric for the bags was generously donated by the textiles industry in Georgia under the leadership of State Board Vice Chair George L. "Roy" Bowen III and stitched by the Department of Corrections. Plenty of fun was mixed with learning for conferees between workshops and general sessions. "Cruising Aboard the S.S. Literacy," was the successful theme night event. The festivities featured an international buffet representing eight ports of call. There were also several "getting to know you desserts" for various consortium representatives to talk about issues pertinent to their areas. Department of Technical and Adult Education Assistant Commissioner Jean DeVard-Kemp considered this to be the most successful literacy conference to date.