The world's first virtual conference and exhibition for the aviation industry taking place entirely over the Internet will be 'live' from November 1-15, according to internet conference specialists RMR Design Associates. 'Aviation99' is now open for free registration and delegates can already see abstracts for the papers and discuss hot industry topics in the 'chat bar.' When the conference opens, delegates will be able to read papers and follow interviews from important aviation organisations such as the International Business Aviation Council and the UK Civil Aviation Authority.\rThe event website is intended to recreate the look and the atmosphere of a physical conference and RMR says the event will offer the same opportunities for doing business. RMR says that benefits of the event include the fact that there will be time for all delegates to pose any questions they may have to the authors of papers and without having to compete for the chairman's attention.\rRMR conference director, Dr Mark Smith, says: "By organising an event with top quality speakers and views on what is going on within the industry we know that we will attract around 50,000 delegates. Exhibitors and sponsors will then pay for exposure to these delegates and so we can make the event free." While RMR realises that virtual conferences will never replace the real thing, the company says internet events will fulfil a role for those too busy to take time out of the office.