Mexico will host the World Conference on Information Technology in September, in what will be its first time in a Latin American country.

Held every two years since 1978, the conference brings together corporate leaders, representatives of government, and academics to discuss emerging themes in the world of information and communications technology.

More than 50 exhibitors and 2,500 delegates from 80 countries are expected to attend the event, to be held in Guadalajara — which is coming to be known as Mexico’s Silicon Valley — from September 29th to October 1st. The theme this year will be "Building the Digital Age Together."

Organizers say the conference will promote opportunities for local, regional, and international businesses with showcases, workshops, and business-to-business meetings.

It is seen as an important opportunity to attract potential investors and international firms at a time when major initiatives are under way to promote Internet connectivity throughout the country.

Speakers will include Robert Elliot Kahn, creator of the TCP/IP protocol, John Higgins, Director of Digital Europe, and Jonathan Nelson of Hackers & Founders, and many others.

Themes to be addressed will include hot topics in information and communications technology, industry trends and practices, legal, political, and economic trends, and mechanisms to reduce the gap between society and the Internet and information technologies.