Instead, they'll be discussing oysters Rockefeller and Oreo cheesecake, which chefs from some of Oahu's leading restaurants will be serving at their food stations.

"When the event first started, there were only two to three restaurants participating," said Patty Low, director of promotions and special events for Technology News Network, which organizes this gathering among leaders in the technology industry. "Now, we have 13 different stations."

This annual event serves three purposes: to acknowledge contributions and accomplishments made by those in the field of technology; to network among peers; and, most importantly, to raise money for Pacific Technology Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide scholarships for financially needy students who are pursuing a career in science and technology, as well as offer technology-related outreach programs to the community.

"This is a huge fund-raiser for us this year," said Lincoln Jacobe, Pacific Technology Foundation's founder and chairman. "Since we only obtained our 501(c)3 designation earlier this year, this will be the first time that we'll be able to actively raise money for the foundation. So this year marks the beginning of the future."

In addition to handing out certificates from Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona and Mayor Muffi Hanneman to honor Hawaii leaders in the technology field, the event will feature live entertainment by Nohelani Cypriano and Maila Gibson, as well as special appearances by television and radio personalities Trini Kaopuiki, Manolo Morales, Diane Ako, Tannya Joaquin, Jill Kuramoto and Sweetie Paccaro.

"When I started the event, I didn't want to have the normal sit-down banquet dinner," Jacobe said. "So I thought of how food and technology both have different layers to them and came up with the 'Flavors of Technology' theme."

Participating in this year's fund-raiser are such notable restaurants as 3660 on the Rise, Aaron's atop the Ala Moana Hotel, Poke Stop, Sergio's at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Ryan's Grill, Palomino's, Sarento's Top of the "I," John Dominis, The Colony at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa and Naupaka Terrace at the J.W. Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa.

In the past, "Flavors of Technology" has been a by-invite-only-type of event, targeting those who work in the technology field.

"But now we want to branch out to let the public know what we do," said Low, secretary board member for the fledgling foundation. "Technology is everywhere and it affects all of us every day."

This year, Jacobe and Low anticipate to match last year's attendance of 900 guests.