THIS WEEK

Techs In Paradise, gathering of world leaders in advanced networking, through Friday at East-West Center, University of Hawai'i-Manoa; among topics to be explored will be hybrid networking, eCulture, eScience, high-definition television, medical image broadcasting and a natural disaster workshop; free; public welcome. Information: www.hawaii.edu/tip2008.

FREE TAX PREPARATION ASSISTANCE by AARP and Aloha United Way volunteers, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. today through Friday at the Princess Ruth Keelikolani Building, 830 Punchbowl St.; first come-first serve; bring photo ID and enter through main doors on Punchbowl St.; also at locations throughout the state Feb. 1-April 20, call 211 for the site nearest you. www.hawaii.gov/tax.

WEDNESDAY

BECOMING KAMAAINA: How Mainland Brands Establish Themselves in the Local Market, networking luncheon sponsored by International Association of Business Communicators Hawaii Chapter, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 23 at The Plaza Club; networking and registration 11-11:30 a.m., buffet lunch 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m., program 12-1 p.m.; featured speakers, Eddie Spencer, general manager of California Pizza Kitchen, and Brie Heath, communications manager of Target, scheduled to open in Hawai'i in 2009; fee: IABC members $25, nonmembers $35, student members $15. Register at 585-7931, ext. 105, or online at www.iabchawaii.com.

KAKAAKO IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION general membership meeting lunchtime Jan. 23 at Dave & Busters' second-floor meeting room; fee: KIA members free, nonmembers $25, call Sherry Goya at 722-8487 by tomorrow to join KIA. Information: 722-8487.

THURSDAY

HAWAII VENTURE CAPITAL ASSOCIATION DEAL OF THE YEAR AWARDS LUNCHEON, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Jan. 24 at The Plaza Club; honorees include Darren Kimura, founder of Sopogy, HR BioPetroleum, TalkStory Productions and Cardax Pharmaceuticals; fee: HVCA, Corporate Planners, Hawaii Angels, DualUse Council, Bytemarks and HSTC members, $29; nonmembers $39, students $25; aloha attire required. Register: www.hvca.org or 262-7329 (Gail).

PARADISE TOASTMASTERS No. 7644 meeting, 4:30-5:30 p.m., second and fourth Thursdays monthly, Tripler Army Medical Center Nurse's Conference Room. 487-8703.

NUUANU TOASTMASTERS meeting, 6-7 p.m., Susannah Wesley Community Center, 1117 Ka'ili St. ; free parking; improve your public speaking skills; guests welcome. 525-8909.

The Professional Women's Network monthly luncheon meeting, Jan. 24, Ala Moana Hotel; keynote speaker Barbara Pellegrino to talk about "Treasure Mapping Your Way to Success." Fees: members $26; sponsored guests $35; nonmembers $40. Information: 533-4800; e-mail, reservations@pwnhawaii.org; online at www.pwnhawaii.org.

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF GRAPHIC ARTS lecture by Sean Adams, co-author of "Logo Design Workbook" and partner at AdamsMorioka, whose clients include ABC, Gap, Target and Adobe, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24 at University of Hawai'i School of Art auditorium; AIGA members $10, AIGA students members free, nonmembers $15, student nonmembers $5. RSVP: membership@aigahonolulu.org.

SATURDAY

REVERSE MORTGAGE SEMINAR, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Jan. 26 at Bank of Hawaii, Ala Moana Branch; free. Reservations: 694-8505.

UPCOMING

PUBLIC RELATIONS STUDENT SOCIETY OF AMERICA three-day conference Feb. 8-10 to feature Honolulu's finest PR professionals, a keynote speaker from the NFL Pro Bowl and a mixer event; members $50, non-members $65 (four meals included). Register: prssa.hawaii@gmail.com. Information: prssa.hawaii@gmail.com.

RETAIL INDUSTRY FORUM presented by the Business Banking Council 10-11:30 a.m. Feb. 21 at Tsukiji Fish Market & Restaurant at the Hookipa Terrace of Ala Moana Center; this past year's patterns and the outlook for the future to be discussed; panel members: John Reed, CEO of Hilo Hattie; Carol Pregill, president, Retail Merchants of Hawaii; Phil Fong, CEO of Jeans Warehouse; and David Hudson, senior vice president retail sales & service, American Savings Bank; packets will be given out at the event. RSVP: 545-4111 by Feb. 13.

Business meetings of general interest are listed in the "Coming Events" column throughout the week. Submit notices at least two weeks in advance to: Alan Yonan, Business Section, The Honolulu Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802; fax to 525-6763; or e-mail comingevents@honoluluadvertiser.com. For e-mailed releases, include information in the body of the message, not in an attachment.