Organizers and exhibitors of Internet World Israel 2001 were busy with last minute preparations at the Tel Aviv Fairgrounds on Sunday.

The three-day event, which features displays from more than 170 exhibitors, begins Monday. Dahlia Pelled, chief executive officer of People and Computers, organizers of the event, said that 23,000 people had registered for this year's Internet World, with more than 1,000 new registrants on Sunday alone. She said that the organizers had taken great care to ensure that the event draws a quality audience. Pelled said that the event has proven to be a big draw even during this time of crisis for many high-tech companies. "Times are difficult for high tech. We believe the technology will continue in spite of all that," she said. Exhibitors will be showcasing innovations in the Internet, IT and eBusiness fields and range from big-name international corporations such as Microsoft, IBM and Oracle, to Israel-based companies such as Check Point, Sivan, Teldor and Yael Software. Exhibitors were putting the finishing touches on their displays, girding themselves for tomorrow's opening, while hoping for big crowds. "We're hoping a lot of people will come and see us," said David Friedland of Karatsoft, a graphic and publishing software company. "That's really the only reason why we're here." Friedland said that although Karatsoft's business is not exclusively involved with the Web, it is "very Internet oriented" which is what makes Internet World an important event for them. The new feature for this year's Internet World is eBtoB Live, a central exhibition that focuses on eCommerce and eMarketplaces. EBtoB Live is indicative of the changes in Internet World in response to changes in the face of the Internet itself, said Sarah Crawford, director of international relations for People and Computers. For Israel Kleinberger of business-to-business online marketplace provider Effective Purchase, Internet World is as much a networking opportunity as a chance to improve their exposure.