One of The Thompson Group's first special projects was the creation of the KPMG Austin High Tech Awards program, which celebrates its fifth year in 2000. KPMG wanted to raise its profile in the Austin business community, emphasizing their support of the high tech industry. Working off KPMG's existing programs in Washington DC and Chicago, The Thompson Group was brought on board to identify and contact potential sponsors, judges, applicants and attendees for the banquet. The awards banquet was a sell-out event the first year, and continues to draw over 700 people from Austin's high tech and business sectors. The awards program has continued to build in momentum. The Thompson Group has continued to work with KPMG to strategize and manage their Austin High Tech Awards, adding relevant sponsors; rotating in new judges; spreading the word to potential applicants; further developing award categories; and enhancing the awards banquet to be entertaining, informative and inspiring. The 2000 KPMG Austin High Tech Awards promises to be the best event yet!