Microsoft Corp (MSFT)

[Burpzilla]

Check out the last paragraph.

MSFT + AOL + Viacom + Disney + Intel, in closed-door meetings.

The future is in there somewhere, folks.


"Corporate moguls wrap up Sun Valley junket"

Casper Star-Tribune
XSUNV101-107
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SUN VALLEY, Idaho (AP) - U.S. corporate chieftains including Microsoft Corp.'s Bill Gates wrapped up their five-day Sun Valley conference on Sunday.

"It's a remarkable group," Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt said. "It's an education at its highest level. You have a chance to meet and talk in small groups and build relationships with people who make the world work."

Leavitt and Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthrone were among few outsiders invited to join the heads of media conglomerates, movie studios and technology companies at their exclusive retreat sponsored by blue-chip investment bank Allen & Co.

Leavitt said he heard U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow speak on corporate governance in a panel discussion moderated by Sony Corp. of America chief Howard Stringer.

Gates talked about the future of software development.
Investment sage Warren Buffett and former studio chief Barry Diller were among other speakers holding forth.

Leavitt, who has made business development a hallmark of his Republican administration, said he was keen to make a few contacts that could produce jobs for Utah.

"Business recruitment starts with good relationships, and I certainly made a lot of good friends," he said.

Afternoons were reserved for fun. Gates and Buffet got in a round of Sunday golf. The titans also could ride horses or mountains bikes at the resort of Sinclair Oil Corp. owner Earl Holding.
Rafting and fly-fishing were other popular diversions.

Allen & Co. kept reporters on a tight leash at the 21st annual retreat by posting "Private Function" signs and deploying a complement of beefy security guards.

The conference ended Sunday evening with ice skating featuring Timothy Goebel, a 2002 Olympic Bronze medalist.

Investment banker Herb Allen is believed to have shelled out $10 million on wining and dining, baby-sitting, and recreational pursuits for his guests.

The heads of AOL Time Warner Inc., Viacom Inc., Walt Disney Co., Intel Corp. were among other moguls who spent mornings in conference rooms and afternoons playing or cutting deals behind closed doors.

AP-WS-07-12-03 1841EDT