ORONO – About 60 of Maine’s top engineering firms, engineering schools, government agencies and industries will be on hand Saturday, March 1, at the University of Maine Field House for the 2008 Engineering Expo.

The “Brain Power ’08” Expo, which will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and feature engineering-related demonstrations and exhibits for the public, is the highlight of the annual Maine Engineers Week, Feb. 25-March 1.

The Maine Society of Professional Engineers and the University of Maine will kick off the program Friday, Feb. 29, with a full-day continuing education symposium at UM’s Buchanan Alumni House. The seminar, which includes a buffet lunch and refreshments throughout the day, is a chance for working engineers to earn six professional development hours.

Organizers say the 2008 expo promises to be the biggest ever, with more than 1,000 children and adults expected to show up at the UM Field House. The first 500 kids through the door will get a free T-shirt celebrating Maine Engineers Week, and everyone is invited to enjoy the exhibits and activities intended to introduce young people to the exciting world of science and engineering and to the many contributions engineers make to our communities.

To register for the banquet – the deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 20 – call Be Schonewald of GZA GeoEnvironmental Inc. in Portland at 879-9190 or e-mail schonewald@gza.com.