The state Department of Taxation and Finance has scheduled a new Tax Policy Conference for Oct. 4-5 at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.

The theme of the conference is "Doing Business in the 21st Century," and it will feature nationally known speakers from business, universities, law, and government. A variety of issues will be discussed, including sales-tax simplication and Internet taxation.

The conference is aimed at a range of tax professionals, including government policy-makers, public and private accountants, and attorneys.

Scheduled speakers include:

• Russell Lange, chief technologist of the microelectronics division of IBM.
• Peter D. Horsburgh, worldwide industry manager for taxation for Microsoft Corporation.
• Paul H. Frankel, a partner in Morrision & Foerster law firm.
• Richard D. Pomp, a professor at the University of Connecticut Law School.
• Robert H. Carey, legislative director for U.S. Senator George Allen (R-Virginia).
• Peter M. Uhlmann, chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Christopher Cox (D-California).

The cost of the conference is $795 per person, $695 per person for those who register before Sept. 17.

A detailed agenda and registration form is available at www.tax.state.ny.us. To request a conference brochure, e-mail Holly Chamberlin, the business ambassador for the Department of Taxation and Finance, at Holly_Chamberlin@tax.state.ny.us.