Organizers of a regional technology exposition in Roanoke on the eve of Virginia Tech's home football opener have more than one goal in mind.

They hope the NewVa Corridor Technology Expo will give local technology companies a chance to show off their abilities to other companies and the general public, possibly generating business.

Planned for 1 to 6 p.m. on Sept. 5 at the Roanoke Civic Center, they hope the event will allow those technology companies a chance to connect to one another -- whether they are in the Roanoke or New River valleys.

And they hope it will allow job seekers both near and far to see career opportunities in Southwest Virginia -- opportunities they might not have ever considered could be found in the region.

Cory Donovan, executive director of event sponsor NewVa Corridor Technology Council, said that leaders of technology firms -- many of whom are entrepreneurs trying to get a new business off the ground -- are often too busy to network with other companies.

Donovan said the expo is an opportunity for those officials to "look up" to see what else is going on.

From 1 to 3 p.m., the event will be open only for NCTC members in an effort to allow networking among members. Donovan believes this networking -- much like the organization's other events -- will lead to partnerships and business.

From 3 to 6 p.m., the expo will open to the general public. Donovan hopes local residents will come to learn about what local companies have to offer, but he also hopes to attract Virginia Tech alumni and fans visiting from Northern Virginia and elsewhere -- all coming into town to see the Hokies play Furman on Saturday.

To register for the event, visit www.thetechnologycouncil.com/techexpo.

The NCTC has partnered on the event with the city of Roanoke, which has organized a Hokie pep rally to take place at the civic center at 7:30 p.m.

Stuart Mease with the city said Tech play-by-play announcer Bill Roth will be master of ceremonies and the event will showcase academic programs available at Virginia Tech's Roanoke Center, the Hokie Bird mascot, Virginia Tech cheerleaders, the Corps of Cadets Highty-Tighties band and the 2008 Virginia Tech football team.

Subway spokesman Jared Fogle is also scheduled to attend as part of the Subway-Virginia Tech Super Fan contest.

Admission to the pep rally is free.