ORLANDO During a morning session at the eTravelWorld conference titled The Myth, The Magic and The Truth- Wall Street Analysts Tell All, among the hot topics of discussion were IPOs and brand loyalty. According to panelists, which included Jake Fuller, Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette; Steven Kent, Goldman Sachs; Bob LaFleur, Bear Stearns; and Alex Picou, CIBC World Markets; the time for small new Internet companies to offer an IPO has passed. Currently, said experts, the most common trend is mergers and acquisitions among small- to medium-sized online companies in which strengths are combined. In addition, analysts cited brand loyalty as one of the most valuable assets in the online world. (9/22/00) Diana M. Rodriguez
