Registration is building for the Future of Northwest Indiana Forum, with more than 500 people registered for Saturday's event at the Radisson Hotel in Merrillville.

There still is room for about 100 more at the "21st century town hall" style meeting, according to John Swanson, executive director of the Northwest Indiana Forum.

People can register for the daylong forum, which is free, online at the NIRPC Web site or by telephone.

"We want the public to help us form a vision which will drive planning and development in the three counties for years to come," Swanson said.

The gathering, which begins at 9 a.m., will feature keypad polling on the broad range of issues facing the region. Attendees will spend the day formulating goals in 11 areas ranging from traditional NIRPC roles like transportation to arts and culture.

A breakfast will be served at 8 a.m. and lunch also is provided.

Recent registrations include those for 25 high school students from Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties, Swanson said.

The forum is striving to be one of the most inclusive ever in the region, with specific goals for each county, each gender, minorities and age groups.

The event is the first step in a two-year process to establish a long-range regional plan for Northwest Indiana.

America Speaks, a Washington-based public opinion organization, is scheduled to facilitate the forum. America Speaks has assisted numerous communities in the United States, including New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and New York City following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.