AITP
Omaha Chapter
P. O. Box 583
Omaha, NE 68101
(402) 449-2180
February 12, 2008
Dear I.T. Professional,
In 1973 the Omaha chapter of the Data Processing Manager’s Association (DPMA) sponsored a trade show of hardware and software products in Ford Hall at the Holiday Inn Central. In its inaugural year, InfotecŪ targeted the central data processing staff of organizations using large mainframe computers. This was four years before the first Apple II and TRS-80 computers and eight years before the introduction of the IBM Personal Computer.
Fast forward 34 years. DPMA has evolved into the Association of I.T. Professionals (AITP). Infotec has moved to the Qwest Center and has continually evolved with the times.
Initially the mainframe was in the limelight. The focus changed to client/server and then on to the Internet and web services. Through the years, Infotec has sought to respond to the changing needs of the information technology professional, providing education and access to information in a local venue at a cost far below the value provided.
At the end of Infotec 2007, the Infotec leadership and AITP determined that it was time to evolve once again. A core team conducted a survey of local I.T. leaders and practitioners to determine what Infotec 2008 should look like. Once the results were in, the leadership team put a plan together for a new and improved Infotec. The plan called for a significant change in the approach to the management of the conference as well as the public face of the conference. The plan for the next Infotec was more revolutionary than evolutionary.
It became clear that to fully implement the new plan, more time would be needed.
The next questions were more difficult to answer. Should Infotec be postponed until later in the year? Should it be postponed until 2009? Should an abbreviated version be offered during the regular dates while the new version was prepared for 2009?
In the end, to provide the best possible Infotec, the leadership decided that the next Infotec should be held April 14th through April 16th, 2009. By taking the year off, Infotec should return in 2009 a strong, vibrant and relevant offering.
AITP and Infotec leadership have already made commitments for the next conference. A number of local private, non-profit, and civic organizations have already made commitments to support Infotec in significant ways. We are excited about Infotec 2009 and suggest that you go ahead and mark your calendar. You won’t want to miss the next conference.
In the meantime, we truly value the involvement of every I.T. professional in the community. Consider visiting AITP at one of our monthly meetings. This is a volunteer organization and we have thrived through the involvement of individuals looking to grow professionally and personally. Visit the AITP website (www.aitpomaha.org) for meeting information. Feel free to contact any member for more information.
If you love your career in I.T., be prepared to share your enthusiasm with others. As we grow individually, we grow as a community and we grow as a profession.
We look forward to your involvement.
Sincerely,
Ken Koehn
AITP Omaha - President
The Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) is a 56 year-old association dedicated to continuing education, professional growth, leadership, and the exploration of issues that face the I.T. industry.