Summit 2008 Explains What's in Store for Tech Workers

Experts at conference give insight on latest trends and best practices -- May 7 to 9

OTTAWA - DPI, the association of public sector information professionals, and CIPS, Canada's association of Information Technology (IT) professionals, are hosting a national conference that focuses on personal growth and innovation in celebration of milestone anniversaries. Summit 2008: Achieving New Heights -- A New Personal Best, which is taking place at the Ottawa Congress Centre from May 7 to 9, 2008, features a variety of experts who are giving insight on trends in IT today. Experts include renowned speakers such as Dr. Linda Duxbury, Dealing with Generational Differences in the Workforce: Why do the different generations think and feel the way they do; Michael Furdyk, The Digital Revolution: Think the digital revolution has come and gone; and many others. DPI is celebrating its 45th Anniversary. CIPS is celebrating its 50th Anniversary. A special Anniversary Gala dinner is scheduled for May 8 at 6 p.m. at the Ottawa Congress Centre.

WHO: DPI, CIPS and the IT Community
WHAT: Summit 2008
WHERE: Ottawa Congress Centre, Ottawa, Ontario
WHEN: May 7 to 9, 2008

SPEAKER & TOPIC HIGHLIGHTS:

- Recognition Beyond the Pay Cheque - Suzanne Schell of Business Excellence explains why effective recognition and praise are no longer "something nice to do." They have become essential "hard" skills in the workplace. What is one's personal best and what are the current study findings on employee engagement? (Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at 10:15 a.m., Congress Hall DH - workshop)

- The Growth of Identity Management and Biometrics: Issues and Challenges on the Horizon - With domestic security a global imperative, the need to balance security, service and privacy is more critical than ever. Mark Cohn, Integrated Security Programs Vice President, talks about major events in the past that affect identity management today; the future trends and directions of biometrics; and the global challenges affecting governments today and in the future. (Wednesday, May 7 at 3 p.m., Congress Hall DH - seminar)

- We've Only Just Begun: The Digital Revolution and the Future of Your Business, Organization or Profession - Michael Furdyk of TakingITGlobal talks about the most important technological changes. How do you respond to the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities of these changes? Think the digital revolution has come and gone? Think again. (Thursday, May 8 at 8:45 a.m., Congress Hall ABEF - keynote session)

- Playing Defense: Employee Retention & Engagement - Tim Rutledge of Mattanie Press explains the steps companies need to take to create engaging employment experiences for their employees. In a seller's job market (fewer job seekers than job openings) talented employees have lots of choice in where they work, and the head hunters are trying to pry them loose. (Thursday, May 8 at 10:15 a.m. Congress Hall CG - seminar)

- Advancing to IT Management: Overcoming the Roadblocks - While IT professionals are typically accustomed to focusing on the technical side, true professional development requires emphasis on an entirely different set of skills, knowledge and abilities. Katherine Spencer Lee of Robert Half Technology explains the ways in which IT practitioners can overcome some typical - and some not-so-typical - career advancement roadblocks that are unique to the IT field. (Thursday, May 8 at 11:30 a.m. Congress Hall CG - seminar)

- You, Me & Them: Dealing with Generational Differences in the Workplace - Researcher Dr. Linda Duxbury explains how to deal with generational differences in the workplace: veterans, boomers, Gen-Xers and nexus. Why do the different generations think and feel the way they do; and how do you successfully recruit, retain and motivate the different age cohorts? (Friday, May 9 at 8:45 a.m., Congress Hall ABEF - keynote session)

- ...and many others.