2007 ITFlorida Awards Gala and Tech Forum
October 29 - 30, 2007
Disney's Contemporary Resort, Lake Buena Vista

Register online or by calling 800-748-1120 today. Early registrants receive discounts (see below).

The fifth annual Awards Gala and Tech Forum will showcase the best technological achievements in Florida. As always, the event serves as the connection point between our public and private leadership statewide.

Speakers, attendees, and presenters will include both CEO-level leaders and senior leaders from each branch of our government.

A special Keynote will be delivered by Marco Rubio, Florida's Speaker of the House.

A special Keynote will be delivered by Jimmy Wales, Creator and Founder of Wikipedia

Agenda

Attire: for the Awards Dinner and Ceremony is business dress (jacket and tie for gentlemen, business suit or cocktail dress for ladies.) Attire for all other event components is business casual.

The event may be enjoyed as a one-day or multi-day event, depending on preference. The core event components will take place from noon through dinner time on Tuesday, October 30, and the basic registration package entitles participation in all of these components. VIP registrants and board members will enjoy a longer event with special features.

Monday, October 29
Early Arrival Attendees are encouraged to take advantage of ITFlorida's discounted admission rates to Disney's World Renowned Theme Parks, including the Magic Kingdom, Disney MGM, Animal Kingdom, and especially

The EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival A limited time event during a 45 day span each fall, the Annual Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival showcases the flavors of the world. Explore marketplaces featuring regional foods, wines, and beers. Learn from renowned chefs and winemakers at special programs and demonstrations, and sample the finest cuisine from around the globe.

ITFlorida attendees qualify for discount room rates at the Contemporary starting Sunday, October 28.



7:00 pm
Opening Dinner (VIP registrants only)


Tuesday, October 30
8:00 9:30 am
ITFlorida Breakfast Board Meeting (board members only)

9:30 am 12:00 noon
VIP Innovation in Action Underground Tour (VIP registrants only)
Availability is limited and will fill quickly.

When most people hear the name "Walt Disney," they think of Mickey Mouse, classic movies, and theme parks. What they don't often think of, or even know about, are his many innovative ideas that eventually led to the creation of the Walt Disney World Resort. The VIP Innovation in Action Tour will be a guided exploration to the "Utilidor" System-Journey beneath the Magic Kingdom Park to visit support systems located in the "tunnel." Journey to places most Guests never get to see for an incredible and entertaining experience you won't soon forget.

12:30 PM 2:00 pm
Opening Luncheon with Keynote


2:00 4:30 pm
Afternoon Panels, Breakout Sessions, and Networking Sessions

Green Tech: Finding Solutions in Technology

featuring Guido Bartels, Chairman of the GridWise Alliance and General Manager, IBM Global Energy and Utilities Gov. Charlie Crist has called on the state of Florida to become a leader on energy and climate change issues. What solutions might be available in technology? Already, utilities in Florida are using Information Technology to build a smarter grid, making energy usage more predictable and intelligent. An exciting set of opportunities present themselves for entrepreneurs in this emerging field.

Where Does IT Fit in a Time of Government Cutbacks

featuring Harold Schomaker, President of the Florida Local Government Information Systems Association and CIO, City of Largo Declining government revenues and efforts for property tax reform have led to across-the-board budget cuts for state and local government. Information Technology presents a potentially unique solution to budget dilemmas, as investment in technology can lead to new-found efficiencies and cost savings.

IT Workforce: Crunch or Crisis?

featuring Dr. Bill Law, President of Tallahassee Community College and past chair, Tallahassee/Leon County Economic Development Council An IT workforce crunch (or crisis?) is looming nationwide, as enrollments in computer science, information technology, and related fields have steadily declined while demand is increasing. Florida will be challenged on this front as companies continue to seek a high density of talented workers.

4:30 5:30 pm
Break


5:30 6:30 pm
Awards Gala Opening Reception


6:30 9:00 pm
Dinner, Keynote, and Awards Ceremony



Registration Fee Schedule:

Deadline Before September 18 Before October 27 On site

Basic $275   325   375

VIP $425   475   525

Sponsors receive multiple VIP registrations, with the number of registrations depending on sponsor level. Call ITFlorida at 800-748-1120 for more information about sponsoring.

Either a VIP or Basic registration entitles attendees to discounts on room reservations at the Contemporary Resort and discounts on Disney theme park passes.

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