Special Report: The 2007 PTI Technology Leadership Conference
May 6-8, 2007 • Adam’s Mark Hotel • Denver, Colorado
Presented by the Washington-based Public Technology Institute (PTI), the 2007 Technology Leadership Conference is the only national technology conference highlighting best practices and technology issues and solutions that affect America’s cities and counties. A battery of sessions will review technology applications for public safety, telecommunications, GIS, Web services, energy, environment and transportation. The conference also offers technology leadership certification and field trips into Denver to tour the city’s new 311 Call Center, Traffic Control Center and the Denver Combined Communications Mobile Command Center. Regional technology initiatives that have been implemented in the Denver area also will be discussed.
Preliminary program
Saturday, May 5
Web Management Forum
GIS Forum
Clinic: Microsoft Windows Vista for Developers
Sunday, May 6
PTI Research Council/Forum Meetings
Welcome Reception and Networking Forum
Monday, May 7
Welcome and General Session
Featured speaker: Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper
Regional Approaches to Shared Services
Approaches used for implementing regional technology initiatives.
Citizen Relationship Management: From Implementation to Managing and Metrics
How to implement a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system and how CRM can improve service, and manage and measure performance.
The Ultimate Balancing Act: Sustainability and Service
How local governments from a variety of regions are striking a balance between environmental and resident needs.
E-Government: Optimizing Content and Delivery Channels
Weaving Web content, 311 and other delivery channels so that the right messages and services reach residents.
Critical Communications: Timing is Everything
The latest technology applications and management aspects that local governments can use to address their public safety and homeland security communications needs.
What’s Hot? What’s Not?: Technology Tools for Local Government
The latest applications from vendors.
Regional Data Integration: Making “Mega-communities” Complete
How geospatial information systems can be used to strengthen the informational foundations available to government, business and community leaders.
Broadband: The Missing Link
How home broadband access can develop a cohesive community.
The First Line of Response: Guidelines for Governments in 911 Mode
Discussing the joint efforts of PTI and the U.S. Department of Energy to create energy assurance guidelines for local governments searching for more effective processes and communication during energy emergencies.
Strategic Planning for your Software Upgrade
The issues to consider before creating a strategic plan for upgrades.
Technology Town Hall Meeting: We Feel Your Pain!
Outlines new association programs developed for local government.
Tuesday, May 8
Hot Topic Roundtable Discussions
- Technology needs and resources for smaller communities
- Certification and continuing education opportunities for technology professionals
Next-level Skill Building Workshop
Examines the organizational, collaborative and team-building skills IT leaders need to move to the next career level.
ROI Strategies for IT and GIS
Reviews investment models that local governments can use to reflect the potential benefits of GIS.
Web-wise Solutions
How local governments are implementing some of the hottest tools, such as RSS, podcasting and designing Web sites for PDAs, as part of their Web service.
The Boy Scouts Were Right: Business Continuity Plans
What local governments must do to prepare for the survival and recovery of their operations.
Attracting, Retaining and Growing Professionals in a Challenging Environment
How local governments are recruiting and retaining the best talent.
Awards Presentation
The winners of the 2006/2007 Technology Solutions Award competition.
Technology Tours Hosted by Denver
For more information, visit www.pti.org or call (202) 626-2400. Register before May 5 for lowest fees.
When local government CIOs and IT directors convene in Denver next month for the Washington-based Public Technology Institute’s (PTI) Technology Leadership Conference, they will discuss how software, hardware and telecommunications devices can improve city and county services. From applications that revolutionize back-office functions to wireless networks that ease Internet access for residents, local leaders are driving government agencies to keep pace with service needs and helping departments operate more effectively. American City & County spoke with Alan Shark, executive director of PTI, about the challenges local government IT leaders face and the future of city and county technology.
Q How are the demands on technology managers changing, and how will they continue to change?
A Technology managers find themselves increasingly dealing with critical issues other than technology. They are finding themselves evolving toward strategic planning, enterprise management, team-building among staff, becoming more politically involved with decision-making, becoming more of a diplomat, and managing expectations from residents as well as peers and elected officials. Metrics will continue to play a greater role as various technology solutions are weighed against competing demands for scarce resources.
Q What do technology managers want elected officials and other department heads to understand about their roles?
A They want elected leaders to know that they are trying to be honest brokers of assessing and maintaining IT infrastructure, and at the same time providing leadership to the entire government enterprise. They get frustrated when politics trumps sound planning and ROI strategic development plans only to cater to short-term thinking and political whims. Convergence makes it necessary to seek ways for greater collaboration among departments and agencies to better justify costs as well as opportunities. This requires a whole new way of thinking and acting — and new skill sets of diplomacy — and greater use of metrics.
Q What keeps local government technology officials up at night?
A Growing tension among departments and agencies regarding technology priorities; rising costs associated with IT infrastructure at all levels; lack of understanding among elected officials; the lack of staff and resources to do the work that is needed in a timely fashion.
Q What are the hottest areas of technology for cities and counties?
A Broadband deployment either for the public or for internal operations — or both — is still a huge concern. On the transportation front, there are great advances in fleet management and alternative fuel vehicles. More politicians are embracing “green buildings,” 311/CRM is still a dynamic and growing area, as is business operations and continuity planning (COOP), and finally interoperability among radio and data equipment and people — especially in areas affecting critical communications.
Q What is the next step in technology development for local governments? What will be the hot projects to watch?
A The CIO, a relatively new term in local government, will continue to grow in stature and importance. The new technologies that are emerging require higher level planning and implementation skills, and more management and diplomacy skills. As for technology itself — the greatest improvements will be seen with more sustainable resource management efforts (transportation, energy usage, green/smart buildings).