Enterprise IT and the EDUCAUSE Annual Conference

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It's almost here! The 2016 EDUCAUSE Annual Conference is coming up. This year's program includes three tracks particularly important to the enterprise IT community:

  • Enabling the Data-Driven, Decision-Making Environment
  • Innovating in IT Infrastructure and Cloud-Based IT Environments
  • Leading and Partnering Strategically across the Academy

See the conference Programs and Tracks page for descriptions of those tracks and links to the sessions within each one. There are plenty of things to keep you busy throughout the week, but we do want to draw your attention to a few possibilities.

Come to EDUCAUSE Central on Thursday afternoon, October 27, from 3:30 to 4:00 to meet with Enterprise IT Program staff. We want to hear about your enterprise IT challenges and how we can help you address them.

If you are a first-time attendee, be sure to check out the First-Timer's Welcome and Orientation on Tuesday, October 25, and also visit the First-Timer Commons, where volunteers can help you plan your day and give you tips on getting the most out of the conference.

The ECAR Working Groups Meeting, open to all attendees, is Tuesday, October 25, from noon to 2:50 p.m. Many working group projects have a connection with enterprise IT, including projects on the cloud, ITSM, and strategic planning.

Be sure to check out the exhibit hall and visit our sponsors and solutions providers.

Finally, here are some tips to be sure you get the most from the event:

  • Plan ahead. With so much happening concurrently, it can be helpful to put together a plan in advance for which sessions to attend. The mobile app allows you to create a personal itinerary, which makes early planning easier.
  • Branch out. If you attend with others from your institution, split up. Attend different sessions so you can compare notes afterwards.
  • Take the time to reflect. Take notes about what you plan to do differently when you get back to your campus.
  • Network. Meet people and follow up with them afterwards.

And don't forget to have fun! See you in Anaheim.


Betsy Tippens Reinitz is the director of the enterprise IT program for EDUCAUSE.

© 2016 Betsy Tippens Reinitz. This EDUCAUSE Review blog is licensed under Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0.