Nashville Technology Council

Today marks the kick-off of the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. CES has become the “crystal ball” that shows what we’ll see next in our pockets and on retail store shelves and is now one of the most pivotal places for a company to launch their consumer driven electronic product. Yesterday, companies like Nashville-based Griffin Technology, HP and Verizon already gave the media a sneak peak into what consumer products they will be touting at this year’s event.  Here are the trend observations and predictions popping up already:

• The iPad is getting some competition
• Being green is becoming more of a trend for manufacturers and consumers
• As consumers move more toward mobile technology, more smartphones hit the market, and Android rules
• We’re moving more and more to 3D TV with affordable devices being offered that have better technology

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, who made an appearance as our keynote speaker at last year’s Membership Breakfast, spoke yesterday at the pre-event show. Microsoft also unveiled their Surface 2.0 tablet device, which is predicted to hit the consumer market at a cost of $7,600.

We’ll see as the week unfolds if what is fresh to market fulfills what Tech Crunch recently predicted as the “Seven Technologies That Will Rock 2011″.  You can follow all the news as it unfolds via the official CES twitter , via CNET’s dedicated CES 2011 Latest News site and through CrunchGear’s live broadcast from the CES tradeshow floor .

Last week we announced that our annual Membership Breakfast will be held on January 18th, 2011, in the Boone Building at Trevecca University.  If you are unfamiliar with this  event, we gather representatives from our over 400 member companies in one room to discuss what’s coming up in the year ahead at the NTC and hear from nationally recognized business leaders in technology about their thoughts on innovation, business and leadership.

If you recall, last year we welcomed Abbie Lundberg and keynote speaker Steve Ballmer to a sold out crowd.  Who is next?  We’ll be announcing two nationally recognized leaders in technology very soon.  Register today to get your seat up front!

As always, this event is for members only. If you are not an NTC member and are interested in learning more about how you can join us and help our technology community succeed, there is a special incentive for you this month.  Through the month of December, we are offering new members 15% off their first year dues!  If you or a company you know has been interested in joining the NTC, but just haven’t made the move, now is the time!

It has truly been an amazing year, filled with growth and gratitude, and we look forward to sharing our continued vision for a better, brighter planet and Nashville with all of you in January!

Nashville Tech Story (1/25/10)

The students at last week’s Membership Breakfast certainly had a great time, and even got a laugh or two out of Steve Ballmer.  One gutsy student asked Ballmer to sign his MacBook Pro, and even caught it all on camera.  Ballmer showed his sense of humor by writing, “Need a new one?” next to his signature. 

Naturally, this video has gone viral, producing over 300,000 views in less than a week.  This goes to show, Nashville students certainly know the value of marketing and social media.

We are thrilled to have an exciting line up for this year’s Membership Breakfast. Abbie Lundberg, longtime Editor and Chief of CIO Magazine, will start the morning with a discussion surrounding a future scope of IT challenges and opportunities.  Lundberg has 21 years experience reporting and commenting on the use of technology in business, and under her leadership, CIO Magazine received over 230 editorial awards.

Next, Steve Ballmer, Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft, will take the stage.  Not only is he a leader for one of the world’s largest corporations, Ballmer is the second person after Roberto Goizueta to become a billionaire in U.S. dollars. In Forbes 2008 World’s Richest People ranking, Ballmer was ranked the 43rd richest person in the world, with an estimated wealth of $11 billion.

With over 780 people registered, this is Nashville Technology Council’s largest event to date.  For a full speaker biographies, click here.

Nashville Tech Story (12/17/09)

As the year comes to an end, we can’t help but remember all of our accomplishments in 2009.  Take a look at our picks for the top 10 NTC Moments in 2009.

1.       Branding – Feel the Beat of Technology. On January 22, 2009, after 10 years, the Nashville Technology Council unveiled its new brand at the first Membership Breakfast.  New creative, new print, and new website.

2.      Techville 2009 – Mapping the Future – March 23rd we released the first poster-size Techville.us map, illuminating the technology landscape in Nashville, in addition to an interactive site at www.techville.us.

3.       Cinco de Mayo Margarita Mixer – We love a themed party – May 5th we decided to shake things up with the addition of a brand new networking mixer.  CEO’s, CIOs, Digital, Geeks, and a beautiful view of the city punctuated the evening.

4.       The Naked Hospital – Are you transparent? –  With a visit from Congressman Marsha Blackburn, the community discussed the importance of electronic health records and transparency for hospitals and other healthcare providers.

5.       Entrepreneur Center – Accelerating businesses - In conjunction with the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, the Entrepreneur Center was formed, accelerating the growth of the business in the Nashville area.  The Entrepreneur Center’s Mission is to connect entrepreneurs with critical resources to accelerate business creation and growth

6.       Marketplace Launch – Saving money for our members was key in the year of the Recession –  Health Insurance, Professional Services, Office Products, and more are available at a discounted rate for Nashville Technology Council Members

7.       InfoSec Conference – Our Largest Conference Yet — September 17th marked the largest InfoSec Conference in the history of the Tech Council.  This was also the largest meeting for the ISSA in the Southeast. Dan Geer from In-Q-Tel had everyone mesmerized.

8.       10th Anniversary Bash – Happy 10th Birthday to the Tech Council – September 22nd marked the 10th Anniversary of the Nashville Technology Council.  The Tech Council has grown from 22 founding companies to 385 member companies over the 10 years.

9.       1st Annual Awards Gala – Celebrating Success in Technology – October 27th, over 400 individuals gathered at the Symphony Center, walked the red carpet, and watched as technology industry leaders were recognized for their accomplishments.  Gibson provided the guitars and we all felt the beat at the Schermerhorn.

10.       Steve Ballmer to visit Nashville –  On December 3rd, we announced our line-up for the 2010 Membership breakfast, including Steve Ballmer, CEO, Microsoft, and Abbie Lundberg, former Editor and Chief of CIO Magazine.

Thanks to all of our members, volunteers, and technology enthusiasts for making this year a success.  In 2010, we will focus on member engagement, workforce development, new programs, education, and economic development.  Enjoy the holidays and we look forward to a great year ahead.

MICROSOFT CEO STEVE BALLMER TO ADDRESS NASHVILLE TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP BREAKFAST
Former CIO Magazine Editor in Chief Abbie Lundberg Presents Future Scope

The Nashville Technology Council today announced the lineup for its 2nd Annual Membership Breakfast, sponsored by ComFrame Software Corporation.  Steve Ballmer, Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft, is expected to bring his energy and intellect to the stage to deliver inspiration to the Nashville technology community.  Abbie Lundberg, longtime Editor in Chief for CIO Magazine, will kick off the presentation with a future scope of business technology challenges and opportunities.

Lundberg’s extensive connections with the CIO community will provide an insightful view of what is ahead in the technology-enabled business world.  “The future of technology is exciting, but there are many potential pitfalls for those without a strategy,” said Lundberg. “It is apparent the technology community in Nashville is thriving, even through the recession. We will discuss how businesses can achieve profitable growth through the right combination of technology innovation and business discipline.”

“Ballmer and Lundberg will provide Nashville’s technology community with unique insights from the world’s technology leaders in vision and execution,” said J. Tod Fetherling, Nashville Technology Council President & CEO.  “This event will create opportunities for Nashville’s tech community to connect, learn, and succeed.”

“Microsoft is extremely excited and honored to be involved in this event, and we thank the Nashville Technology Council for allowing us to participate,” said Microsoft Heartland District Manager John Fikany. “We believe this type of partnership in Nashville can play an important role in fostering innovation and providing opportunities to network.”

The event will take place Wednesday, January 20, 2010, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Trevecca Nazarene University.  Seating is limited.  Tickets are $40 per person, and can be purchased online at www.technologycouncil.com.

Due to the high number of people registered for this event, we have pushed the breakfast and registration portion back to 6:45 a.m.  The program will start at 7:45 a.m. sharp.

Membership Breakfast
January 20, 2010
6:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Trevecca Nazarene University
Boone Business Building

This Event is Sold Out.  We will not accept on site registrations.

Steve Ballmer is expected to bring his energy and intellect to the stage for a special and unique message to the Nashville technology community.  In addition, we have Abbie Lundberg, Former Editor for CIO Magazine, joining us to provide a future scope of the IT challenges and opportunities.

This is an exclusive, members only, annual event held as an opportunity for members to find out the direction the organization is taking in the coming year, to network with other members, and to hear from world class speakers. With a crowd of over 350 people in its first year, this event is expected to have attendees ranging from CEO and CIO’s to project managers and developers.  Space is limited, so register as soon as possible.