The TECNA 2012 Summer Conference is designed for tech council leadership – as a true peer to peer exchange, with valuable information and thought-provoking discussion on best practices and collaborative dialogue. Join us Wednesday, August 8, 2012 - Friday, August 10, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. For more information and to register click here.
On April 14, 2011, the House Judiciary Committee approved H.R. 1249, the “America Invents Act,” by a vote of 32-3. The Bill has already passed in the Senate and is expected to be considered by the entire House either late May or in June.
This is a hot topic for tech councils and their member companies - There will be winners & losers as a result of this. Feel free to add your comments below, and sign up for an informative, interactive session with the U.S. Patent and Trade Office on the status of patent reform legislation in the United States Congress and what it means for the tech SMB.
Several members of the USPTO staff will share pertinent aspects of the legislation as it relates to small and medium sized businesses and entertain questions that you may have.
Janet Gongola Associate Solicitor, Office of the Deputy General Counsel for Intellectual Property Law and Solicitor, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, United States Department of Commerce
Rob Clarke Deputy Director, Unit 1, Office of Patent Legal Administration, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, United States Department of Commerce
Dana Robert Colarulli Director of the Office of Governmental Affairs, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, United States Department of Commerce
Brought to you by TechVoice, a partnership between CompTIA and the Technology Councils of North America (TECNA)
TECNA members will converge in DC on June 15, 2011 for a policy meeting early in the day, and go to the dinner in the evening. For more info about TECNA programming in DC that day, contact, Paige Rasid prasid@ct.org
That evening, TechAmerica Foundation will host its Ninth Annual Technology and Government Dinner. As in past years,TECNA (Technology Council of North America) members have attended the sold-out event to hear keynote addresses from top industry leader executives. The dinner is the premier Washington, DC technology networking event bringing hundreds of tech industry, congressional, and government leaders together at one venue to celebrate the partnership between industry and government. Full info, click here
Registration for the Technology & Government Dinner and American Technology Awards, As of 5/10, registration is now open. Fees are:
$350 – Industry: $350 $200 – Non-profit & Academia
Presented at the April 2011 TECNA CEO Retreat by Michael Gallis
TECNA CEOs converged on Austin Texas for TECRe #2 on April 10-12, 2011 The 2011 CEO Rereat was designed to improve Tech Council CEO performance and to achieve a new level of cohesiveness and networking within our industry as we look for new ways to help the North American innovation economy grow.
The Innovation Coalition is a collaborative group of innovation-based associations supporting the key elements of the continuum for commercialization and job creation. Below is a Presentation by TECNA President, Matthew Nemerson at the Fly In to Wash. DC:
Joined forces for the Washington DC Fly-In. Lawmakers and their staffs were briefed about the innovation process and why innovation is so important in creating a thriving economy. The afternoon was spent in individual meetings with legislative representatives and their staffs.
Every year we work to create more value for your organization's membership in the Technology Councils of North America association. For 2011, The TECNA CEO Retreat is designed to improve your performance as a CEO and to achieve a new level of cohesiveness and networking within our industry as we look for new ways to help the North American innovation economy grow.
Conceived by the TECNA Board. TECRe is a 3 day, 2 night experience that will make you stronger tech council leader. It is designed to give you an understanding of your capacity to grow as a manager, team builder and visionary. You will spend powerful, quality time with your peers.
The program is limited to 20 TECNA member CEOs, please register now!
Who will be there to learn with?
Maxine Ballen New Jersey Technology Council Su Hawk CSIA - Colorado Technology Association Fred Hoch Illinois Technology Association (ITA) Julie Huls Austin Technology Council Leann Jacobson Technology Association of Iowa Jay Larsen Idaho Technology Council Tino Mantella Technology Association of Georgia Brad Nellis NEOSA - Northeast Ohio Software Association Matthew Nemerson Connecticut Technology Council Doug Robertson Tech South East Bill Sproull Metroplex Technology Business Council Steven Zylstra Arizona Technology Council
The value of a comparable program (if you could actually find a custom-developed seminar designed just for you, a tech council executive) is over $1,500, but thanks to sponsorship by CompTIA, we are charging $250- for TECNA member CEOs. This will include the program, room (double occupancy) and board.
Transportation is extra, but the Austin International Airport airport is conveniently only 45 min. from the venue. We will reimburse up to $250- for travel.
Tomake your reservation and to pay for your retreat fees:
----- update: as of 2/1/2011---- The response to our Fly-in has been amazing--however, we have now CLOSED REGISTRATION to both the morning breakfast and the reception. We are totally booked out. We are working with the office of Senator Hutchison to see if there is a room available on the Hill that will hold more people. If one is available, we will re-open registration. If you would like to be notifiyed of any updates to registration & the policy issues, submit your contact info. _____________________
TECNA has joined forces with a number of national associations for a Washington, D.C. Fly-In Day. We hope you'll join us in D.C. on February 16th. The response to our Fly-in has been amazing--however, we have now CLOSED REGISTRATION to both the morning breakfast and the reception. We are totally booked out. We are working to see if there is a room available on the Hill that will hold more people. If one is available, we will re-open registration.
Innovation Coalition Washington, D.C. Fly-In Day
Date & Time: Wednesday, February 16, 2011, 9:00 AM Location/Venue: Washington DC Address: US Capitol Visitor Center Congressional South Room, Washington, DC 10002 [Map] Registration Deadline: 02/15/2011
The Angel Capital Association Association of University Research Parks Technology Councils of North America National Business Incubation Association National Association of Seed and Venture Funds State Science and Technology Institute
are joining forces to educate the new Congress about innovation--and each of these associations extend a cordial invitation to you to attend the 2011 Innovation Coalition Legislative Fly-in on February 16, in Washington, D.C. This event provides the opportunity for innovation leaders to meet with the Members of the 112th Congress, to learn from each other, and to share with Congress their viewpoints on innovation and its importance in a growing economy.
The 2011 Fly-In will be held on Wednesday, February 16th. The day begins with breakfast on Capitol Hill, where participants will hear from Rep. Steny Hoyer (invited) and other lawmakers.
Lawmakers and their staffs will then be briefed about the innovation process and why innovation is so important in creating a thriving economy. The afternoon can then be spent in individual meetings with legislative representatives and their staffs.
A Welcome Reception on Capitol Hill will be held at 4:30 p.m.
Preliminary Schedule - Subject to Change Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Innovation Coalition Washington D.C. Fly-In Day U.S. Capitol Visitor Center Congressional Meeting Room South Invited to speak Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD5th) Following the Fly-In Day meeting, we encourage all attendees to meet with their respective legislative leaders.
9:00am-11:00am
Innovation Coalition Reception The Dubliner Restaurant and Irish Pub - 4 F Street, Washington, DC 20001-1510
Registrations may not be shared by two or more individuals and are not transferable to a future event.
Space is limited and onsite registration cannot be guaranteed.
Cancellations received after February 11th – No refunds will be issued.
All requests for cancellation must be received in writing.
Hotel Information
Marriott Courtyard Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle 1900 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C., 20009 Phone: (202) 332-9300 Room Rates: $249 plus tax, single occupancy (rate does not include breakfast)
To make your reservation at the Marriott Courtyard Washington, D.C./Dupont Circle, call (800) 321-2211 and identify yourself with the Innovation Coalition to receive the group rate. This limited room block is on a space available basis and expires January 25, 2011. To make your reservations online, visit www.marriott.com/wasnw, in the GROUP CODE BOX enter INNINNA.
The Marriott Courtyard Washington/Northwest is situated in the fashionable Dupont Circle area, providing great views of Washington, D.C
Conference Theme: Making Your Organization Customer Driven, Taking Care of #1 Ottawa, ON, August 11-13, 2010
More than 80 people attended this year's summer conference which explored the role of technology councils in their region’s technology ecosystem, supporting technology companies, entrepreneurship, and tech-based economic development, in their states and provinces, regionally, nationally and globally.
The audience heard presentations on going global, reaching out to non-members, driving sponsor/partner satisfaction and more.
Opportunities for funding were discussed and tips for managing a non-profit and best practices for tech councils were shared.In addition to formal presentations, the audience had an opportunity to network with each other and guests of TECNA.
Most of the conference was held at the Chateau Laurier. A splendid hotel, nestled in the heart of downtown Ottawa, attendees were offered gorgeous views of the river and government buildings and easy access to great shops and restaurants too.
OPENING RECEPTION
Attendees included: TECNA attendees, OCRI Staff and Board of Directors, CEO and CIO members of OCRI; Guest Speakers, and TECNA event partners.
Attendees and program partners made new friends and re-connected with old ones at the opening reception. The group was formally welcomed to Ottawa by our conference host, Claude Haw and by Mayor Larry O’Brien, who spoke colorfully of Ottawa and the importance of tech businesses as an economic driver of the city.
Kathy Mahoney from OCRI was on hand to give a brief history of the 100 year old lock system right next to the hotel, and, as would be the case at every meal going forward, smoked salmon was served!
DAY ONE WELCOME & INTRODUCTIONS A Year in Review By Matthew Nemerson, TECNA President and President & CEO of the Connecticut Technology Council and Claude Haw, TECNA Conference Host and President & CEO, Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation
Claude Haw took us on a virtual tour of Ottawa, through their well-wired city and region, with statistics and entrepreneurial support program descriptions that made this techie think about moving there! Below is a youtube video he showed that is used as a marketing piece for the region's tech industry:
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
Going Global
Why having a Global Focus is the key to success for technology companies of all sizes.
The full video of the keynote speech can be viewed here - in it you will hear a charge to think from a high level, as well as commentary on the klunkiness of the economy and troubling trends:
BREAKOUT SESSION I TECNA CEO Scrum, and Senior Staff Idea Exchange - Roundtable on critical issues & Best Practices on topics such as: events, operations improvements, fund raising efforts, website enhancements, etc. that have proved to be successful. Tino Mantella, TAG (CEO Stream), and Kathy Mahoney, OCRI (Staff Stream) facilitated. This is exactly what makes conferences especially valuable: the opportunity to talk about internal issues with peers, creating ideas and identifying best practices.
PANEL DISCUSSION & LUNCHEON Driving Sponsor and Partner Satisfaction We heard directly from those who write $1000's of dollars in cheques every year to tech councils & were reminded of the importance of developing win-win sponsor partnerships.
Facilitator: Iain Klugman, Communitech
Panel Guests (pictured, left to right): Bill Mantel, MRI; Tony Rahilly, NRC-CNRC; Renata Rusiniak, RIM; Robert Ford, Gowlings.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS II From Strategy to Delivery (CEO Stream) - Roundtable discussion on strategy development, delivery and staying focused. Facilitator: Amy Norman, Tampa Bay Technology Forum
Running the Beast (Staff Stream) - Roundtable discussion on membership, events, sponsorships.
Facilitator: Avvey Peters, Communitech
GOVERNMENT INTEREST IN INNOVATION ECOSYSTEMS Speakers: Philip Singerman, Senior VP, Baker & Daniels (left) and Bill Mantel, MRI (center)
Facilitator: Matthew Nemerson (right)
A recurring theme through the conference innovation ecosystems, especially in regional contexts.
Speaker: Matthew Nemerson, TECNA President and President & CEO, Connecticut Technology Council (right)
Ambassador Jacobson was a gracious host, meeting the attendees and welcoming us with an acknowledgement of the close economic ties between the US and Canada. Hopefully all attendees noticed the original Georgia O'Keefe painting at the bottom of the stairs - part of the Art in the Embassies program that places American art (and in this case, Canadian art too) in the foreign diplomatic residences.
TECNA DINNER Ottawa River Cruise & Dinner, hosted by Claude Haw, OCRI
The OCRI event planning staff chose this unique venue for our dinner - a station dinner aboard a sunset cruise on the Ottawa River.
DAY TWO ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS Breaking Out of The Status Quo - Reinventing the Tech Association Roundtable discussion on operating as an "enabling" organization. Facilitator: Fred Hoch, Illinois Tech
Open Forum
Roundtable discussion on the issues and dilemmas that keep you awake at night.
Facilitator: Maxine Ballen, New Jersey Tech Council
BREAKOUT SESSIONS III BUILDING YOUR ORGANIZATION a) Going Global - What does it take - Export Development/Promotion - Help our communities become exporters, Canadian and American perspective. Tapping into new financial resources.
Facilitator: Claude Haw, OCRI and Doug Robertson gave the case study of Finland.
Beyond the humor, Finland was held as a shining example for their focus on clusters and effective networking of companies, universities, universities of applied sciences and research institutions. Check out: http://www.oske.net/en/competence_clusters/
b)Revenue - Traditional and Unconventional Exploring an International Sponsorship Model Revenue generating activities beyond membership and sponsorship.
Facilitator: Cindy Pearson, OCRI
NETWORKING LUNCH
We took a little break from programming for a networking friendly lunch.
TECNA BUSINESS MEETING AND 2011 PLANS
Presenter: Matthew Nemerson
2011 conference cities & formats, fly-in, pubic policy, the new web site, membership and finance reports.
A key vote included approval from the TECNA directors to name Tino Mantella, President & CEO, Technology Association of Georgia as President Select for TECNA, he will be inaugurated at the 2011 Summer Conference in Atlanta. Save the date: August 3-5, 2011.
FINAL SESSION: CHARTER OF CHANGE Each participant shared one action item they will execute as a result of the conference. Participants also raised issues not addresses for follow-on peer discussions.
Facilitator: Matthew Nemerson
After Hours - Just for Fun After Hours, TECNA conference attendees enjoyed the city of Ottawa, hopefully all made it to Parliament Hill for Mosaika, a laser show projected against the Parliament building (see YouTube video below), the show is on every night of the summer and is a great draw to the downtown area. We were close to Byward Market and other area destinations.
Many hit the piano bar downstairs where they found camaraderie and a song or two sung by Amy Norman of Tampa Bay Technology Forum (FL) and Drew Snow from Metroplex (TX).
(in picture at right: Amy Norman - Tampa Bay Technology Forum, Jay Larsen - Idaho Tech Council, Richard Nelson - Utah Technology Council).
Good times...
I have so many great pictures from the Conference, they are on flickr or you can see them on our online community - www.technologycouncil.ning.com - have any to share? Upload them there, or on our facebook page.
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 2010 Summer Conference in Atlanta. August 3-5, 2011
For information, contact TECNA Executive Manager, Paige Rasid, prasid@ct.org
FACING THE TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY A tech policy roundtable will be held on June 16th with TECNA President Matthew Nemerson, Mark Muro, a fellow and director of policy for the Metropolitan Policy Program at Brookings, who manages the program's public policy analysis and leads key policy research projects.
For more information on the Federal FLY-IN please contact Paige Rasid at (860) 289-0878 or prasid@ct.org