Scott Lewis, President, PS Partnerships
Networking with the Systems Integrators is as important as networking with Government officials. Hopefully by now you are aware that the majority of Government IT spending goes through the SI/Professional Services/Solution Provider community.
Each year, I update the list of trade associations, organizations and other firms that develop events which allow you to network with the Government System Integrators.
Some of these events and activities are open to the public, some are open only to members of the specific organization and some require paid sponsorships to attend. Of course, some events are better than others. Most have sponsorship opportunities, but check them out carefully before signing on.
Trade Associations
ACT-IAC
American Council for Technology & Industry Advisory Council
The American Council for Technology (ACT) works with all levels of government to provide education, programming, and networking opportunities designed to enhance and advance the government IT profession.
In 1989 ACT established the Industry Advisory Council (IAC) to bring industry and government executives together to exchange information, support professional development, improve communications, and build partnership and trust, thereby enhancing government's ability to serve the nation.
ACT-IAC Annual Conferences
Executive Leadership Conference, October 24-26, 2010, Colonial Williamsburg, VA
Management of Change Conference, May 23-25, 2010, Philadelphia, PA
ACT/IAC also holds a number of meetings and seminars throughout the year so be sure to check out the ACT-IAC website. Note: You must be a member to attend ACT-IAC events
AFCEA
The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association
Founded in 1946, AFCEA serves as a bridge between government requirements and industry capabilities, representing the top government, industry, and military professionals in the fields of information technology, communications, and intelligence. AFCEA focuses on the DoD community and has chapters in Maryland, DC and Virginia. Each chapter holds monthly events. AFCEA also holds a number of tradeshows and conferences throughout the US and Europe which SIs attend.
AFFIRM
Association for Federal Information Resources Management
AFFIRM events include monthly luncheons which are usually held at George Washington University in Washington, DC.
TechAmerica
AeA, ITAA, GEIA and CSIA have merged to form TechAmerica, one of the industry's leading trade associations. The merger gives the technology sector a strong voice and offers companies a broad array of programs and services. TechAmerica has a Public Sector Market Place Program/Group with a number of related events. The Public Sector Market Place Group holds breakfast and lunch programs along with one and two day market trends seminars.
Publications/Media Groups
Washington Technology
WT hosts an annual conference that focuses on issues related to the Government SIs, Professional Service providers and VARS. WT also presents "Solutions Series" breakfast during the year in which the SIs are the targeted audience. Further, WT hosts an annual golf outing in June or July in which the SI community is invited to celebrate WT's annual publication of the "Top 100 Federal Contractors."
Government Computer News
GCN holds an annual Gala in October honoring federal, state and local government for their extraordinary IT accomplishments and contributions to the performance of their agencies.
Federal Computer Week
FCW holds an annual "Federal 100" awards banquet. The recent "Federal 100" banquet was on March 22, 2010.
Goverment Executive
GE hosts a number of government awards events throughout the year.
CMP Media/Channel Web
CMP hosts an annual Government XChange event where IT manufactures are able to meet and present their offerings to the Government SI and VAR community. Note: You must be a paid sponsor to attend.
Trezza Media Group
TMG presents monthly government roundtables and radio programs with SI participation. Note: You must be a paid sponsor to attend.
Web 2.0
Meritalk
Meritalk acts as a facilitator to your conversation - the place where free speech isn't a right, it's mandatory. From workforce through policy leaders, Meritalk is mixing new faces, new voices, and fresh perspectives for active, stimulating debate and growth. Meritalk presents many events through the year on a number of different topics with sponsorship opportunities
FedScoop
FedScoop is a full service government media and marketing company, specializing in government IT news, new media advertising and custom turn-key strategic networking events. FedScoop hosts events throughout the year on a number of different topics with sponsorship opportunities.
