The Power of the ITSMF Family: Why S1 is Non-Negotiable This Year
I’m going to be candid with you: I know the current corporate climate is heavy. Between tightening budgets, the relentless pace of work stress, and the very real shadow of burnout, I understand why some of you might be hesitating to hit that “register” button for our upcoming Symposium.
But I want to challenge that hesitation. When the world demands more of us while offering fewer resources, that is exactly when we must lean into our community.
From June 2–5, we are gathering at the Avalon Hotel in Alpharetta, Georgia, for our S1 Symposium, and I truly believe this is the most important meeting in our 30-year history. Here is why you cannot afford to miss it:
A Milestone Celebration: 30 Years of Excellence
We aren’t just meeting; we are celebrating ITSMF’s 30th Anniversary. To mark this legacy, we’ve done something unprecedented: we have combined the Symposium’s high-level learning with the Global Institute for Professional Development (GIPD) Graduation.
As our Academies have grown, so has the scale of our impact. This year, the Capstone presentations, the Hooding ceremonies, and the Commencement will be nothing short of breathtaking. Even if you’ve attended every Symposium for decades, I guarantee the energy of these emerging leaders will reignite your own passion for this industry.
The Year of the Member
Our Board Chai, Dane Bamburry has designated this as the Year of the Member. Our goal is simple but profound: to support your growth, elevation, and connectivity like never before.
We are already seeing the spark:
- Local Momentum: Huge thanks to Rob Peterkins for kicking off a successful member event in NYC this past April!
- Member Ambassadors: We are looking to recruit leaders in our largest cities to keep this momentum going, ensuring we support each other year-round, not just once a year.
What’s Waiting for You in Alpharetta
Beyond the networking, we have curated a curriculum designed to sharpen your edge in a volatile market:
- Cutting-Edge Content: We are diving deep into Cybersecurity and AI—the dual engines driving our industry today.
- The Forums You Love: Emerge, Elevate, Ignite, and the CISO Forum are back with powerhouse speakers.
- VIP Experience: Look out for our new VIP Seating, which includes exclusive access to the President’s Breakfast.
- Mind, Body, & Soul: In true ITSMF fashion, we balance the tech with the “Family Connection,” ensuring you leave feeling replenished, not just “informed.”
Refuel Your Soul
In times of burnout, the natural instinct is to retreat. But the cure for burnout isn’t just rest—it’s connection.
We need this “family time” like never before. S1 is where we check in on one another. It is where we find the fuel to finish the year strong. It is where we remember that we are not navigating these corporate challenges alone.
I cannot wait to see you at the Avalon. Let’s celebrate 30 years, honor our graduates, and invest in ourselves.
See you in GeorgiaSincerely,
Johanna JonesPresident & CEO
About Information Technology Senior Management Forum
Since 1996, Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF) has been dedicated to prepare professionals for executive roles in technology, to impact organizational innovation and growth. We do this by developing and nurturing these dynamic leaders through enrichment of the mind, body and soul. With a half-million new computer-related jobs expected by 2028, ITSMF is committed to increasing the number of qualified professionals for these positions. For more information about ITSMF, visit itsmfleaders.org.
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