My View: After a long pandemic, back where we belong
Reconnecting. That’s what is happening all around us now as the world begins to reopen. While cellphones and videos cameras have helped us keep track of ideas and one another, it just hasn’t been the same as standing face-to-face, exchanging pleasantries and—dare I say it—shaking hands. We’re social creatures and need to be together in person.
At the Arizona Technology Council, we long have been known for our live events, where networking is just as important as any featured speaker. Whether it’s a breakfast meeting or our annual Governor’s Celebration of Innovation, the Council and its members know that so much more can be gained by sharing the same space.
When we along with everyone moved exclusively to the online world at the onset of the pandemic, it just wasn’t the same. Call it loss of synergy or an overwhelming sense of isolation, those who are part of the Council are not always wired to live their lives on camera around the clock.
At last, that’s about to change.
The reason is the Council this week will host its first in-person event in well over a year. Our 2021 MedTech Conference will be held Thursday in Scottsdale and you’re invited. Appropriately enough the theme will be Leveraging Technology in a Post-pandemic Environment. After what we’ve all learned about health care in recent months, it definitely will be a session of interest to us all. To register and get other details, click on the Tech Events tab at www.aztechcouncil.org.
While you’re there, take a look at other in-person events we have in store:
- Aerospace, Aviation, Defense and Manufacturing Conference (July 15): At the ninth annual conference, you’ll get the opportunity to gain an understanding of the trends, challenges and forecasts in the aerospace manufacturing industry as industry insiders share their knowledge.
- CEO Leadership Retreat (Aug. 18-19): No matter the size of your organization, join other leaders in Prescott to share ideas on what it takes to be a great boss and other issues leaders face then cap off the two days with a golf tournament.
- Smart City + IoT Conference (Sept. 16): This is your chance to find out about the latest advances in applications of communication technology related to the development of smart cities and the Internet of Things.
- Governor’s Celebration of Innovation (Oct. 13): This will be the 18th year for the event that brings together hundreds of people to honor award winners in the industry as everyone enjoys a night of networking, dining and entertainment.
These are just some highlights. Bookmark the tab so you can check back for other events as they take shape. And don’t forget we also list events that are held in the southern part of the state. For example, the ninth annual Southern Arizona Tech + Business Expo is slated to be held in Tucson on Oct. 6, giving business leaders a look at new technologies and products as they discover innovative and emerging technology companies.
As we all return to the real normal, look for the Council to return to the variety of events and networking opportunities for which we are best known. And if you see me at one, don’t hesitate to come up and shake my hand. After all, I’ve been waiting a long time for this!
Steve Zylstra is president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council.