Banner for 2010 IT Symposium
Wednesday Concurrent Sessions
Descriptions and Speaker Information

10:00 - 11:00 AM (one hour sessions)

  1. Strategies in Building a Trusted and Secure Cloud
  2. SharePoint 2010
  3.
The Essential Business Analyst: Agent of Change
  4. Manage More Data with Less!
  5. Red Ink Rising: The Road to Fiscal Sustainability
  6. Virtualizing Desktops: Where it Makes Sense
  7. I Like Your Style: Personality Style Awareness
  8. Social Engineering - How to Detect it and STOP IT. COLD.
  9. Agile Project Management in a Waterfall World
10. Horses, Carts, Devices and Policies - Implementing Security Policies

11:30 - 12:30 (one hour sessions)

11. Measuring Your ITSM Program: Hallmarks of a Successful Program
12. Spring into the Cloud: Understanding Spring as a Cloud Application Development Platform
13. Business Architecture: A Blue Print
14. Leveraging Workflow, Document Management, and eForms to Drive HR Processes
15. New Trends in the Government Use of XML Technologies
16. Virtualizing Desktop Comparison Study
17. The Trust Edge II
18. The Annoying Co-Worker ... What Can I Do?
19. Integrating Agile and Business Analysis Practices
20. Your Data is Your Life: Practical Data Protection Steps

2:00 - 3:00 PM (one hour sessions)

3:30 - 4:30 PM (one hour sessions)

31. Case Study of How to Incorporate and Test Accessibility Requirements
32. Developing an Integrated Configurable Enterprise Web Application
33. Business Analysis Tools We Can Afford
34. Data Security in the Workplace
35. Building a Business Process Application on SharePoint Platform
36. Building Your Hybrid Cloud
37. Writing to Get Things Done
38. How to Program Emotional Intelligence into Your Daily Life
39. Project Portfolio Management: Does it Work?
40. Security Best Practices for Remote Support


Wednesday 10:00 - 11:00 AM Sessions

Special Selections
1. Strategies in Building a Trusted and Secure Cloud
Dr. Sunit K. Khanna, Technical Solutions Architect, Public Sector, Cisco, Redwood City, California

Cloud computing presents state and local governments with a transformational methodology to address challenging mission objectives. The ability to contain cost, increase agility, alleviate resource constraints, and provide a greener IT environment allows officials to focus on their core missions and ultimately provide a more innovative, transparent, and participatory government to citizens. It is critical for state CIOs and IT architects to understand cloud computing, as it is an evolving entity that develops out of a demand from the Internet community.

By attending this session, you will learn:

  1. How to fundamentally change organizational processes and cultures to derive the optimal benefits of cloud computing
  2. Best practices for extensive collaboration between government and industry to successfully adopt cloud computing
  3. The foundation of cloud services and how architects can lay the foundation for a dynamic, responsive infrastructure that also supports green IT initiatives.

Speaker Bio: Dr. Sunit Khanna is the Technical Solutions Architect of public sector sales engineering at Cisco. Considered a cloud computing expert, Khanna has been profiled in IBM THINK Magazine and Voice Power Magazine. He has also been published several times.  Khanna received his Ph.D and MS at Case Western Reserve University and his BS and MS in engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology.  Prior to working with Cisco, Sunit worked for IBM in the U.S. and was also assigned overseas to IBM Canada and Europe.

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Application Development
2. SharePoint 2010 Technical Review
Greg Moser, Director of Software Development, Computer Integration Technologies, Inc.

With the release of SharePoint 2010 in May, there are several new features of the new version of this popular Microsoft product. SharePoint 2010 allows faster adoption with the new user interface, offers improved collaboration with Office 2010 and provides continued productivity, regardless of location.

By attending this session, you will:

  1. Learn why driving cost efficiencies and accomplishing more is made possible with the business productivity solutions in SharePoint 2010.
  2. See a live demo of SharePoint 2010
  3. Learn about new Office Ribbon UI, page editing, site management and other new features.

Speaker Bio: Greg Moser is CIT’s Director of Software Development. His strengths include attention to detail and strong communication skills. These skills help promote continued relationships with customers and his staff of application and web developers. Greg has a strong understanding of business needs and has a proven ability to research, recommend, communicate and deliver solutions that truly offer results that have a positive impact.

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Business Analysis
3. The Essential Business Analyst: Agent of Change
Linda Finley, Director, Public Sector Trissential, LLC

Of the many critical functions a Business Analyst performs to ensure successful delivery of projects, perhaps the most overlooked and under-planned role they play is that of change agent. From the very first requirements interview, the BA begins socializing the changes the project will bring, and through the requirements methodology, he or she drives the picture of the "new normal" that will exist following deployment.

By attending this session, you will:

  1. Learn why the Business Analyst plays a critical role in clearly seeing the current state, the desired state, and assessing the change gap in between
  2. Understand how to leverage the core Business Analysis processes of enterprise analysis, requirements elicitation, facilitation and representation
  3. Discover the Business Analyst’s power within the organization to effect change

Speaker Bio:  Linda Finley is the Trissential Strategy and Architecture Director and lead for the State of Minnesota. She has served as Executive Director of the Office of Technology for the State, and has had extensive experience with both public and private sectors. Linda is an expert on business analysis, business architecture and governance, and has given many seminars and presentations on these topics.

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Data and Document Management
4. Manage More Data with Less!!
Joel Kaiser, Storage Architect, TSG
Jeff Anderson, Engineer, STORServer

Increased scrutiny on government spending requires IT departments to leverage existing technology to maximize ROI and to invest wisely in new technologies. Government agencies also need to utilize new technologies to maximize their budget limitations and increase their administrative productivity. 

TSG is presenting two technologies that will to help you accomplish these goals. 
Joel Kaiser, Storage Architect, will overview IBM's revolutionary new storage product, XIV. XIV provides tierless storage virtualization, with enterprise performance and availability, at tier 2 cost. Learn how easy this new product is to use and manage, and take your storage infrastructure to the next level. Low TCO, non-disruptive scalability, all inclusive software and much more make this product a must on your short list. 

Jeff Anderson, Engineer, will overview STORserver Back-up Appliances. Back-up Appliances are comprehensive solutions for data backup providing a suite of easy-to-use, fully integrated data protection solutions for data backup, archive data, and disaster recovery. STORServer Back-up Appliance is a scalable product and includes features like disk-to-disk back-up, built in data deduplication, automated off-site recovery and much more. 

Speaker Bio(s)
Joel Kaiser has over 24 years experience at IBM Corporation providing pre-sales and sales advice and support for IBM Servers and Storage products. Joel has 7+ years at TSG.

Jeff Anderson has over 15 years of experience helping customers manage their data and information resulting in increased level of data protection, providing quality services, and business growth. 

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Emerging Technologies and Trends
5. Red Ink Rising – The Road to Fiscal Sustainability
Steve Dahl, Director, Deloitte Consulting LLP

In the wake of a global recession, cities, states, and nations around the world are bracing to deal with a rising wave of red ink. As debt grows, governments are at risk of tumbling into The Gap which represents the imbalance between revenue and expenditures and governments’ struggle to improve performance and catch up to a new economy. But the road to fiscal balance will not be an easy path to tread – there is no definite solution, quick fix, or step-by-step guide. The journey will entail a concurrent navigation of three distinct phases: conceptual, political blueprint, and transformation.

In this session, you will learn:

  1. Challenges posed by the current economic landscape
  2. A framework to address these issues
  3. Innovative strategies from around the world

Speaker Bio: Steve Dahl is the Lead Client Service Partner for the State of Minnesota and the Midwest Region Consulting leader for the Public Sector Practice.  He has been with Deloitte for over 20 years and is a leader in helping governments transform and improve efficiency and effectiveness. 

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I
nfrastructure
6. Virtualizing Desktops: Where it Makes Sense
Jeff Whitman, Senior Systems Engineer, VMware

Desktop virtualization is all the rage! Why? Mostly because customers simply don't want to replace every single PC when they move to Windows 7! The second reason is that virtualization and its features have worked so well with servers in the data center, the IT department is being asked to simplify desktop management, too. Join us for an interactive presentation on the value of implementing virtual desktops.

By attending this session, you will learn:

  1. Reasons for virtualizing desktops, from the Windows 7 push all the way to the cost implications of centralizing desktops.
  2. The advantages of managing virtualized desktops vs. physical desktops.
  3. Where is the industry at right now, and where it’s going.

Speaker Bio: Jeff Whitman is a Senior Systems Engineer with VMware, addressing the pre-sales needs of the State of MN and other large Commercial Accounts in the State of MN. Jeff has extensive desktop experience, as well, having previously been a Citrix Administrator, and also having worked for Wyse Technology.

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Leadership and Management
7. I LIKE YOUR STYLE: Personality Style Awareness
Pat Johns, President/CEO, PFJ Communications, Dallas, Texas

This is a look at Personality Style Analysis in a way that is useful and will bring greater efficiencies to the workplace. The key word is VERSATILITY, described as being what the other person needs us to be to more efficiently achieve our goals together and it is a choice! Simple terms: Expressive, Driver, Analytical and Amiable describe us best!

By attending this session, you will learn:

  1. The basics of personality style and how harnessing a working awareness of it will literally change everything!
  2. Why the key word is versatility, which is described as “being what the other person needs us to be in order to more efficiently accomplish our goals"
  3. How to read the other person and improve your team’s morale & efficiency.

Speaker Bio: As an expert motivator, Pat John’s a business leader, author, photographer, keynote presenter, corporate trainer, leadership expert, contributing editor for Best Practices Magazine & Member of the Society for Neuroscience. His photos & articles are published internationally in an array of magazines, including: Runner’s World, Ultra Running, Health & Fitness, and Life & Style. He also is the only one to run the Himalayan 100 four times!

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Personal and Professional Development
8. Social Engineering - How to Detect it and STOP. IT. COLD.
Joel R. Helgeson, Senior Security Fellow, SECURE ITnet

Let’s forget technology for a moment and talk about the fundamental issue of social engineering. It is an attempt to defraud a person or group by gaining their confidence. The core concepts have not changed - but technology has given the criminal an unfair advantage. Once you know the tricks, I guarantee you'll never, ever be a victim again, I promise.*

By attending this session, you will learn about:

  1. *Unsolicited promises and guarantees - sure signs of a scam
  2. Detecting manipulation, key phrases and watch words
  3. The psychology behind the con - how smart people become victims

Speaker Bio: Joel Helgeson is one of the highest-rated speakers at recent Government IT Symposiums and is widely recognized as an expert in the Information Technology field. He is a professional security auditor, security consultant, researcher, a published author, professional trainer, motivational speaker and comedian.

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Project and Portfolio Management
9. Agile Project Management in a Waterfall World
Ryan Swiderski, Senior Consultant, Wipfli LLP
Paul Kjer, Manager, Wipfli LLP

Many organizations approach IT projects in the traditional way, using the waterfall methodology with a “Big Design” followed by a build-out, testing, and deployment. While this approach does have its advantages, project managers and IT leaders should be aware of agile approaches to help reduce project risks and focus on delivering the key objectives of any IT project.

By attending this session, you will:

  1. Discover how Agile project management with Scrum differentiates itself from the waterfall methodology.
  2. Learn what types of IT projects should be implemented using an Agile approach and which ones should not.
  3. Determine if your organization would benefit by piloting a project with Scrum.

Speaker Bio(s):
Ryan Swiderski is a project manager for Wipfli, LLP. He has successfully managed many projects for his clients over the past 5 years. Prior to Wipfli, Ryan was a Senior Consultant for Deloitte & Touche out of Minneapolis. His breadth of project management experience extends from Fortune 100 companies to small to midsize firms across all industries. He is experienced in delivering both agile and waterfall projects.

Paul Kjer has worked in the IT industry for over 25 year and has played every role from developer to CIO. He has made many presentations to local and national user groups and has written several articles published in popular trade journals.

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Security and Disaster Recovery
10. Horses, Carts, Devices, and Policies: How to Avoid “Stepping in It” When Implementing Security Policies
Robert Edinger, MSIA, CISSP, Audit & Security Manager, Milestone Systems, Inc.

Whether it’s a firewall, VPN, application delivery device, DLP, proxy server, or any other network security hardware, the policies you implement through the device will cause rippling effects throughout the enterprise. But when policies have the proper foundation, implementation can be accomplished with positive effect and without a mess.

Speaker Bio: Rob Edinger is veteran information security professional with over 18 years in consulting and leadership roles for private, public, government, and corporate organizations of all sizes and verticals. He earned CISSP designation in 1998. Rob holds a B.A.-Business Management from Bethel University and an M.S.-Information Assurance from Norwich University. At Milestone, Rob is responsible for the security consulting and audit services practice, project management, security thought leadership, and sales support.

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Wednesday 11:30 - 12:30 PM Sessions

Special Selections
11. Measuring Your IT Service Management Program – Hallmarks of a Successful Program
Michael Orth, Director, ITIL Practice, Column Technologies

Many organizations embark on a transformational journey without clearly defining how they will know what “it” looks like when they arrive at their destination. In fact, many times the destination is quite vaguely defined. IT Service Management (ITSM) Programs clearly provide transformational benefits for an organization. An ITSM program has many elements that when artfully integrated will fully capitalize on the immediate and long-term benefits inherent in the ITSM journey.    

This interactive presentation will discuss:

  • What are the possible destinations?
  • Which destination is right for my organization?
  • How do I define what it will look like when I get there?
  • What mechanisms will help me to determine progress?
  • How can I plan for the eventual “detours”

Speaker Bio: Mike Orth has more than 20 years of professional experience in process development, organizational change management, and large program management In the last 15 years, Mike has focused on helping organizations transform themselves using common frameworks combined with unique organizational change methods. Mike is a recognized process, methodology and organizational change expert who has been instrumental in helping many organizations transform themselves at a sustainable pace.

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Application Development
12. Spring into the Cloud: Understanding Spring as a Cloud Application Development Platform
David Anderson, Senior Systems Engineer, VMware

This session will provide a brief technical overview of Spring, the most popular enterprise Java development framework, and then will focus on the best practices for Spring-based on cloud application development. Using Spring’s dependency injection and configuration controls, Spring-based applications can become portable from the developer desktop to the enterprise datacenter and into the cloud.

By attending this session, you will:

  1. Receive a technical overview of Spring, the most popular enterprise Java development framework
  2. Gain an understanding of the best practices for Spring-based on cloud application development
  3. Learn why Spring-based applications can become portable from the developer desktop to the enterprise datacenter and into the cloud.

Speaker Bio: David Anderson has been implementing and deploying large scale enterprise java applications since the late 90's.  In his current capacity he is an evangelist into organizations around the Spring Frameworks and how best to maximize developer productivity and deployment efficiency.

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Business Analysis
13. Business Architecture: A Blueprint for Aligning Business and IT
Dean Larson, Independent Consultant, Enterprise Analysis Consulting

To deal with rapid growth and increased complexity, institutions are turning to Business Architecture as a technique and discipline for helping them manage the organization. A Business Architecture provides leaders with a blueprint view of an entity’s strategy, capabilities, processes, knowledge and organization. With this blueprint view, the deployment of IT assets and projects can be done efficiently and strategically.

By attending this session, you will learn:

  1. Best practices for developing a business architecture based on the size and complexity of the organization
  2. Enterprise business analysis: what it is and why it is the critical skill needed for defining and leveraging a Business Architecture
  3. How business architecture can be used to ensure alignment of IT projects to the strategic goals of the organization

Speaker Bio: Bio coming

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Data and Document Management
14. Leveraging Workflow, Document Management, and E-Forms to Drive HR Processes
Tyson Smith, Senior Solutions Specialist, eDocument Resources

A component of every government agency, human resources is the foundation of a productive workplace. Agencies must become efficient managing HR functions to attract and maintain good talent. EDMS solutions increase productivity and reduce costs by automating critical processes such as recruitment, selection, performance evaluations, compensation plans, and time-off requests.

Speaker Bio: Tyson Smith has 10 years of experience specializing in document management and automated workflow processes.

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Emerging Technologies and Trends
15. New Trends in the Government Use of XML Technologies
Devan Shepherd, CEO/CTO, Author/Trainer, XMaLpha Technologies

Whether championing a new era of electronic government publishing and content management, designing sophisticated rich database applications, or delving into interoperable data exchange, XML offers an opportunity to create industrial-strength, self-describing, data-driven solutions. This seminar will focus on what has changed recently in the world of XML, and what we might expect in the near future.

By attending this session, you will:

  1. Learn how government agencies are deploying XML Web Services to increase efficiencies, while cutting costs.
  2. Discover how he world of XML rich markup and editing is changing, and what impacts this might have on your next XML project.
  3. See how XForms, XPath, and the Semantic Web may shape your future application development choices.

Speaker Bio: Devan Shepherd is the author of Teach Yourself XML in 21 Days, 2/e, ISBN: 0-672-32093-2. He has more than 30 years of progressive experience in the IT industry as a developer, executive, solutions provider, public speaker, business analyst, and instructor, with a focus on consulting to government. In his spare time, he is a commercial pilot and the Chief Flight Instructor at Exclusive Aviation in Saint Paul.

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Infrastructure
16. Virtual Desktop Comparison Study
Richard Platt, Sr. IT Architect, Sage Technology Group 

In this session we will do a comparative study of the 3 main virtual desktop initiatives; VMware, Microsoft and Citrix. We will also cover the best practices for moving towards a virtual desktop infrastructure and at a high-level what to expect. You will leave with a better understanding of what virtual desktop is and can do for your organization; you will also have an understanding of what it will take.

By attending this session, you will learn:

  1. Comparative study of VMware, Microsoft and Citrix
  2. How a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure will benefit your organization.
  3. Best practices for moving towards a virtual desktop infrastructure.

Speaker Bio: Rich Platt is a national and regional speaker on Unified Communications and Virtualization topics; his most recent engagements included the MnSCU Conference 2010 and HP Tech Forum 2010. He has over 25 years of experience in the industry and is based locally in the twin cities. He holds certifications in Microsoft, VMware, HP and others.

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Leadership and Management
17. The Trust Edge II
Dave Horsager, Award-winning Speaker/Author/Educator, Horsager Leadership Studio

Do you want to be more effective and efficient? In his keynote, The Trust Edge, Dave shares 4 of his 8 Pillars on how to gain The Trust Edge. In this session, Dave will explain the remaining four pillars to help you earn the competitive advantage. Here he will also explain great tips for getting more done in less time with fewer resources.

By attending this session, you’ll learn:

  • Dave’s 4 other pillars of the most successful leaders and organizations.
  • The “why” and “how” behind the most foundational key to real success.
  • How to boost daily productivity by using DMA’s (Difference Making Actions)
  • The single trait of the happiest people of all time.
  • How to get the best stuff done every day.
  • How to stay fresh, relevant, and capable.

Speaker Bio: Dave Horsager is an award-winning speaker, author, educator, and entrepreneur. Through his programs and book, The Trust Edge: What Top Leaders Have and Eight Pillars to Build It, he shares the secrets of using trust to impact individuals and organizations.

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Personal and Professional Development
18. The Annoying Co-Worker … What Can I Do?
Jon Buck, IT Educator/Trainer, Benchmark Learning

When co-workers don’t see eye to eye in the workplace, it decreases productivity. Dealing with annoying co-workers can be a daily challenge. In this session you will discover strategies to overcome dealing with the annoying co-worker at the lowest level possible. This delivery is a discussion session featuring a "back and forth" with the audience.

By attending this session, you will learn:

  1. How to work with people who are counterproductive
  2. How to develop a strategy so that personal feelings don't interfere with work objectives
  3. How to handle the situation at the lowest level without involving management

Speaker Bio: Jon Buck is an Instructor at Benchmark Learning with experience training officers in the Air Force and managers at U.S. Bank. His education philosophy is centered on using multiple learning styles to make material familiar and relevant to each student. Jon uses his background to deliver effective training in management, hr, communication, time management, customer service, team building and employee development.

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Project and Portfolio Management
19. Integrating Agile and Business Analysis Practices
Steven Pine, Senior Consultant, Public Sector Trissential
Linda Finley, Director, Public Sector Trissential

This session will focus on addressing two questions about Agile methodology: How to decide how many and what Agile practices to adopt; and how to use Agile with your existing business analysis processes.

By attending this session, you will learn:

  1. The definition and differences between Agile management practices and agile organizational behavior...which is right when, and how they work.
  2. The relationship between Agile practices and business analysis practices.
  3. How to integrate Agile practices into your organization, especially with respect to business analysis and capturing requirements

Speaker Bio(s):
Dr. Pine is a certified Scrum Master with over 25 years of experience in developing and managing projects. His experience includes managing a systems software research department, serving as Director of Engineering, and Director of the Office of Technology and Architecture for a Fortune 100 corporation. Steve has worked on Agile projects at the State and is currently an Agile coach at the Pollution Control Agency.

Linda Finley is the Trissential Strategy and Architecture Director and lead for the State of Minnesota. She has served as Executive Director of the Office of Technology for the State, and has had extensive experience with both public and private sectors. Linda is an expert on business analysis, business architecture and governance, and has given many seminars and presentations on these topics.

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Security and Disaster Recovery
20. Your Data Is Your Life: Practical Data Protection Steps
Simon Hunt, Vice President and CTO, McAfee Data Protection, McAfee, Inc., Naples, Florida

With the ever changing regulatory landscape, increase of novel threats, and the continuing trend to mobilize data, it becomes increasingly important to consider how to protect that information from loss or disclosure, and how to protect organizations from the onerous task of publicly disclosing a breach. Mr. Hunt will cover the "5 Practical Steps" to data protection nirvana.

By attending this session, you will learn:

  1. Information on the current global regulatory climate, and an overview of significant laws
  2. How to determine "low hanging fruit" data protection projects, getting the biggest return on investment
  3. 5 practical steps to take to make a significant reduction in the risk of a data breach.

Speaker Bio: Simon Hunt is the Chief Technology Officer for the Data Protection Business Unit of McAfee Inc. For more than 12 years Mr. Hunt has served as an innovator and recognized specialist in the security industry - with special focus on data encryption. Mr. Hunt has a background in IT consultancy and training, with 14 years involvement in product management and consultancy, and 3 years with a Fortune500 company.

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Wednesday 2:00 - 3:00 PM Sessions

Accessibility
21. Implementing Accessible Technology at the State of Minnesota
Rena Rogers, Project Management Specialist, MN Office of Enterprise Technology

For the past year and a half the Technology Accessibility Standards Implementation project has been underway. Accessibility standards have been adopted into the State architecture and cross-agency workgroups led by OET and Dept of Administration staff have been working on tools and training needed for implementation. This session will provide and update on what has been accomplished and what's to come.

By attending this session, you will gain an:

  1. Overview of accessibility statute and implementation project
  2. Understanding of accessibility versus accommodation
  3. Understanding of the standards and what is being done to assure a successful implementation

Speaker Bio: Rena Rogers has been at the Office of Enterprise Technology for 12 years, working in both Training and Development and Project Management. Her current assignment is Project Manager for the Technology Accessibility Standards and Implementation Project. Rena is a certified PMP and holds advanced degrees in both computer science and education.

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Application Development
22. A Brief Introduction to Cryptography for Application Developers
Jason Dean, Web Application Developer, Public Speaker/Trainer, Dakota County Technical College

In this presentation we will look at the basics of cryptography. We will discuss how encryption and decryption work and some of the basic principles of cryptography. We will cover the basics of symmetric and asymmetric cryptography, keys and key management, cryptographic modes of operation, and the uses of cryptography. We'll finish with some short practical examples of using cryptography in web application development.

By attending this session, you will:

  1. Understand the basics of cryptography. The VERY basics. And look at some fun and simple cryptography examples.
  2. Learn why cryptography has become so advanced and see some practical examples of how cryptography can be used in web applications
  3. Learn about key management policies and procedures

Speaker Bio: Jason has been a web application developer for four years, focusing on application security. A veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard trained in both physical and information security, he held a secret security clearance and has a Bachelor of Science degree in IT Management. He keeps busy managing a programming user group, speaking at conferences and user groups, training, and blogging @ http://12robots.com

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Business Analysis
23. User Stories in an Agile World
Teresa Tweeton, Sr. Consultant, Hollstadt & Associates, Inc.

Business Analysis is one of the hottest areas of growth in Information Technology. Traditional requirements gathering techniques are very viable, but Agile techniques are becoming more common. When do you consider using traditional requirements, use cases or user stories? What are the key elements of a good user story? Stories of what works and what doesn't work are included from a BA practitioner's perspective.

By attending this session, you will learn:

  1. How Agile user stories compare to traditional requirements.
  2. When would you use user stories? Whatever happened to use cases?
  3. Key elements of a user story including what to do and what not to do when writing user stories.

Target Audience: Business Analysts, Project Managers, Project Leads, CIOs, Software Developers, Architects, Application Development Management

Speaker Bio: Teresa Tweeton, PMP, senior consultant with Hollstadt & Associates, has 16 years of experience in projects in agriculture, manufacturing, public sector and financial services. Coach, mentor, trainer, business analyst, project lead and project manager are project roles she has engaged. She has a B.S. from North Dakota State University, an M.S. of Software Engineering from the University of St. Thomas.

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Data and Document Management
24. Master Data Management: Understanding the Strategic and Technical Value
Zach Burnett, InfoSphere Specialist, IBM

Master data has taken on an increasing role in enterprise initiatives. Learn how master data forms the foundational glue that alleviates data redundancy, data inconsistency, business inefficiency and poor data governance. Through government specific case studies, learn how master data architecture can provide strategic and technical benefits.

Speaker Bio: Zach Burnett is an IBM public sector specialist with a deep understanding of government infrastructure and technology acquired during his time working within state government.

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Emerging Technologies and Trends
25. Securing the Cloud for Government Use
Greg Moselle, Cloud Architect, enStratus

Cloud computing has only begun to impact the public sector. This presentation will highlight the economic, architectural, and strategic value propositions of cloud computing. Additionally, core security concepts will be addressed with specific attention to meeting audit requirements.

By attending this session, you will learn about:

  1. The emergence of cloud computing in the government sector. Working in the cloud to meet PCI/FISMA/SOX audit requirements.
  2. The infrastructure/platform/software-as-a-service concepts, trends, and strategies. Managing users and limiting costs in the cloud.
  3. Securing the cloud. Architecting independence, reliability, disaster recovery, and security in the cloud.

Speaker Bio: Greg Moselle is a Senior Cloud Architect at enStratus. Greg is a former Naval Officer who, prior to coming to enStratus, worked for 10 years as a Project Manager for information technology projects and nuclear submarine maintenance in the Department of Defense. He holds a security clearance and an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA.

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Infrastructure
26. Maturing IT - Leveraging and Integrating TOGAF, ITIL, Project Management and TQM
Dave Pickens, Principal Consultant/Author, Oracle Corp, Indianapolis, Indiana

Many organizations have initiatives to implement ITIL or an architecture framework of some kind. However, few of these initiatives are labeled successful. Much like a chair requires at least 3 legs, there are often things missing or overlooked when implementing things of these natures. Come learn how to increase the chances of success when implementing ITIL or architecture frameworks within your organization.

By attending this session, you will:

  1. Gain a basic understanding of ITIL, TOGAF, Project Management and TQM and the history behind them.
  2. Learn what ITIL, TOGAF, PM and TQM bring to IT individually and understand how they fit together to provide even more benefit.
  3. Discover some of the pitfalls and best practices when implementing ITIL, TOGAF, PM or TQM.

Speaker Bio: Dave Pickens has over 20 years of Information Technology experience. He began his career with Deloitte & Touche, as a Sr. Consultant, and is currently at Oracle Corp as a Principal Consultant working with government customers focusing on Enterprise Architecture. Dave holds an MS in Information and Communication Sciences, is TOGAF certified and a published author.

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Leadership and Management
27. Emotional Intelligence for Leaders: Filmmaker and Spy Trainer Reveals Simple Secrets to Read People, Inspire Followers, and Communicate Under Any Pressure
Dean Hyers, Director, SagePresence

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is not as complicated as managers and leaders fear. They know they’re supposed to have it, but how do they harness the power of that buzz-word? Dean Hyers, film director, speaker, and undercover-agent trainer specializes in leveraging EI to read between the lines, communicate with more influence, handle any pressure, and ensure that no unintended messages go out through body-language.

By attending this session, you will learn:

  1. The ability to read others through a balance of spoken word and body-language.
  2. The ability to communicate more powerfully and effectively, without accidentally sending unintended messages through body-language.
  3. An actionable understanding of what Emotional Intelligence really is and how to work leverage it to the win-win leadership advantage.

Speaker Bio: Dean directed a Warner Bros. movie and taught acting to undercover agents. He co-founded SagePresence in 2001, and has directed professionals beyond their fears with techniques from the movie set & spy school, helping teams win million dollar business pitches, leaders gain confidence, and professionals present powerfully. Dean was CEO of Digital Café, an interactive media company acquired by Campbell Mithun Advertising.

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Personal and Professional Development
28. Staying Sane from 9 to 5: Conquering Workplace Frustration
Greta Grosch, Professional Trainer/Performer/Writer

Stress: "The confusion created when our mind overrides our body's urge to choke the living daylights out of some jerk who desperately deserves it." Dealing with PEOPLE is one of life’s greatest stress factors. Using improvisation and audience involvement, our team of actor/trainers takes a lighthearted look at the frustrations you face daily in your office environment and share some techniques for coping.

By attending this session, you will learn:

  1. Communication – How to say, and get, what YOU want.
  2. Leadership – How to get others to DO what you want.
  3. Conflict Resolution – How to figure out what you BOTH want.

Speaker Bio: A performer, trainer and writer, Greta has a wealth of experience in both commercial and business theatre and has created educational and entertaining programming for organizations across the country. She appears regularly on stage and in television and radio commercials, is a writer, and is in high demand for her ability to creatively engage an audience as a speaker and facilitator.

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Project and Portfolio Management
29. Practical Portfolio Management
Alfred Essa, Assoc. Vice Chancellor, Deputy CIO, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities

Effective prioritization of IT projects is key to optimizing IT investments: it can mean the difference between improved business performance or wasted resources. Using the IT portfolio framework developed at MIT CISR (Center for Information Systems Research), the presentation will present practical techniques and tools for jump starting or revitalizing your IT portfolio management initiative.

By attending this session, you will:

  1. Learn practical techniques for classifying and tracking IT investment classes
  2. Acquire a common vocabulary and framework for prioritization based on financial portfolio management
  3. Gain familiarity with cost-effective tools and templates that won’t bust your budget

Speaker Bio: Alfred Essa is Associate Vice Chancellor at Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. His portfolio includes enterprise infrastructure services, identity management, and technology planning. Previously he served as CIO at MIT's Sloan School of Management, having received an MIT Excellence Award in 2005 and MIT Sloan Appreciation Awards in 2002 and 2005. Alfred is a graduate of Haverford College and Yale University.

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Security and Disaster Recovery
30. The Nuts & Bolts of Computer Forensics
Chris Andrews, CFCE, EnCE, Computer Forensics Specialist, Kroll Ontrack

Computers continue to play an increasingly pervasive role in modern society, impacting criminal and civil cases across the country. For instance, are you looking for the smoking gun hidden among the computer’s bits and bytes? Do you have a case or investigation that will require collecting electronic evidence? These concerns and more highlight the complex technicalities behind using information associated with computers.

By attending this session, you will:

  1. Explore an overview of the computer forensics process as it exists in litigation and investigations today
  2. Learn important computer forensics considerations regarding such things as proper data collection methods
  3. Discuss intricacies involved with computer forensics like deleted data, revealing computer use activity and the difference between system and metadata

Speaker Bio: Christopher Andrews is a computer forensics specialist for Kroll Ontrack. Mr. Andrews conducts forensic analysis, acquires and preserves computer media and performs data recovery on electronic media. In addition, he conducts investigations involving the analysis of electronic media for litigation. Prior to joining Kroll Ontrack, he worked as a Special Agent with Northern California Computer Crimes Task Force.

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Wednesday 3:30 - 4:30 PM Sessions

Accessibility
31. How to Incorporate and Test Accessibility Requirements
Mindy DuVernet, Systems Analyst, MN Office of Enterprise Technology

This session is beneficial because it provides information and lessons on how the business analysts, the developers, and the sponsor can work together to create and test for accessibility.

By attending this session, you will learn:

  1. Examples of use cases for implementing and testing accessibility standards
  2. The approach and processes used to incorporate and test accessibility standards
  3. The challenges/difficulties experienced

Speaker Bio: Mindy Duvernet, a Senior Business Analyst at OET, has ten years of experience in business analysis and technical leadership for B2B and B2C Fortune 500 companies. Her current work focuses on Software Development Life Cycle projects and creating a Business Systems Analyst Center of Excellence with OET’s Project Management Office.

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Application Development
32. Developing an Integrated Configurable Enterprise Web Application
Darren Jablonsky, Planning, Research, and GIS Manager, St. Louis County
Clarence Manz, MIS Unit Supervisor, St. Louis County
Doug Pirila, MIS Unit Supervisor, St. Louis County

The County’s Land Information Portal is an integrated one-stop shop enterprise information window that brings together land record data, public safety information, GIS, and legacy systems through a configurable, secured, and flexible enterprise engine that authenticates users through an active directory and allows staff to quickly create new searches, connect data, and integrate GIS. Built on Microsoft/ESRI technology.

By attending this session, you will learn:

  1. How to integrate enterprise applications, databases, and Geographic Information System (GIS) through a portal interface, and challenges.
  2. How St. Louis County integrated its Active Directory (AD) and security to view applications, searches, and data in the portal.
  3. How to create a configurable enterprise application where new searches and data connections can be accomplished in minutes rather than weeks.

Speaker Bios: Darren is the Planning, Research, and GIS Manager for St. Louis County Planning & Development Department and oversees the county enterprise GIS planning, integration, utilization, and implementation of its enterprise GIS program in conjunction with departments. He is tasked with helping facilitate and coordinate the development of the county portal. Experience and education includes master and community planning, and GIS.

Clarence Manz is an MIS Unit Supervisor for St. Louis County Management Information Systems Department and oversees the coordination of IT services to all county Land Records Departments. He has over 21 years experience working with application design and development for Land Records and has worked with the GIS and tabular data integration initiatives within St. Louis County for approximately the last 8 years.

Doug Pirila is an MIS Unit Supervisor for St. Louis County Management Information Systems Department and oversees the coordination of IT services to all county Internet and Enterprise Projects. He has over 25 years experience working with application design, database administration, systems analysis, data security, website and portal development.  Doug oversees the planning, systems design, programming, and implementation of enterprise systems and internet and intranet initiatives for St. Louis County. 

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Business Analysis
33. Business Analysis Tools that We Can All Afford, and a Few We Can't Afford to Be Without
Devan Shepherd, CEO/CTO, Author/Trainer, XMaLpha Technologies

As most government agencies begin to embrace the underlying principles of business analysis, the question often arises about which software products are essential for the well-equipped analyst. This is a topic that can sometimes generate discussion, heart-felt opinion, and even passionate debate, but the unbiased focus here will be primarily on tools that get the job done without breaking the bank in the process.

By attending this session, you will:

  1. Discover a few low-cost alternatives, suggestions and tips based on lessons learned from real word projects.
  2. Learn how to repurpose existing tools to perform critical business analysis tasks, and see how to build a free project wiki in five minutes.
  3. Learn how to assess the quality of requirements, written in natural language, for free, thanks to NASA.

Speaker Bio: Devan Shepherd is the author of Teach Yourself XML in 21 Days, 2/e, ISBN: 0-672-32093-2. He has more than 30 years of progressive experience in the IT industry as a developer, executive, solutions provider, public speaker, business analyst, and instructor, with a focus on consulting to government. In his spare time, he is a commercial pilot and the Chief Flight Instructor at Exclusive Aviation in Saint Paul.

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Data and Document Management
34. Data Security in the Workplace
Rich Comber, SE Specialist, Check Point Software

This session will focus on security policy development as it relates to managing data, both at rest and in motion. It will also discuss employee education and involvement with data security and suggestions on data classifications and data life cycle. Specific topics addressed include: definition, in the news, check list, security policy and planning, data lifecycle, and end user awareness.

Speaker Bio:
Rich Comber is a Regional SE Specialist and has been with Check Point Software Technologies the last 11 years. He has over 25 years of experience in the Information Technology field with the last 16 years focused specifically on Information Security. His primary focus is on emerging technologies such as Data Loss Prevention, Identity Management and Application Awareness (through the firewall).

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Emerging Technologies and Trends
35. Building a Full-Featured Business Process Application on the SharePoint Platform
Vaughn Mulcrone, Sharepoint Solution Architect, Next Chapter Technology, Inc.
Marilyn McCarter,  CIO, Scott County

With budgets shrinking and workloads increasing, Scott County Human Services turned to technology to help bridge the gap. The ScottWorks case management solution integrates data from the State DHS system of record (MAXIS) with digital case files, document imaging, auto-filled forms, and client scheduling. Learn about this successful build-over-buy strategy which leveraged Scott County's investment in SharePoint.

By attending this session, you will learn:

  1. The features and functionality of ScottWorks
  2. Details about the collaboration and cost-saving cooperative relationship between IT and Human Services
  3. How SharePoint was leveraged for application development

Speaker Bio(s):
Vaughn Mulcrone has been designing browser-based collaborative solutions for over 14 years. 6 of these years were with Lawson Software, designing and developing both product and internal solutions. In 2004 he left Lawson Software to form his own company. Vaughn switched from the Lotus Notes/Domino development platform to SharePoint with the release of SharePoint 2007. He's worked on ScottWorks since July of 2008.

Marilyn McCarter is the Chief Information Officer for Scott County, MN, a position she has held since 2002. Prior to the County, Marilyn’s career spanned 25 years in both service and manufacturing industries.  Experiences include marketing and product development, account management, organizational performance turnarounds, systems development, and implementation of corporate mergers and acquisitions.  Marilyn has a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and an MBA in Finance from the University of Minnesota.

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Infrastructure
36. Building Your Hybrid Cloud
Patrick Gibson, Vice President/Cloud Specialist, Sovran Inc.

Cloud computing is technology that everyone has heard about, but not many people known what it is or how to utilize it in their infrastructure. In this session we will cover the different methods an organization can implement to take advantage of this new technology and some of the cost savings that can go along with it.

By attending this session, you will learn:

  1. The different methodologies needed to build the appropriate cloud.
  2. It’s computing that utilizes on-demand resources
  3. It’s end user managed virtual infrastructure

Speaker Bio: Patrick’s initial technology experience started in the telecommunication design and the financial services industry. He has over 10 years of information technology consulting experience, including: hardware, virtualization, SharePoint, and Microsoft server systems. His added business analysis consulting has been essential for all successful deployments to ensure the applications deployed fit the business need.

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Leadership and Management
37. Writing to Get Things Done
Stu Tanquist, Senior Consultant, Berry Writing Group, Inc.

Learn to use writing as a powerful tool for getting things done. Productivity soars when people clearly communicate what needs to get done and when. In this lively productivity-booster, you’ll learn how to present your thoughts clearly and concisely in all business communications. This is not a remedial writing program for “problem writers.” This session is for everyone who uses Writing to Get Things Done (WGTD).

By attending this session, you will learn to:

  1. Solve problems, meet deadlines, and keep projects on target by writing emails, letters, and reports that get things done.
  2. Clarify thoughts before writing, keep a business perspective, and use our inverted-pyramid principle of organization.
  3. Impel others to take action by thinking and writing from the reader’s perspective.

Speaker Bio: Stu has trained thousands of employees. His expertise ranges from working as a professional trainer to serving as a strategic-level director for training and development in county government, with responsibility for the learning needs of 4,000 employees. In the year 2000, he realized his life-long dream of becoming self-employed and absolutely loves what he does. Stu holds three degrees including a Masters in Management.

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Personal and Professional Development
38. How to Program Emotional Intelligence into Your Daily Life
Catherine M. Perme, President, C. M. Perme & Associates, LLC

A lot of us "Techie" types can be so focused on analysis and results that sometimes we can put others off without even trying! How can we adapt our daily routine to avoid some of these unintentional consequences? By creating an "interpersonal subroutine" that clicks in when we need it. In this session you will learn how to identify and create subroutine like this for yourself and even have a chance to draft one.

By attending this session, you will learn:

  1. What an "interpersonal subroutine" is and why it’s important for some of us "techie" types
  2. How to pinpoint where you need one
  3. How to create an effective interpersonal subroutine?

Speaker Bio: As someone who has never answered a "Feeling" question on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and is known for her "intensity," Cathy brings practical knowledge, experience and humor to the table on this matter! She started creating "interpersonal subroutines" for herself over 20 years ago at the start of her business, and swears by them. You can check her out further at www.cmperme.com

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Project and Portfolio Management
39. Project Portfolio Management - Does it Work?
Joan deMeurisse, Portfolio Management Coordinator, MN Pollution Control Agency

As demand for IT-centric tools and functions rises and resources are diminished, the ability to choose the right IT project is ever more important. The days of the squeaky wheel getting the scarce resources are waning. This session will take you on a journey of how one state agency shifted its project selection process from one that was undocumented and unstrategic to a systematic selection and governance process.

By attending this session, you will learn:

  1. How one MN state agency created a Project Portfolio Management (PPM) program from the beginning
  2. Project portfolio governance is not an accident.
  3. Challenges to balancing a project portfolio.

Speaker Bio: Joan deMeurisse has been the Portfolio Management Coordinator for the MN Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) for almost two years. This position was newly created at the MPCA after the agency leadership determined that the MPCA needed to choose its IT projects more strategically. Prior to this position, Joan was a technical analyst at the MPCA for 15 years.

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Security and Disaster Recovery
40. Security Best Practices for Remote Support
Nathan McNeill, VP of Product Strategy, Bomgar, Ridgeland, Mississippi

Identify the key risks and best practices to assure the security of your support operations. Regulated industries and government agencies are required to assure the security and privacy of their data. Remote access and support technologies represent the most common and biggest risk for breaches and misuse of data. Attendees will learn the best practices for assuring the security of remote support operations.

By attending this session, you will learn:

  1. Understand the key risks remote access and support tools can represent.
  2. Identify key best practices for protecting the privacy of your data and integrity of your systems.
  3. Understand the risk profile of leading remote support products and services.

Speaker Bio: McNeill co-founded Bomgar in 2003 and is responsible for aligning Bomgar's long-term product strategy with the needs of Bomgar's 5,000 customers. He interacts closely with this growing customer base to communicate Bomgar's future plans and gather real-world feedback. McNeill is active in monitoring market trends and interacting with support industry leaders and analysts to ensure Bomgar's solutions stay relevant.

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