Today was the final day of the CompTIA Breakaway conference. My mind is tired from the wealth of education and networking over the past four days. I have learned a ton and spent quality time with friends and colleagues, some old, some new. I am coming away particularly impressed with technology from itControlSuite andXerox, to name just two. It's actually an interesting contrast in our industry. itControlSuite is a relatively new player, small and nimble and building technology based on their own experience in the IT service delivery business. Xerox, a mainstay in the industry, is offering an innovative approach to the traditional printer market.
Those are just two examples of the over 125 vendors who were present at the conference to educate us on their latest developments. The business education was robust, with sessions ranging from business planning to the "greening" of the IT infrastructure.
I also had the pleasure of sitting on a panel discussion covering the evolution of managed services, along with colleagues from Secure My Company, Techlinq, OnForce, DirectPointe and itControlSuite. Our moderator, Chris Gonsalves from eWeek Channel Insider guided us through a great discussion covering a wide range of topics with excellent engagement from those in attendance. Despite the rude interruption of a false fire alarm, we managed to have a lot of fun and exchange some great insights.
Following the panel session, we were treated to a very inspirational talk by Dr. Beck Weathers, survivor of the 1996 Mount Everest tragedy where 8 people perished. He gave a riveting recap of the events of the tragedy, including emotional recollections of some of the people who lost their lives that day, and some selfless acts of humanity and heroism. Dr. Weathers story is one of clear focus on what was important to him and the drive it gave him to survive or die trying, rather than give in to the incredible forces working against him. To over simplify his message, it was the clear and distinct image of his family that saw him through. His message, overly simplified in this brief recount, is one of valuing what's important to you and focusing your life to insure that you are true to that. I couldn't agree more. While I love the business I am in, I love my family more and they are my motivation for everything that I do, every day. It's a simple, yet often undervalued message. If you ever have the opportunity to see Dr. Weathers speak, I highly recommend you take it.
And with that, another excellent conference wraps up and it's time to head home and see my family...always the highlight of any business trip!
