Hello,
Let’s call this note an almost mid-year reflection. 2019 is well underway and it’s shaping up to be a good year.
First of all, let me thank everyone for your patience on the new SIM registration and renewal process on the SIM web site. Yes, we have communicated our feedback back to the SIM National team in charge of the web site and look forward to improvements in the process going forward.
Outstanding Event: 25 April 2019 - Variance in Vision
Wow! What a great event. Last Thursday we had our panel event at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) on Customer Service Vs. Privacy: A Data Management Dilemma. The event was moderated by Dr. Dave Meader, Lecturer at the San Diego State University Fowler College of Business and we had a combination of local students, IT leaders and industry experts.
The event provided for an extraordinary level of engagement, between the students, the industry experts, and the SIM members that attended. Not to mention the beautiful ocean views from the PLNU campus. Thank you PLNU!
At the end of the event we surprised the student panelists with scholarship money for participating.
The event was so well received by the attendees, that discussing about making this one of our annual events. Our initial thoughts are that we would plan to have the same high level of university engagement and we would rotate the event locations between the various Universities in the area (SDSU, UCSD, San Marcos and USD). Please let us know of any feedback one way or another.
Upcoming Events:
12 June 2019 – The Digital Transformation Train has left the station. (speakers and location – TBD)
This event will be looking at the activities around the topic of Digital Transformation. Digital Transformation is more than just technology. However, the term Digital Transformation has many different definitions depending on whom you talk with and this can create some confusion. We’ll explore some of what’s happening in the dynamic space.
19 Sept 2019 – Practical Applications of AI/Machine Learning and Advanced Analytics (speakers and location – TBD)
The appetite of companies for Machine Learning continues to grow. We are all looking on how to better leverage advanced analytics capabilities to provide value to our organizations. We’ll discuss some of the approaches and practical advice from others on how to start and grow a Machine Learning program.
20 Nov 2019 – HMG / SIM San Diego Technology Executive Leadership Summit (speakers and location – TBD)
This is our full day Technology Leadership Summit. There is always a wealth of information and content that is presented and available at this event. Additionally, it’s an outstanding opportunity to network with other technology leaders, peers and recruiters.
Early Dec 2019 – Annual Members Only Event (location – TBD)
Provides an opportunity to interact with our members (plus 1 invite). No content, no selling, no PowerPoint…! Just enjoy the social time together.
Smaller Forum Events
In progress is planning for the upcoming smaller events such as our Roundtables and Enclaves (vendor sponsored topics). Keep a lookout for announcements in this area.
Commitment to the Next Generation of Technology Leaders
One of the things that I truly appreciate about my 8 +/- years with the SIM San Diego chapter is our commitment to give back to the next generation of technology leaders.
Over the years, we have given over $100K in scholarship money to students in the local universities that are studying in the field of information technology and computer science/engineering.
At most of our events we try to encourage attendance by students and as with the April event at PLNU, we setup panels and discussions for more focused and interactive dialogue between students and members.
A Thank you and Call for Action:
Thank you again for your commitment and support to the SIM San Diego chapter. As always, we appreciate your inputs and comments on how to make the SIM San Diego chapter and our programs even better.
Our ask to you:
- Please make sure to register for our upcoming events as they become available on the website.
- Let your friends and other peers know about the programs and the chapter. Reach across the organization to get other executive technology stakeholders to join our Chapter (CTOs, CISOs, VPs of Engineering, CMOs, etc.)
- Provide any feedback on events and topics you would like to hear and discuss. Also, let us know some of your suggested venues for our events?
We are excited about the events and activities planned for the rest of 2019 and look forward to seeing you soon.
Thank you
Steve Phillpott
CIO Western Digital Corp
SIM San Diego President
