Announcing the 2011 BICSI Winter Conference & Exhibition in Orlando

Educate Globally. Deliver Locally.

TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- BICSI, the association supporting the information technology systems (ITS) industry with information, education and knowledge assessment, announces details surrounding the 2011 BICSI Winter Conference & Exhibition.

The annual conference will host a variety of technical sessions focusing on new ITS technology. Starting January 16-17 with Pre-conference Seminars, the conference officially begins on Tuesday, January 18, and runs through Thursday, January 20 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, Fla. The Exhibit Hall will be open for evening Exhibitions and Receptions Sunday through Tuesday.

Conference highlights include:

Opening Keynote Speaker—Tom Koulopoulos, Tuesday, January 18, 8:45-9:30 a.m.

Koulopoulos is a prolific author and speaker and is the founder of Delphi Group, a global innovation think tank. He is also former Executive Director of the Babson College Center for Business Innovation. He has been named one of the business industry's most influential consultants by InformationWeek magazine and his articles and insights appear frequently in national and international print and broadcast media such as BusinessWeek, the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, The Economist, CNBC, CNN and NPR. His blog, TheInnovationZone.com, is ranked in the top two percent of all blogs worldwide by Technorati. His passion for helping business people understand the implications, challenges and opportunities of leading edge technology is evident in his writing and speaking. Tom's presentation will provide a tour-de-force combination of energy, deep knowledge, business insight and humor.

Closing Keynote Speaker—Steve Wozniak, Thursday, January 20, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Wozniak helped shape the computing industry with his design of Apple's first line of products, the Apple I and II, and influenced the popular Macintosh. In 1976, Wozniak and Steve Jobs founded Apple Computer Inc. After leaving Apple in 1985, Wozniak was involved in various business and philanthropic ventures, focusing primarily on computer capabilities in schools and stressing hands-on learning and encouraging creativity for students. In 2000, he was inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame and was awarded the prestigious Heinz Award for Technology, The Economy and Employment for "single-handedly designing the first personal computer and for then redirecting his lifelong passion for mathematics and electronics toward lighting the fires of excitement for education in grade school students and their teachers." Currently, Steve serves as Chief Scientist for Fusion-io, and his autobiography, "iWoz: From Computer Geek to Cult Icon," is a New York Times Best Seller. His vast business experience will prove valuable to attendees as he delivers a highly engaging and insightful Closing Keynote presentation.

Fourth Annual BICSI Cabling Skills Challenge

Competitors will be racing against the clock and each other in several fast-paced events such as Fiber Termination, Cable Assembly and SCS Installation. The Challenge will be held in the Exhibit Hall during the evening Exhibitions and Receptions on Sunday, January 16, Monday, January 17, and Tuesday, January 18. The winners will be announced during the BICSI Annual Awards Banquet on Wednesday, January 19. Additional information, including a schedule of events can be found at www.bicsi.org/skillschallenge.

Annual Business Meeting, Tuesday, January 18, 11 a.m.-noon

Catch up on the latest association updates from BICSI and witness the inauguration of the new members of the Board of Directors.

Annual Awards Banquet, Wednesday, January 19, 7-10 p.m.

The Awards Banquet, featuring entertainment by comedian Scott Henry followed by the sounds of the band MPiRE, will recognize some of the ITS industry's finest.

Training & Exams

BICSI will also host several pre- and post-conference courses in Orlando:

• DD102: Designing Telecommunications Distribution Systems, January 12-17
• DD200: Telecommunications Distribution Design Review (RCDD Exam Review), January 12-15
• DD100: Introduction to Voice/Data Cabling Systems, January 15-16
• ITP110: Analyzing Telecommunications Distribution Systems, January 21-25
• ESS100: Introduction to Electronic Safety and Security, January 13-14
• ESS200: ESS Design Specialist Review (ESS Exam Review), January 14-16
• ESS110: Designing Electronic Safety and Security Systems, January 21-25
• DA200: Network Design Specialist Review (NTS Exam Review), January 14-16
• DA100: Introduction to Networks, January 21-22
• OSP100: Introduction to Outside Plant, January 13-14
• OSP200: OSP Design Specialist Review (OSP Exam Review), January 15-16
• OSP110: Cable Plant Design, January 21-25
• WD200: Wireless Design Specialist Review (WD Exam Review), January 13-15
• WD110: Designing Wireless Networks, January 21-25
• WD100: Introduction to Wireless, January 23-24
• DC110: Data Center Design Best Practices, January 13-15
• DD120: Grounding and Protection Fundamentals for Telecommunications Distribution Systems, January 21-23
• DD125: Advanced Grounding and Bonding, January 24-26
• PM125: Telecommunications Project Management Program, January 21-25

Attendees may also register to earn a credential while attending the 2011 Winter Conference & Exhibition. RCDD^®, RITP™, ESS, NTS, OSP and WD exams will be administered on site during the Winter Conference from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. on Monday, January 17.

Book It 2 Win It!

Attendees that book their room at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort using BICSI's group rate by December 8, 2010, will be entered in the following drawings:

Drawing 1: $1,000 cash

Drawing 2: Complimentary three-night stay at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort and dinner for two at A Land Remembered, overlooking the Shingle Creek Golf Club (valid between January 15-21, 2011)

Drawing 3: Choice of golf for four at the Shingle Creek Golf Club or a $100 gift certificate to The Spa at Shingle Creek

Note: Two winners will be named for drawings 2 and 3. All drawings take place on January 16, 2011.

For a full list of BICSI conference and exhibition details, visit www.bicsi.org/winter.

BICSI is a professional association supporting the information technology systems (ITS) industry. ITS covers the spectrum of voice, data, electronic safety & security, and audio & video technologies. It encompasses the design, integration and installation of pathways, spaces, fiber- and copper-based distribution systems, wireless-based systems and infrastructure that supports the transportation of information and associated signaling between and among communications and information gathering devices.

BICSI provides information, education and knowledge assessment for individuals and companies in the ITS industry. We serve more than 23,000 ITS professionals, including designers, installers and technicians. These individuals provide the fundamental infrastructure for telecommunications, audio/video, life safety and automation systems. Through courses, conferences, publications and professional registration programs, BICSI staff and volunteers assist ITS professionals in delivering critical products and services, and offer opportunities for continual improvement and enhanced professional stature.

Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, USA, BICSI membership spans nearly 90 countries. For more information, visit www.bicsi.org.

SOURCE BICSI