Amy’s Adventure at HI-TEC

This year was my first time attending a High Impact Technology Exchange Conference (HI-TEC) with the National Convergence Technology Center (CTC).

It was my first-time…

Serving as a videographer and photographer in an unfamiliar environment.

• Prior to leaving on the trip, I checked, and double checked my bags, making sure nothing was left behind and that I had everything I needed to record and capture this business event.
• This was my first time traveling with more than one electronic device. I went through security hoping that I wouldn’t be pulled aside for a bag check. Going to Missouri, I had no problems. Returning to Texas, I was pulled aside and checked, because I forgot that I had a large bottle of water in my backpack…(sigh).
• At the conference for every session that I served as the videographer, I had to make certain that the cordless microphone was placed where it would capture the speaker’s voice audibly, which was challenging if the speaker was a “walker” that didn’t like to stand at the podium.
• Prior to each session, I had to review the room to locate outlets and a safe place to setup the tripod that would not affect the flow of traffic.
• My cart-on-wheels was a blessing for transporting my video camera and tripod from session to session, but a nightmare for traveling.
• Due to the limited lighting throughout the rooms, it was a challenge taking pictures and trying not to use the flash.
• As a videographer, I did appreciate the courtesy of the staff at the hotel. During the lunches, the head waiter made certain that I was in a good location to record and that they were able to maneuvar around me. However, I arrived earlier to discuss setup with them. It was truly a learning experience.

Business Industry and Leadership Team (BILT) received the HI-TEC Innovative Program Award for the BILT model

“Super Social, Interactive Photo Booth with a High-tech Twist,” featuring Debbie Miller, Ann Beheler Ean Towne and a glimpse of Mark Dempsey. You can see the full tweet at here.

Laura Berry and Rick Williams of North Arkansas College

Debbie Miller taking a virtual tour of ATE’s Regional Center for Nuclear Education and Training (RCNET).

Debbie Miller, Amy Garrison and Ann Beheler viewing St. Louis from the 18th floor at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

CTC’s Exhibition Booth

Left to right: Rafat Elsharef, Robin Pottathuparambil, Glenn Jones and Mark Dempsey managing the CTC exhibition booth.

“Big Suit”

Attending a technical education conference.

• PI, Ann Beheler, and the Business Industry and Leadership Team (BILT) received the HI-TEC Innovative Program Award  for the BILT model, which was a major honor, and I was able to be front and center (literally) videoing.
• Mark won the “Best Conference Content and Description,” and received a $50 Amazon gift card to use for future CTC events. We also took selfies at the “Super Social, Interactive Photo Booth with a High-tech Twist.”
• On Thursday session Laura Berry and Rick Williams of North Arkansas College discussed how their college is providing synchronous access to their IT/networking classes on their main campus for rural students via Zoom technology and other tools.
• Lunch Keynote Speaker Todd McLees, founder of Pendio Group and Rethink Ecosystem Hub – Introduced us to a link called willrobotstakemyjob.com. It is estimated that by 2030, 800 million workers could be displaced by automation and 375 million changing job categories…yeah, go check it out.
• Exhibition Booth – By the end of the conference CTC’s booth was low on promotion materials and full of smiles, because our expectations were met. Another exhibition booth that had a lot of attendees captivated was ATE’s Regional Center for Nuclear Education and Training (RCNET), they allowed viewers to go on a virtual tour of their center

Visiting St. Louis, MO.

•   I was mesmerized by the view of St. Louis from the 18^thfloor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel, and the scenery was magnificent.
•   Took a picture in front of the “Big Suit,” a pink suited, headless statue created by Erwin Wurm.
•   The Gateway Arch was in walking distance of my hotel.

Therefore, it was the busiest, challenging, yet enjoyable four days that I have experienced in a while.