| With technology changing at a rapid place, and bringing along problems ranging from privacy to security, keeping up with all the issues is challenging. The West Sound Technology Professional Association (WSTPA) is trying to keep the dialogue open by bringing nationally recognized speakers to its fourth annual Western Washington Summit on Technology and Economic Development Entrepreneurship on Oct. 13.
The summit is geared not just for people in the technology field, but also for government and economic development leaders, professionals and small business owners - both for those in the business of technology and those who use technology. About 20 exhibitors will showcase their products and services as well.
“We are in a unique moment in technology in terms of discovery, growth and increase of human capital,” said Doña Keating, WSTPA president. “This is a critical discussion for people in all arenas.”
The summit's keynote speaker is John Thorp, author of “The Information Paradox” and an internationally sought information management consultant. Other speakers are John Wylder, a strategic security advisor for Microsoft, and Mike Bookey, an Internet forecaster and adviser to government and industry leaders.
“The three of those speakers are bringing a powerful message appropriate to the county and the region, as well as globally,” Keating said. “We are finally at the point in Kitsap County when these messages can be discussed.”
WSTPA was founded in 2000 with the goal of “addressing issues that interest technology professionals.” The goal of its annual summits is to deliver “business critical development information designed to give you the competitive advantage.” The summit is attended by participants from eight counties.
The event will be held from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Kitsap Conference Center in Bremerton. Congressman Jay Inslee is the honorary chairman and will deliver the opening remarks. For more information, see www.wstpa.org. | 