Howdy TAGITM!

Howdy TAGITM!

Do we not all wonder where the time goes from time to time? I am convinced the older I get, the faster it flies by. Here we are, powering through February like it’s nobody’s business. As I write this, we’re only 60 days, 14 hours, 32 minutes, and 8 seconds away from the annual conference. I know that because I’m looking at this neato webpage with a countdown timer Joe Toste created for the TechTables Live Podcast tour happening at TAGITM this year. Joe and I went back and forth for a while trying to line this up, and I’m stoked to report his incredibly popular show will be live at TAGITM! The TAGITM star continues to rise, and I’m all for it man! Folks interested in being on the show, be sure to book an intro call with Joe!

Ok, I don’t want to go off on another tangent about how awesome the TAGITM conference is going to be because I can easily do that. Everyone already knows it’s going to be the hottest ticket in town, that’s how we roll, big dawg! Something I do want to talk about is the recent South Texas Regional Summit in The Woodlands and the upcoming GIS Summit in Lewisville. First off, as always, thank you so much to the tech leaders in those respective communities for allowing us to make use of their incredibly beautiful facilities. I cannot thank William Pham and Chris Lee enough, and of course Keshnel Penny from Grand Prairie as well for allowing TAGITM to use his beautiful facility late last year for the North Texas Regional Summit. Leaders like that are the reason why TAGITM is what it is!

I attended The Woodlands event, and it went off with barely a hitch. Angie Wright was of course awesome playing host to the festivities. The speakers were great. I got to tease one of my favorite dudes Leslie from FreeIT by inviting everyone and their family to his happy hour afterwards and encouraging them all to go top shelf. Joke was on me though as Leslie bailed and left his coworkers to cover for him. Be rest assured that saga is far from over (lol). I don’t know how to insert a devil emoji into this message, but if I could it would go here! I met some incredible folks I didn’t already know at the event, so all in all I would say it was perfect from start to end. I had such a good time at the happy hour hanging with all my new besties ya boy didn’t make it home until late-late! I mean, I had to let the traffic die down anyway right…?!?!? Maybe insert another devil emoji here.

The Woodlands was, of course, outstanding, but we also have our GIS Summit coming up at the end of February. I am so proud to state we currently have 84 folks registered. There are only 100 seats, y’all! It is thrilling to see dang near a sellout a week before the event. The TAGITM board has really been pushing to do more in welcoming our GIS brethren to the community, and I got to tell y’all, I’m ready to declare the investment made in GIS the past few years a success. We got the GIS listserv going, that’s outstanding and I may or may not have already tried to start trouble on there. I mean honestly, does anyone really think that I didn’t. Y’ALL KNOW I DID! GIS pros have their track at the conference. We have phenomenal support from Esri, those awesome folks have been there from day one. And of course, I must thank the GIS committee spun up that has driven much of the conversation for the community. My man Gonzo got this rolling for us, and I’m thrilled to see the momentum building. The partnership with SCAUG, the conference happy hour, super cool all around.

Speaking of our brand spanking new GIS listserv, I did want to take a moment to ensure everyone knows that in addition to the regular listserv there is also a director’s listserv. Directors and assistant directors are eligible. If you’re not already signed up and are interested, send an email to info@tagitm.org and that’ll get the ball rolling. We’ve heard countless times that the engagement derived via our listserv is the most valued aspect of the organization, so by all means please take advantage!

This is running long again. Ms. KAT gets annoyed when I do that, but one more thing. If y’all have the inkling to play into our conference theme “Don’t Stop Believin’ IT” I say bring it! Dig into those boxes in the attic. I know some of y’all have that old 80’s gear somewhere. For all the young guns joining in hit up Amazon or your local thrift shop. We’re highly encouraging folks to dress up for The Spazmatics concert, but if you want to go 80’s for the entire show, go for it man. Have some fun! Mrs. Mc and I are ready, she almost bought a disco outfit (seriously lol) but we got it figured out. Truth be told, the disco outfit was pretty awesome, maybe next year we need to do a 70’s theme…..hint-hint Lana! That’s all I got folks, until next time, thank you for reading and have a wonderful month!