From Two and 10 to Virtual: ITEN Wired
By: Michelle Sims, Operations Specialist, Public Consulting Group
…Beginning in 2008, a collaborative partnership between the University of West Florida, FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance, and IT Gulf Coast brought to fruition, a conference titled, “I-10 Wired”. With a mission of facilitating interoperability among government Contractors, economic development agencies, businesses and institutions of higher education along the interstate corridor of Daphne, AL to Tallahassee, FL― decision-makers convened to offer multiple opportunities for education and career advancement in Information Technology and Cybersecurity.
The Programming and Planning Committee members’ vision was re-branded in 2008 and became ITEN Wired: Innovation. Technology. Entrepreneurship. Network. Celebrated as the southeast’s premier Cybersecurity and Information Technology conference― now in partnership with Clark University’s Tech Quest Apprenticeship Consortium, its national outreach connects resources and builds community influence among industry leaders, educators, entrepreneurs and agencies for workforce development.
Notably, middle and high school students in local IT and Cybersecurity academies, to the university level Computer Science scholars, engage in a showcase of talent during the event’s structured Cyber Range competitions.
The first ITEN Wired job fair in 2016, targeted IT and Cybersecurity professionals and offered 19 industry-relevant employers and 100 job seekers. Currently branded as the “Career Opportunities Expo” this event opens the ITEN Wired Conference. Recruiters participate representing industries of healthcare, financial services, private enterprises and government Contractors. In October 2021, ITEN Wired, and IT Gulf Coast partnered with Clark University Tech Quest Apprenticeship Consortium and CareerSource Tampa Bay to host its first Virtual Career Opportunities Expo, which gained national outreach. A total of 34 Employers, Training Providers and 91 registered career seekers were in attendance.
We are inviting you to “Save the Date”: October 5-7th, 2022 is the highly anticipated ITEN Wired Conference, convening at the Pensacola Beach Hilton. The website is: www.ITENWired.com .
