Technology "on the edge"

Conference explores new frontiers

By Stephanie Weir

Information technology trailblazers will be sharing their adventures and helping colleagues traverse new frontiers at the 2008 Canadian Higher Education Information Technologies (CANHEIT) conference, hosted by the University of Calgary from June 15 to 18.

“On the EDGE” is the theme for this year’s conference, designed to encourage innovative thought and discussion among IT professionals.

CANHEIT is a unique event, focusing on IT issues of Canadian significance and interest to universities and community colleges. This annual conference brings together senior administrators, managers and staff who are responsible for the management and evolution of their campus information systems, learning systems and infrastructure.

This year’s program will consist of presentations by IT colleagues from Canada and abroad, including sessions from members of the Council of Australian University Directors of Information Technology.

Among the highlights:

• Michael Zastrocky, expert on higher education at the Gartner research organization and former VP of Educause, on how to provide service and support to an expanded customer base, while protecting institutional and personal information and assets.
• Susan Painter, senior associate and director of research, urban planning and design, at AC Martin Partners, Inc., on the “why” for the practical and budget-driven process of campus planning and development.
• Jonathan Schaeffer, computer science professor at the University of Alberta and creator of Chinook, who will tell the story of man versus machine for supremacy at checkers.
• EnCana’s CIO Kieth Robson, on how EnCana has been instrumental in creating partnerships among producers, and between producers and suppliers, to change the way business is done in the field.

For more information on the 2008 program, or to register for the conference, go to www.canheit.ucalgary.ca.