Georgia Higher Education IT Leadership Summit 2024 Banner

Overview

This one-day event is designed to convene leaders and innovators from across the state to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities in higher education information technology. As institutions continue to navigate the complexities of digital transformation, cybersecurity, online learning, and data management, this summit offers a place for collaboration, learning, and strategic planning.

The Higher Education IT Leadership Summit is more than just an event; it's a strategic gathering of minds dedicated to shaping the future of technology in academia. The summit looks to help support change, inspire innovation, and equip participants with the knowledge and connections needed to lead their institutions through the IT challenges and opportunities currently in front of them and ahead of them.

Objectives:

  • Foster Collaboration: Create a forum for IT leaders to meet in-person locally and share insights, strategies, and best practices for overcoming common challenges and leveraging opportunities within the higher education sector.
  • Highlight Innovation: Showcase best practices and experiences in using technology to address new approaches to teaching, learning, and administrative operations.
  • Enhance Leadership Skills: Learn from colleagues and peers on how to develop leadership capabilities to advance careers and effectively guide IT departments and institutions.
  • Address Key Challenges: Address topics such as AI, system modernizations, cybersecurity threats, privacy regulations, cloud and infrastructure scalability, and the integration of new technologies, budget challenges, and more.
  • Explore Future Trends and Opportunities: Examine the future landscape of higher education technology, including the challenges ahead, what needs focus and attention, and the potential impact on the IT’s mission and workforce.

Who Should Attend:

  • CIOs, IT directors, technology and system managers, and other IT leaders in higher education. Also, those who are spearheading digital transformation initiatives, managing IT infrastructure, or developing innovative learning technologies. Titles include CIOs and CTOs, Deputy CIO and CTOs, CISOs and deputy CISOs, IT directors, and managers, Future IT leaders, Functional IT leaders and managers.

Why Attend:

  • Local and Sized Right: Free to attend if you work in higher education. The Summit is designed to be small and more collaborative with up to 50 invited attendees. The local venue eliminates long and costly travel outside the state.
  • Expert Panels: Engage with thought leaders and experts in discussions on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in higher education IT.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers from various institutions and industry, share experiences, and build partnerships that extend beyond the summit.

A message from our Keynote Speaker

Speakers

Dr. Deona Carter

Dr. Deona Carter

Director of eCampus, Technical College System of Georgia

Dr. Carter has worked expressly in the field of higher education for over fourteen years. In her current role as eCampus Director for the Technical College System of Georgia, she has the opportunity to support the mission of expanding educational opportunities to all citizens of Georgia. In addition, Dr. Carter has supported the team leading the first system-wide implementation of a Customer Relationship Management System aimed at improving student, staff and faculty communications through technology and automation.
Dr. Carter has experience with the student life cycle from enrollment through to graduation at all levels, including nine years of service as an online adjunct instructor. Dr. Carter is a passionate leader in education with a vast knowledge of student development and online learning. Dr. Carter has helped to author strategic plans and execute initiatives to improve student success outcomes tenfold.
Dr. Carter holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Leadership from Capella University and is a proud wife and mother of three. She also holds a Master of Arts in Post-Secondary Education from Argosy University and a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Family Studies from Berea College.

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Brad Cobbs

Brad Cobbs

Principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP 

Brad Cobbs is a Principal in Deloitte’s Enterprise Performance practice with over 15 years of experience specializing in management consulting, IT operations, and enterprise implementation. During his time at Deloitte, he has served clients across the Commercial and Government and Public Services (GPS) industries. Brad is currently focused on delivering Cloud ERP and Student Information Systems in State and Local Government and Higher Education sectors. Brad earned an MBA from Troy University and a Bachelor of Science from Carson-Newman University. He lives in Atlanta with his wife Jennifer.

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Brian Cohen

Brian Cohen

Vice President, Center for Digital Government

Brian Cohen is the Vice President of the Center for Digital Government and Center Digital Education, a national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government and education. Prior to joining the Center, Brian was Vice Chancellor and University CIO for the City University of New York (CUNY).
As the Vice-Chancellor and University CIO at CUNY, Brian directed the Office of Computing and Information Services (CIS), developed, and managed the enterprise IT vision, strategy and day-to-day technology operations of the University. His areas of focus included academic and business systems, cloud strategies, IT policies and procedures, Cybersecurity, project management, IT resiliency and disaster recovery, and network and telecommunications.
Brain also served in leadership roles with the City of New York. Among his many accomplishments, Brian developed the City of New York’s E-Government strategy, implemented the City’s award-winning nyc.gov website, and managed the City’s effort to address the Y2K technology challenge.

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Charles Elliott

Charles Elliott

Field CTO and Practice Lead, Google

Charles Elliott is a Field CTO and Practice Lead within Google Cloud dedicated to empowering state, local, and education customers with cutting-edge AI solutions. His expertise lies in leveraging Google Cloud's vast capabilities to transform public services, accelerate research and scale development teams. With over 15 years of experience in Big Data, Analytics, and AI, Charles has a proven track record of helping clients design and implement innovative cloud-based solutions that streamline government operations, enhance community engagement, and optimize workloads.  Charles is also a trusted technical advisor to research institutions and actively champions the integration of cloud technologies in government and academic advisory boards.

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Steven Ferguson

Steven Ferguson

Managing Director, AIM: Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing, Georgia Institute of Technology 

Steven Ferguson is a 23-year veteran of the IT industry. As the Chief Information Officer for the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), he leads a talented team of IT professionals in support of TCSG’s technical education, adult education, economic development and workforce divisions across the 88 campuses of Georgia’s 22 technical colleges. Recently, he spearheaded the adoption and deployment of an award-winning artificial intelligence chat bot, successfully championed a data center infrastructure consolidation initiative, standardized and expanded enterprise cybersecurity technologies and led the system through the rollout of a new mobile app to enhance the student experience.
Ferguson holds an M.S. in Information Technology from Southern Polytechnic State University, a B.S. in Business Administration, Information Technology from Columbia Southern University, an A.S. in Engineering from Gainesville State College, and is a proud graduate of TCSG’s Executive Leadership Academy. Steven currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Development Authority of Lumpkin County, Advisory Board Member for the Georgia Digital Government Summit, President of the Board of Directors for Castleberry Ridge, Communications Chair for Leadership Lumpkin County and as a volunteer for various non-profit and educational organizations. Recipient of the 2019 Georgia CIO of the Year ORBIE Award Winner | Nonprofit/Public Sector.

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Jaroslav Klc

Jaroslav Klc

Director of Strategic Initiatives and Development at Georgia State University’s Instructional Innovation and Technology Department, Georgia State 

Dr. Jaroslav Klc is an accomplished Director of Strategic Initiatives and Development at Georgia State University’s Instructional Innovation and Technology Department. With a robust career spanning over two decades at the university, Dr. Klc has led transformative projects that leverage cutting-edge technology to enhance the student and faculty experience. Holding a Doctor of Business Administration from Georgia State’s Robinson College of Business, his research focuses on distributed decision support systems, evidenced by his dissertation titled Linked Decisions: A Data Standard for Distributed Decision Support Systems.
Beginning his tenure at Georgia State as a Graduate Research Assistant in 2004, Dr. Klc progressed through roles such as Software Systems Engineer and Applications Engineering Manager before assuming his current directorial position in 2014. In this capacity, he has overseen the design and deployment of over 70 custom solutions, including the widely used Student Dashboard, which supports over 50,000 students. His leadership was pivotal in the university’s move toward cloud-based solutions and the adoption of serverless architecture, reducing infrastructure costs and enabling faster innovation. For instance, the successful collaboration with Slalom Consulting transitioned the student portal to a serverless AWS infrastructure, significantly enhancing the system’s performance, scalability, and user experience while reducing operational costs.
Dr. Klc has also spearheaded initiatives in artificial intelligence and machine learning at Georgia State. His team’s proof-of-concept project using generative AI re-imagined how students navigate financial aid processes. The AI-powered financial aid tool personalizes student interactions by retrieving relevant financial information and deadlines, significantly easing students’ ability to secure funding and manage tuition balances. This project also allowed Georgia State to build in-house AI expertise, positioning the institution as a leader in higher education technology innovation.
Throughout his career, Dr. Klc has been recognized for driving the integration of diverse and emerging technologies into higher education, from AI-powered search engines using Elasticsearch and Kibana to cloud migration initiatives. Dr. Klc continues to lead projects that focus on enhancing digital accessibility and optimizing operations to support the university’s long-term strategic goals.

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John Matelski

John Matelski

Executive Director, Center for Digital Government. 

Prior to joining the Center, Matelski served for 25 years as an Information Technology & Security executive for municipal (City of Orlando, FL) and county government (Gwinnett County, GA), most recently retiring from DeKalb County, GA after 12 years of service.  John’s duties included executive management of all information technology and security resources and systems that support operations and drive innovation throughout the County enterprise. As DeKalb County CIO, he oversaw more than 100 employees serving ~800 million residents.
Matelski graduated from Arizona State University with a B.S. in Computer Science and an M.B.A. with an emphasis in Computer Information Systems and has been a Certified Government CIO since 2011.  Matelski has a proven track record of leadership in the public and private sectors, utilizing innovation and resourcefulness with a proven ability to build a compelling vision and move an organization toward it. Matelski rebuilt DeKalb County, GA’s technology capabilities from the ground up, helping lead to 8 straight years of recognition as a top 10 winner of the Center for Digital Government annual Digital Counties Survey.  
John has won numerous awards including Government Technology’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers, State of Georgia CIO ORBIE Award Finalist, and the Computerworld/Smithsonian Laureate Award for Information Technology.  During his tenure with DeKalb County, Matelski was also very active in technology leadership roles with the National Association of Counties (NACo), having served as Chair of the IT Standing Committee, Vice Chair of the Telecommunication & Technology Committee, and Vice Chair of the County Technology Advisory Council.

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Charles McCants

Charles McCants

Executive Director, Information Technology, Gwinnett Tech. College

Charles McCants is a dynamic IT leader with over 20 years of experience, currently the Executive Director of Information Technology at Gwinnett Technical College. Known for his strategic vision and hands-on approach, Charles has a knack for transforming IT infrastructure, driving project success, and leading high-performing teams. 
He holds a B.S. in Information Technology from Columbia Southern University and an A.A.T. in Computer Information Science from Gwinnett Technical College. 
Charles is celebrated for his ability to enhance network efficiency, cut costs, and implement cutting-edge technologies. His leadership ensures reliable, secure IT operations while fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment. Whether managing complex projects or mentoring the next generation of IT professionals, Charles is always committed to excellence and continuous improvement. 

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Lukman Ramsey

Lukman Ramsey

Head of AI Solutions, Public Sector and Education, Google

Jeffrey Smith

Jeffrey Smith

Director of Information Technology, Atlanta Technical College

Kelly Steed, Ph.D.

Kelly Steed, Ph.D.

Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs, University System of Georgia 

Dr. Kelly Steed manages the Academic Affairs division of USG eCampus. She earned a BA in English from Tennessee Technological University and a doctorate in Psychology from the University of West Georgia. She served as Associate Dean for the School of Arts & Sciences at West Georgia Technical College from 2018-2022, and has taught Psychology at UWG and WGTC.
She was previously managing editor of Providence House Publishers and marketing director for Foundations Recovery Network in her hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, where her work with dually diagnosed patients and their families led her to pursue a graduate degree in psychology at the University of West Georgia. During her doctoral studies she founded Bainbridge Research and served as principal investigator and evaluator for federal SAMHSA grants providing addiction and mental health treatment services through state and local government agencies.
Dr. Steed applies her professional experience to support the development of engaging and meaningful online learning experiences for eCampus students. She shares four children - Cali, Zane, Anna, and Elise - with her husband, Zach. She serves on the Carrollton Arts Commission and enjoys supporting the arts and local music in West Georgia.

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Phil Ventimiglia

Phil Ventimiglia

Chief Innovation Officer & Vice President, Instructional Innovation & Technology, Georgia State

As Georgia State University’s first Chief Innovation Officer, Phil Ventimiglia is helping shape Georgia State University’s exploration of new ideas for teaching, learning and research through innovative uses of technology.
Phil has nearly two decades of experience in new technology development and strategy, working internationally and across industries, to foster the growth of new technologies, encourage entrepreneurship and help grow educational opportunity.
Phil currently serves on the advisory board for the Educause Learning Initiative (ELI) and as a mentor in Georgia Institute of Technology’s Flashpoint startup incubation program. Before joining Georgia State University, Phil was Vice President for Innovation and New Product Development at NCR Corporation, where he led a global team that acted as an innovation catalyst and development accelerator. Phil also held the position of Vice President & General Manager for the NCR Hyderabad Development Center in India. In Hyderabad, Phil was responsible for leading the creation of an independent, emerging-market development center with end-to-end, in-market product development capabilities, including engineering and product management. Also, while in Hyderabad, Phil helped facilitate the introduction of a new international school in order to improve educational options in the area.
Prior to NCR, Phil worked at Dell for over 10 years, helping to build and lead Dell’s entry into new lines of business, including Inspiron notebooks, Dell Printers, Dell Flat Panel Monitors, Dell TVs and Dell Projectors. In addition, he spent over three years in Singapore, helping to lead and build Dell’s Singapore Design Center.
Phil began his career as a product marketing manager with the IBM Consumer Division and held various engineering positions at Lockheed Sanders. He holds a Master’s of Public and Private Management from the Yale School of Management and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Connecticut.

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John Wilson

John Wilson

Chief Information Officer & VP for Technology Services, Spelman College

John was appointed vice president and chief information officer for Spelman Technology Services at Spelman College in July 2019.
As CIO, he is responsible for realizing a critical aspect of Spelman’s Strategic Plan and upgrading campus technology infrastructure. In this role, John partners with administrative units to create and use accessible and effective technology processes to promote innovation and support streamlined business operations and cutting-edge technological capabilities, including data analytics, cybersecurity, automation and systems integration.
John’s background in higher education technology includes operational support, strategic leadership, vision and direction. He has managed several key administrative application portfolios that include student information, human resources, finance, identity and access management, integration, customer relationship management (CRM) and imaging/workflow systems. Prior to joining Spelman he spent 17 years as a senior manager of information technology at Emory University, directed the enterprise information systems at Georgia Institute of Technology where he was responsible for strategic planning and operational oversight.

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Agenda

Thursday, October 10

8:00 am Eastern

Registration and Light Breakfast

Woodruff Room, Lobby Level, 2nd Floor

9:00 am Eastern

Welcome and Introductions

Woodruff Room

9:05 am Eastern

Addressing Emerging Cyber Threats and Improving Cyber Readiness

Woodruff Room

As cyber threats rapidly evolve, higher education IT leaders face increasing pressure to safeguard their institutions while maintaining operational continuity. This panel will focus on how Georgia’s higher education institutions can bolster their cybersecurity posture by adopting proactive strategies and aligning with the latest frameworks, such as NIST CSF 2.0. This session will provide practical insights and tools for IT leaders to stay ahead of cyber threats, ensuring their institutions remain resilient in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Panelists will:

  • Explore structured approaches that ensure the continuity of critical services in response to emerging cyber threats.
  • Discuss the relevance and adaptability of NIST CSF 2.0 to the unique needs of higher education institutions.
  • Share methods for balancing cyber risks with cost efficiency through effective risk assessment and prioritization.
  • Highlight strategies to engage campus communities, vendors, and other partners in enhancing cyber-awareness and accountability.
  • Moderator: John Matelski, Executive Director Center for Digital Education and former Chief Information Officer of DeKalb County, Georgia

    Charles McCants, Executive Director, Information Technology, Gwinnett Tech. College

    Jeffrey Smith, Director of Information Technology, Atlanta Technical College

    10:00 am Eastern

    Break

    10:20 am Eastern

    Bridging the Gap: Enhancing IT Leadership and Board Collaboration in Higher Ed

    Woodruff Room

    Effective collaboration between IT leaders and university/college boards is essential for advancing technology initiatives and ensuring alignment with institutional goals. This session will explore strategies to foster strong, productive relationships between IT leadership and boards, equipping board members with the knowledge and insights they need to make informed decisions. Panel speakers will provide insights for both IT leaders on how to foster stronger alignment and collaboration in the strategic use of technology in higher education.

    The discussion will cover:

  • Key concerns of board members regarding IT investments and initiatives.
  • The role of IT in supporting the institutional mission, emphasizing the importance of regular communication and briefings.
  • Methods for demonstrating the benefits and risks of IT projects through data-driven insights.
  • Opportunities for board members to engage in presentations, demos, and governance activities.
  • Success stories, lessons learned, and an outlook on emerging technologies shaping higher education.
  • Moderator: Brian Cohen, Vice President, Center for Digital Education

    Steven Ferguson, Managing Director, AIM: Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing, Georgia Institute of Technology

    John Matelski, Executive Director Center for Digital Education and former Chief Information Officer of DeKalb County, Georgia

    11:10 am Eastern

    The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education

    Woodruff Room

    As AI continues to revolutionize all sectors, higher education institutions can significantly benefit from its transformative potential. This session will provide strategic frameworks, priority areas, and critical considerations for successful AI adoption. Attendees will gain actionable insights and practical strategies to implement AI technologies effectively, address ethical and security concerns, and meet the evolving needs of the educational community.

    Panelists will discuss:

  • Practical approaches and actionable insights to implement AI solutions effectively while addressing ethical and security issues.
  • Successful collaborations and governance models that can be leveraged to implement AI.
  • Ways to foster a culture of mutual support to enhance educational outcomes across the state.
  • Best practices to meet the evolving needs of stakeholders.
  • Moderator: Dr. Deona Carter, Director of eCampus, Technical College System of Georgia

    Jaroslav Klc, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Development at Georgia State University’s Instructional Innovation and Technology Department, Georgia State

    Kelly Steed, Ph.D., Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs, University System of Georgia

    12:00 pm Eastern

    Morning Wrap-up

    12:05 pm Eastern

    Lunch

    Woodruff Room

    1:00 pm Eastern

    Enhancing Talent Management in Higher Education IT

    Woodruff Room

    In the dynamic field of higher education IT, recruiting, retaining, and managing a skilled workforce is essential for driving innovation and maintaining operational excellence. This panel session will explore strategies and best practices for positioning higher education IT teams at the forefront of technological leadership, including:

  • Best practices to recruit and retain diverse and skilled IT professionals.
  • Offering professional development opportunities and upskilling to keep pace with new technologies.
  • Adapting to changes in the workforce landscape, including agile workforce models that allow for the rapid configurations of teams based on project demands and skill sets.
  • Moderator: Brian Cohen, Vice President, Center for Digital Education

    John Wilson, Chief Information Officer & Vice President for Technology Services, Spelman College

    Phil Ventimiglia, Chief Innovation Officer & Vice President, Instructional Innovation & Technology, Georgia State

    1:50 pm Eastern

    Industry Tech Talk - AI in Higher Education – What Tech Partners Need Higher Education to Know

    Woodruff Room

    This session of leading technology experts, from the partner community, is designed to allow the sharing of invaluable insights into the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education. This session will provide higher education IT leaders with information on emerging opportunities and national trends poised to influence their world. Panel speakers will share their views on the latest AI advancements, explore the transformative potential of this cutting-edge technology, discuss strategic approaches to leveraging AI for institutional success, and offer advice on how industry can be strategic partners. This fireside chat is designed to help attendees stay ahead of the curve, equipping you with the knowledge to navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape and strategically plan for the future.

    Key topics will include:

  • Emerging AI Technologies: Discover the next wave of AI advancements that will shape the future of higher education, what’s coming next for machine learning, natural language processing, and predictive analytics.
  • Opportunities for AI Innovation: Learn about practical applications of AI that can enhance student engagement, streamline administrative processes, and support data-driven decision-making. What are leading education institutions focusing on next?
  • National AI Trends and Their Impact: Gain insights into current national trends in AI adoption, policy developments, legal frameworks, and funding opportunities that will impact higher education institutions.
  • Moderator: Brian Cohen, Vice President, Center for Digital Education

    Brad Cobbs, Principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP

    Lukman Ramsey, Head of AI Solutions, Public Sector and Education, Google

    2:45 pm Eastern

    Break

    3:00 pm Eastern

    Around the Room Conversation: What else needs to be on the IT Priority List?

    Woodruff Room

    In this transformative and fast-paced era of higher education technology, the IT priority list is continually evolving. From cybersecurity to infrastructure upgrades, institutions are juggling a myriad of critical projects. But what else deserves a spot on this ever-growing list? In this rapid-fire group conversation, we will identify what requires more time, conversation, focus, and leadership within IT organizations, as well as the critical roles that are essential for the success of these important initiatives.

    3:30 pm Eastern

    Closing Thoughts and Wrap Up

    Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.

    The Westin Buckhead Atlanta

    3391 Peachtree Road NE
    Atlanta, GA 30326
    (404) 365-0065

    Get Directions To
    The Westin Buckhead Atlanta

    Advisory Board

    Education Representatives

    Justin Allmon
    Chief Information Officer
    Information Technology
    Georgia Northwestern Technical College

    Deona Carter
    Director of eCampus
    Office of Information Technology & Data Resources
    Technical College System of Georgia

    Steven Ferguson
    Managing Director
    AIM: Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing
    Georgia Institute of Technology

    Jeffrey Smith
    Director of Information Technology
    Atlanta Technical College

    Casey Thompson
    Chief Information Officer
    Information Technology
    Wiregrass Georgia Technical College

    Phil Ventimiglia
    Chief Innovation Officer & Vice President
    Instructional Innovation & Technology
    Georgia State

    Robbie Vickers
    Chief Information Officer
    Information Technology
    Technical College System of Georgia

    John Wilson
    Chief Information Officer & Vice President for Technology Services
    Spelman College

    Industry Representatives

    Steven Ferguson
    Managing Director
    AIM: Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing
    Georgia Institute of Technology

    Registration Information / Contact Us

    Event Date: October 10, 2024

    Open to Public Sector only.

    Registration - Free

    If you represent a Private Sector organization and are interested in Sponsorship Opportunities, please contact Heather Earney.

    Contact Information

    For registration and general assistance contact:

    Lindsay Anthis
    Center for Digital Education
    Phone: (916) 932-1495
    E-mail: lanthis@erepublic.com

    For assistance or questions concerning Sponsor Logos or Logistics please contact:

    Mireya Gaton
    Center for Digital Education
    Phone: (916) 296-2617
    E-Mail: mgaton@erepublic.com

    Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact:

    Heather Earney
    Center for Digital Education
    Phone: (916) 932-1339
    E-mail: heather.earney@erepublic.com

    Venue

    The Westin Buckhead Atlanta

    3391 Peachtree Road NE
    Atlanta, GA 30326
    (404) 365-0065

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    Parking 

    Directions for Parking

    Government Technology has arranged for discounted self-parking at the Westin Buckhead Atlanta parking garage. Event-day self-parking is discounted to $20 and overnight self-parking is discounted to $39 per night. Ask our event registration desk for a parking voucher to receive the discounted rate at the pay station before leaving the garage. 

    Accommodations 

    There is no room block set up for this event. There are a variety of hotel options near the event venue.