Connections 2008

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Download Keynote Speaker Dr. Mark Milliron's presentation.

A New Generation of Learning (PDF file; 1.6 MB)

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Theme: Information Age to the Interaction Age

Dates - April 2-4, 2008

Location - Tan-Tar-A resort, Osage Beach, Mo.

Conference Registration -

Early Bird Online: Jan. 15 - Feb. 28, 2008

• Members: $175
• Non Members: $275

Standard Registration: Feb. 29-March 24, 2008

• Members: $200
• Non Members: $300

Registration Information

Presenters - Deadline Extended

Presentation Proposals will be accepted from Sept. 17 to Nov. 13, 2007.

Exhibitors -

Booth sales will be available from Oct. 17 to April 1. Call now for sponsorship opportunities.

Information Age to the Interaction Age

The Missouri Research and Education Network (MOREnet) will host Connections 2008, the annual spring technical conference, April 2-4, at Tan-Tar-A in Osage Beach, Mo.

The "Information Age" brought us more ways to gain the data and information we needed as well as more ways to challenge our abilities to handle the volume and diversity of the data and information sent to us and by us. As we move more and more into the interactive, virtual environments, a fourth dimension has emerged that will both excite and challenge us.

Join us this year at Connections 2008 as we explore the Web 2.0 products and how they may impact our current worlds for education and libraries. We will share knowledge, ideas, and proven concepts that both practitioners and decision makers will need to continue their journey for technology selection, implementation, and integration into the learning environments of schools and libraries as well as their back end office needs.

This year's two days of presentations are stronger and better than ever before. Our keynote is exceptional and will start our conference with enthusiasm that will continue throughout. You will gain knowledge and insight in five broad categories; Network Administration, Technology Support & Implementation, Planning & Budget, Risk Management and Public Access Computing.

Our Exhibitor Fair is a strong component of our conference as you have the opportunity to talk with various industry representatives and see their products first hand. These solutions will help you make better informed buying decisions for your organization.

The increased number of social and networking opportunities will allow you greater number of opportunities to meet with your fellow professionals to share ideas, build additional professional relationships, and learn from their experiences.

Keynote Speakers

Dr. Mark Milliron
President and CEO
Catalyze Learning International

Dwight W. Allen
Eminent Scholar of Educational Reform
Old Dominion University

Conference Tracks

Connections 2008 will follow five tracks:

Network Administration

• Topics related to LAN and WAN, various network operating systems such as Microsoft, Novell, & Linux, server installations of grade book products and content management systems.

Technology Support & Implementation

• Topics related to the support, installation and implementation of instructional technology such as interactive whiteboards, hand held devices, content providers, content management systems, grade book products, website development and maintenance, desktop products for the end user, and interfaces for web deployed products.

Planning & Budgeting

• Topics related to technology planning, data driven decision making products and services, how to gain what you need with limited financial resources, meeting your professional development needs for faculty and staff.

Risk Management

• Topics related to security, risk assessments, crisis management and Internet safety.

Public Access Computing

• Topics related to the management of publicly accessed computers.

Exhibitor Fair 2008

Meet with exhibitors to discuss the latest advances in a variety of technologies. Network with peers. Touch base with the MOREnet staff in the MOREnetworking Zone. Catch up on e-mail in our Cyber Café. Enjoy refreshments and social activities.

Benefits of Attending

• Discuss strategies, solutions and technologies with colleagues facing similar issues and concerns
• Learn how technology can be supported and implemented
• Learn how to plan for future IT needs
• Experience sessions designed by and for new and experienced IT professionals
• Expand your professional connections while exchanging advice and experiences at receptions and other networking opportunities
• Gain insight into how to leverage technology to help you and your institution reach greater heights
• Learn about emerging technologies and their implications that may affect your job in the future
• Expand your skills in managing publicly accessed computers.

Conference Location

The conference will be held at Tan-Tar-A Resort, Osage Beach, Mo. Room reservations must be made by March 11, 2008, to be guaranteed the conference room rate of $88. For information or reservations, contact Tan-Tar-A at (800) 826-8272 or visit the Tan-Tar-A website and reference the MOREnet 2007 Connections Conference.

For more information, contact MOREnet Conferences and Events:

• Phone: (573) 882-0289
• TTY users call via RELAY Missouri: (800) 735-2966
• E-mail: conferences@more.net

Attire

Dress for the conference is business casual. Tie or jacket is not required. Remember that meeting room temperatures and personal comfort ranges vary widely, so we recommend dressing in layers and bringing either a sweater or light jacket in case rooms seem cold.

Social Activities

Golf Outing, Wednesday, April 2 - Beginning at 11 a.m. on Tan-Tar-A's Golf Course, this event is another great opportunity for you to network with conference attendees. The fee for the event is $42, which includes 18 holes of golf and a golf cart. This charge is separate from all other registration fees. Your fee can either be charged to your sleeping room upon arrival or you can pay the fee at the course.

Grand Opening Reception, Wednesday, April 2 - After a successful day on the "greens," we'll wrap up the evening from 7-9 p.m. with a Grand Opening Reception, featuring the opening of the Exhibitor Fair and a wine-tasting event with hors d'oeuvres.

Welcome/Keynote, Thursday, April 3 - 8-9:15 a.m.

Exhibitor Reception, Thursday Evening, April 3 - 5-6:30 p.m.

Texas Hold ‘Em, Thursday, April 3 – 8-11 p.m., hosted by CompassLearning. Test your poker skills, win prizes and network with peers!

Friday Keynote, Friday, April 4 - 8-9 a.m.