As Vice President of Marketing for UBM Tech Events, each day holds new and meaty challenges. Responsible for a team of seasoned event marketers, and focused on promoting more than ten global technology event brands in the networking, computing, telecom, and business services categories – we stay challenged and energized year-around.

Our cross-functional teams pride themselves on creating high-quality event experiences that offer our guests the opportunity to learn, network, collaborate and connect with the latest thinking and solutions in their fields. Our goal, and the goal for many of our event guests, is to help them (and the companies they represent) remain progressive and professionally competitive.

Cloud Connect is one of our fastest growing brands in the US and India, serving technologists responsible for implementing cloud solutions that keep their companies competitive and stay agile. The cloud computing industry has evolved quickly over the last few years, proving to be a strategically important category for companies of all sizes. Our own research in partnership with the Everest Group has shown that the value of cloud computing extends beyond simple cost-savings – allowing technologists to bridge legacy IT solutions to new more nimble ones that better meet the needs of the lines-of-business they support and enable quicker time-to-market.

A few years ago cloud computing was so new many companies and experts were only beginning to understand its potential as a category that could change the rules for businesses. And thanks to numerous mainstream applications of the Cloud, even the most business-focused and tech-limited professionals understand its value and importance in enabling the agility companies need to meet the needs of their customers. Cloud Washing? Perhaps, but all of this attention has also enabled the acceleration of this valuable category to grow into a proven value-based solution for the enterprise.

Today, mainstream cloud practitioners are moving beyond considering what’s possible and into an era where they must pioneer new solutions to real challenges in their own companies. Many of the experts in the cloud computing space understand that cloud computing, and other new technologies, don’t transform companies overnight. They must accommodate the sometimes slow evolution to new technology while continuing to support aging infrastructures that companies have previously spent millions of dollars on as capital expense.

All of the points I’ve written here explain why I enjoy working with the Cloud Connect team to build this world-class event. We focus on facilitating the latest real-world solutions and new ideas that cloud technology practitioners need to get their jobs done successfully. We do that by bringing together the best hands-on thought leaders in the cloud space with the latest technology providers, and even the industry analysts and venture capitalists to help ensure our delegates are truly getting the guidance and insights they need to be successful. I’m very proud of the unique offering we provide to our Cloud Connect guests, and at the unique differentiation we are able to provide in the market.

I hope to see you at one of our Cloud Connect events soon!

Follow Nerissa on Twitter @nsardi

Tags: Architecture cloud cloud adoption cloud computing cloud connect social media staff

Hello Cloud Connect – Let’s Talk PR

When I don’t have my head in the clouds atop mountains high with a backpack on or my skis pointed downhill, you’ll find me buckling down at my desk trying to stay abreast of the latest and greatest in news and coverage around cloud computing.  My goal is to know the happenings of the cloud computing market and work to ensure that the folks who are covering the recent trends – all those coveted press, analysts and industry bloggers – are onsite to capture the magic of networking, collaboration, knowledge-sharing and buzz around first-time announcements that unfold at a live event.

As the PR Manager for Cloud Connect, I enjoy promoting the event successes, our stellar keynote lineups, the conference program that’s ever-evolving to capture the innovations and trends of the cloud (check out some adoption trends featured in Forbes), and working closely with exhibitors and speakers to help them maximize their exposure and involvement leading up to and at an event.  I’m always interested in new insights and product or service announcements that can help build buzz with our eager media who are clamoring to cover what’s hot like Big Data (InformationWeek’sBig Data Vendors to Watch in 2013), Mobile Cloud (IDC’s12 month forecast), Private Cloud (CRN), Security (eWeek’s account of Gartner’s recent report) and more.  I’m eager to hear your story and what you’re excited about and how we can work together to promote your news at Cloud Connect.

So please, don’t hesitate to be in touch – I’d love to know what you have up your sleeves to promote your presence in Silicon Valley. I’m Joylyn Tanner (find me on Twitter @jtannerama) and as I support PR across live events at UBM Tech, I look forward to engaging with exhibitors and speakers and helping them get the most out of their participation.

Hope to see you in April and together, we can make a splash!

Joylyn

Tags: big data cloud cloud adoption cloud computing cloud connect staff

Hello world! My name is Whitney Watts and I am the Sales Marketing Specialist for UBM Tech Business Technology Events, including Cloud Connect. I manage exhibitor communications including outbound emails, event collateral, and internal resource collaboration. I liaison between our Content, Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Creative teams and ensure the success of all of our exhibitor internal and external communications.  I am currently working on updating pieces of collateral for the Sales team as well as promoting our Enterprise Cloud Adoption Survey results.

I enjoy working on Cloud Connect because cloud computing and security are such a hot topics and there is a natural fire and energy surrounding these issues. I like that our audience of exhibitors continue to be diverse — from startups to seasoned companies. We get to market to many cloud segments – it keeps us quite busy and engaged. I’m excited to see what 2013 brings for cloud computing in general.

In keeping with Kristi’s theme, here are a few fun facts about myself:

• My favorite hobby is music – playing guitar and singing, discovering new music (I love Spotify!), and attending small venue shows around SF.
• I love the holiday season because it’s a great excuse to “treat yourself” (baked goods and warm beverages!) as well as a lovely time to treat other (giving gifts and gratitude).
• Technology is #1! I love staying up-to-date on all things tech. You can find me on the interwebs retweeting funny Onion
  articles and more @whitwatts

And so the countdown begins! Cheers to 2013 – see you all in Silicon Valley!

Tags: cloud cloud adoption cloud computing cloud connect staff

This is my magnificent post about who I am and my role in the Cloud Connect family. My name is Kristi Ibello @klibello and I’m the Senior Marketing Manager for Cloud Connect… the person who sends you emails every week and helps to ensure you have the best experience online and on-site at our events! My reasons for joining the Cloud Connect team are pretty simple – I enjoy helping others leverage new tools and resources that will ultimately help them drive value and growth for themselves and their business. I get to work with cool people and being part of a live event team allows me to meet new and
interesting colleagues like you.

Here inside the UBM Tech office, we are cooking up some new programs and content to ensure that you get the latest cloud computing information and I cannot wait to announce our full conference program in a few weeks… I think it will be our most exciting Conference and Expo yet. A few fun facts about myself:

• I enjoy soccer, soccer and more soccer.
• My worst household chore is keeping the dishes clean.
• My favorite candy is Andy mints, send me some and I will be your friend for life.

I am the master of the Cloud Connect mobile app and welcome any challenges who dare take my place as top dog. I look forward to seeing everyone at Cloud Connect Silicon Valley 2013!

Kristi

Tags: CIO cloud cloud adoption cloud computing cloud connect social media TCO

So glad to see you here on the Cloud Connect blog. I wanted to introduce myself. My name is Ally Thorndike, and I am a Marketing Director a UBM Tech and part of the Cloud Connect events marketing team. I am excited about working on Cloud Connect because, as Mary Meeker defined her year-end Internet Trends report, the Cloud is playing such a huge part in the “re-imagination of everything” and a critical role in the “Asset-Light Generation.”

Today, we kicked off with a meeting to brainstorm ways to make the Cloud Connect customer journey really outstanding. We came up with some great ideas for making our customers feel welcome, comfortable, and cared for at our flagship event this April. If you have ideas for ways we could improve your experience at Cloud Connect, please share them with us here in the comments or connect with me on Twitter @allythorndike.

I look forward to meeting you in April at Cloud Connect Silicon Valley.

Ally

Tags: cloud cloud adoption cloud computing cloud connect PaaS SaaS social media staff

I am the Programs Specialist for Cloud Connect and work directly with our General Manager, Steve Wylie to manage the conference agenda and speaker recruitment. Many of you may recognize my name from our correspondence around the call for submissions; yes, I’m the one you’re trying to finagle that extension with. Continue Reading »

Tags: adoption amazon web services CIO cloud cloud adoption cloud computing cloud connect social media

Cloud computing has changed the IT landscape over the past decade. This new technology came onto the technology scene at such a fast and furious pace that is seemed like it appeared out of….well from the clouds. However, behind the clouds, there are innovative people that made cloud computing happen.  Charles Babcock, Editor At Large, for InformationWeek, looked at the short history of cloud computing and identified 10 cloud computing pioneers that have paved the way for cloud knowledge and adoption. Continue Reading »

Tags: adoption amazon web services big data Cisco cloud cloud adoption cloud computing InformationWeek ROI Silicon Valley TCO utility computing

Here are a few reasons why to register before you get on site at Cloud Connect Chicago:

• Prices are set to increase onsite in Chicago. By registering today, you will receive a $200 discount on conference passes or get a free expo pass by clicking on this link!
• Registering allows you access to the Cloud Connect Mobile App. Get event information at your fingertips including exhibitors, sessions, events, news, exhibition floor plan, new products and show specials. Plus, receive suggestions based on your interests, create short lists, plan your agenda, take notes, get directions, and more!
• Once you arrive at Cloud Connect, you can quickly print your badge off of one of the computers provided and get
  right on the show floor! Otherwise you will need to spend time registering yourself and your team onsite.
• Tell all of your friends and colleagues that you are attending Cloud Connect conference and workshop sessions. It will ensure your organization is equipped to leverage new cloud and big data technology solutions in order to increase efficiency and improve your business agility. They will be super jealous!

Looking forward to seeing you in Chicago!

Feel free to follow me on Twitter for inside Cloud Connect updates.

Cheers,

Jason

Tags: adoption Architecture Chicago CIO cloud cloud adoption cloud computing cloud connect Cloud Connect 2012 PaaS private clouds SaaS social media

A blog entry from Big Data Track Chair Jeremy Edberg.

We’re introducinga new program at the upcoming Cloud Connect Chicago on ”BIG DATA: FUNDAMENTALS TO BEST PRACTICES“. BUT what is Big Data? I get asked that question often. Just the other day, I did a search on Google News for [Big Data]. What I found was a long list of blogs and news stories, many of which were trying to define Big Data.

I’ll make the answer easy — we don’t have a definition because it means too many things to too many people. To some it means using the latest NoSql technology; to others Big Data is just a repackaging of data mining and business intelligence. Continue Reading »

Tags: amazon web services big data Chicago cloud cloud computing Cloud Connect 2012

Why the rise of cloud computing is fundamentally changing collaboration.

Few technology shifts have taken off as quickly as cloud computing. The cloud is so pervasive today that many of us use it every day without thinking about it: downloading music, accessing e-mail on the go, logging into work environments from our mobile devices. Cloud is also becoming a tool for transformation in the business world as IT leaders look to cloud-based applications as an enabler of better workplace collaboration and productivity. Experts from IBM and IDC will discuss how businesses are using the cloud to:

• Become a catalyst for unlocking value.
• Speeding time to revenue and helping to eliminate organizational silos — leading to valuable business benefits.
• Access clients can reach across geographies, where they may not have an IT footprint.
• Connect people more seamlessly, eliminating barriers to collaboration.
• Free up IT to focus on other critical priorities, paving the way for better business outcomes.

Why Should You Attend?

• Gain insight into how companies are approaching social business.
• Learn how embracing the spirit of collaboration and community — internally and externally — can deliver unprecedented return for the time invested.
• Develop a roadmap for increasing collaboration in your organization.
• Submit questions directly to our panelists for a live Q&A session during the hour

Date: Thursday, August 16, 2012 Time: 11:00 am PT/2:00 pm ET Duration: 60 minutes Sponsored by IBM, presented by Cloud Connect

Panel Moderator: Ted Brufke, US SaaS Leader, IBM Collaboration Solutions

Ted Brufke is the NA SmartCloud Sales Leader for the ICS portfolio and has been leading this effort since the products we introduced in the market place in early 2009. Ted came to IBM in 2005 as part of the PureEdge Software acquisition where his responsibilities included the solution rollout in North and South America. He was also a key part of the launch of IBM Connections in 2007 and served as the IBM Collaboration leader for the Eastern US in 2008. Prior to joining IBM he worked at EDS, Software AG, Tandem Computers and Exodus Communications.

Ted is a graduate of Villanova University and the University of Pennsylvania.

Robert Mahowald, Research Vice President, IDC

Robert Mahowald is a Research Vice President at IDC and leads the SaaS & Cloud Services practice as well as co-leads IDC’s Cloud Services: Global Overview program. Mr. Mahowald is well-known as a subject matter expert in the areas of SaaS, IT Cloud services and collaboration, and his research and commentary has appeared in trade journals and publications including The Wall Street Journal, USAToday, The New York Times, and Investor’s Business Daily.

A 12-year industry veteran, Mr. Mahowald previously led research for IDC’s Collaborative Computing practice, in areas such as Unified Communications, Web conferencing and team collaboration. Before joining IDC, Mr. Mahowald was an officer in the US Army, earning the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in his 26 year career of active and reserve service. Mr. Mahowald earned his B.A. from the University of Iowa, in Iowa City, IA., and his M.A. from Wesleyan University, in Middletown, CT.

Matt Engstrom, Sales Leader – SmartCloud for Social Business, Messaging & Collaboration Software, IBM

Matt has been working with Lotus Software since 1997. He worked as a billable consultant in the IBM Business Partner community, doing Domino infrastructure and architecture work, and mail migrations. He moved to IBM/Lotus in 1999 and work in technical sales in the midwest region through 2011. In 2012, Matt moved to Sales Leadership role, and now covers SmartCloud for Social Business sales in the western USA and Canada.
Bryan Hendricks, Director – Enterprise Architecture, VWR International

Host:

Steve Wylie, General Manager, Cloud Connect

Conference industry veteran Steve Wylie has been involved with some of the World’s leading business technology conferences for the past 15 years. As the General Manager for UBM TechWeb’s Cloud Connect brand, Steve is the driving force behind the defining cloud event for IT professionals, developers, and leading cloud providers. Steve is a regular columnist on InformationWeek.com and serves on the Social Networking advisory board at HR.com. Steve formerly chaired the Enterprise 2.0 Conferences and co-chaired the annual Interop conferences in Las Vegas and New York. Prior to running conferences, Steve managed Interop’s renowned InteropNet, including a multi-vendor test lab geared to evaluate, improve and showcase early implementations of open-standard IT infrastructure technologies. Steve can be found on twitter @swylie650

Tags: cloud cloud computing collaboration IBM