Social, networking events added to the 2021 Michigan Symposium line up

In the words of the noted philosopher John “Hannible” Smith (the A-Team) “I love it when a plan comes together!”

The 2021 Michigan IT Symposium is six weeks away, and the pieces are falling into place. After an impressive response to the call for proposals, the planning committee selected a total of 16 breakout sessions, 2 spotlight sessions, and 40 posters for this year’s conference. Sessions will cover a range of topics, including data, security, extended and virtual reality, software development, disaster recovery, accessibility, leadership lessons, and more. 

The sessions all celebrate the innovative and progressive ways the Michigan IT community is moving forward together, which is the theme of this year’s event.  

Let’s get social

In response to feedback from last year’s virtual symposium, the planning committee has designed opportunities for attendees to socialize, network, or catch up during each day of the event. 

Every day of the symposium will include a 30-minute social gaming session prior to the 1p.m. breakout session. Drop in while you finish your lunch for some fun and laughs. 

Low key and casual social networking breaks will also be available each day of the Symposium. On Tuesday, attendees will have the chance to gather in a small group breakout room for self-moderated, casual conversation. Pick a question or two to discuss or suggest an idea. No report out, just chat and have a few laughs with people you haven’t seen in awhile or meet someone new. 

On Wednesday, attendees will have the option to check out one or more of the 27 Michigan IT Community of Practices (CoP) during a CoP Open House. Discover a group you may want to join or simply learn more about. Representatives from a number of CoPs will be available to talk about their group and answer questions.

In addition, on Thursday, the Michigan IT planning and steering committees are planning informal opportunities to gather in person, in Ann Arbor, to close out the symposium and celebrate the end of fall term. Details will be announced closer to the event. 

Mark your calendars

Registration for this year’s virtual symposium will open on November 15, 2021. In advance of that, you can mark your calendars and consider scheduling any meetings for that week around the symposium events. 

Virtual poster sessions will take place December 14-16 between 11 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET, followed by a series of plenary and breakout sessions, social activities, and workshops. Afternoon activities will take place between 12:30 – 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 14 and Wednesday, Dec. 15 and between 12:30 – 3:15 p.m. on Thurs., Dec. 16.

The IT Symposium is sponsored by the office of the VPIT-CIO. The symposium is one of several activities organized by the Michigan IT Steering Committee aimed at creating connections between community members.