ICT Professionals Gather to Learn and Share Knowledge in Ottawa at the 2015 BICSI Canadian Conference & Exhibition

ICT PROFESSIONALS GATHER TO LEARN
AND SHARE KNOWLEDGE IN OTTAWA AT THE
2015 BICSI CANADIAN CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, April 29, 2015 —BICSI, the association advancing the information and communications technology (ICT) community, welcomed industry professionals from all over the world to the Shaw Convention Centre for the 2015 BICSI Canadian Conference & Exhibition beginning Sunday, April 26.

Following a full day of technical pre-conference seminars, the Exhibit Hall opened Sunday evening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and entertainment by fiddle duo Elly Squared. Host to more than 70 exhibitors, the Exhibit Hall drew in attendees from around the world who were eager to learn about the latest products and solutions that the ICT industry has to offer.

BICSI President Michael Collins, RCDD, RTPM, CCDA, NCE, officially opened the conference Monday morning, placing emphasis on the event’s educational sessions and exhibits. Following Collins’ opening remarks, Toni Newman delivered an exceptional opening keynote address. Newman is a five-time award-winning business owner who was able to share her extensive insight into the business world with attendees. Monday’s General Session continued with presentations on wireless technology, the Internet of Everything, fiber optic data communications and trends in video surveillance.

Tuesday’s activities included 16 Concurrent Sessions covering topics such as passive optical LAN; outside plant; intelligent buildings and big data; speech privacy and sound masking; and the proper installation and testing of bend-insensitive multimode fiber. Tuesday evening’s Exhibition and Reception also brought the successful Exhibt Hall to a close.

Attendees were pleased with the quality of education and networking opportunities available at the Canadian Conference. “I’ve enjoyed this conference so far because the sessions have been interesting and relevant,” said Brian Whitney, RCDD, OSP, of BGW Network Design LTD in Mississauga, Ontario. “They have something for everyone in the ICT industry.”

“I’m from Canada, and it’s wonderful to network with my fellow Canadians from all over the country. It’s encouraging to see younger generations becoming involved with BICSI,” said Dave Hanson, RCDD, of The Attain Group Inc. in Ottawa. “I’ve been attending BICSI conferences for more than 20 years, and they always provide new business and learning opportunities.”

Wednesday’s Closing General Session offered two more technical sessions, as well as two special presentations and a closing keynote. Attendees were filled with emotion during as BICSI Cares, the charity arm of BICSI, presented a check to the One Boy One Van Foundation. one hundred percent of donations collected by BICSI Cares from attendees during the conference were given to the organization, which provides funds to families who need help purchasing a wheelchair-accessible vehicle to transport their child.

Following the BICSI Cares presentation, BICSI Canadian Region Director José Mozota, Ph.D., and President Collins presented the Ross G. H. Cotton Canadian Region Award to Henry Franc, RCDD, OSP. Named after a Canadian telecom pioneer that has served the ICT industry for many years, the Ross Cotton Award recognizes an individual in the BICSI Canadian Region who has made significant contributions to the advancement of BICSI, its goals and objectives. Franc was acknowledged for his commitment to the industry and to BICSI, including his volunteer work with standards organizations and his many presentations at various BICSI conferences and events.

Finally, those in attendance were able to hear from Closing Keynote Speaker Jean-François Carrey, the youngest Canadian to have climbed Mount Everest. Drawing from his experiences, Carrey spoke to the audience and encouraged them to embrace change, even in the most uncontrollable circumstances.

During President Collins’ closing remarks, he announced that planning was well underway for the 2015 BICSI Fall Conference & Exhibition, which will be held September 20-24 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

The 2016 BICSI Canadian Conference & Exhibition will be held May 1-5, 2016, at the Scotiabank Convention Centre in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.

BICSI is a professional association advancing the information and communications technology (ICT) community. ICT covers the spectrum of voice, data, electronic safety & security, project management and audio & video technologies. It encompasses the design, integration and installation of pathways, spaces, optical fiber- and copper-based distribution systems, wireless-based systems and infrastructure that supports the transportation of information and associated signaling between and among communications and information gathering devices.

BICSI provides information, education and knowledge assessment for individuals and companies in the ICT industry. We serve nearly 23,000 ICT professionals, including designers, installers and technicians. These individuals provide the fundamental infrastructure for telecommunications, audio/video, life safety and automation systems. Through courses, conferences, publications and professional registration programs, BICSI staff and volunteers assist ICT professionals in delivering critical products and services, and offer opportunities for continual improvement and enhanced professional stature.

Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, USA, BICSI membership spans nearly 100 countries.

Contact: Amy Morrison, amorrison@bicsi.org, or John Bechtold, jbechtold@bicsi.org, +1 813.979.1991