The 2011 High Impact Technology Exchange Conference (HI-TEC) brought together more than 500 participants for four outstanding days of professional development and networking including 18 workshops, 65 presentation sessions, three tours, several group meetings, and a technology showcase with 45 exhibitors. The Hyatt Regency provided a convenient and comfortable venue for meetings and the city of San Francisco offered a myriad of opportunities within walking distance for dining, shopping, sightseeing and yes, cable car rides! See http://www.highimpact-tec.org/2011conference-proceedings.php for conference presentations and photos.
This year's conference was produced by 26 NSF ATE centers and projects with support from the National Science Foundation and contributions from corporate sponsors Lockheed Martin and EMC Corporation. The conference was coordinated by the Center for Occupational Research and Development (CORD) and managed by seven committees (Executive, Business, Marketing, Program, Dissemination, Sponshorship, and Awards) comprised of representatives from the NSF ATE centers and projects.
Each year, HI-TEC's Awards Committee solicits nominations from the ATE centers and projects and selects winners of three techological education awards. The following recipients were honored at the annual HI-TEC Awards Luncheon at the 2011 conference:
Educator of the Year Award: Presented to David Fricton, SpaceTEC National Certification Team, for excellence in technology training and education.
Industry Recognition Award: In Memory of Dr. John E. (Jack) Johnston, ExxonMobil Research and Engineering, for excellence in industry leadership for technology training and education.
Innovative Program Award: Presented to Patricia Taylor, Dean of Engineering, Science & Allied Health, Thomas Nelson Community College; and Stewart Harris, Engineer, NASA Langley; for their work in professional development that influences hiring practices and strengthens interest in STEM programs.
The annual HI-TEC Conference consistently provides one of the best-rated opportunities for professional development, group meetings, networking, and sharing of best practices among secondary and postsecondary technological educators, technicians, industry professionals, and trade organizations. Please join us in Denver next July 23-26 for HI-TEC 2012!
