State CIOs to talk trends at Big Easy meeting

The use of emerging technologies and open source code are among the hot topics that will be featured at the annual meeting of the National Association of State Chief Information Officers next week in New Orleans.

The conference, "Road to Recovery: Leading Effectively, Investing Wisely," will include sessions on these and other technology matters of importance to state CIOs, including economic development, enterprise architecture, contract negotiation, and homeland security.

The organization expects CIOs from 37 states to attend the meeting.

Keynote speakers are author and consultant David Osborne and Amber Alert Web portal founder Chris Warner. In addition, former Wyoming governor Jim Geringer will speak on the critical success factors for CIO leadership.

One of the conference highlights will be the 2004 NASCIO Recognition Awards, honoring outstanding IT achievements. Information technology best practices from eight states will be recognized. In addition, the group's Meritorious Service Award will be given to a state CIO exemplifying dedication to state government IT and the association.

NASCIO, headquartered in Lexington, Ky., represents CIOs from the 50 states, six U.S. territories and the District of Columbia. Members include cabinet and senior-level state officials responsible for information resource management.