Throughout our K12 technology careers, each of us seeks the strongest resources available to assist in making appropriate technical, managerial and operational decisions. For K12 technologists, one such resource is coming up in November when we will gather for the CETPA 2003 Annual Conference! 

The theme of this year’s conference is, “Engineering the Future of Educational Technology.” Attendees of past conferences have had the following to say: 

“The best conference I’ve ever attended…” 

“Excellent!! Keep up the good work…” 

“I will certainly be back at the next conference…” 

“Full throttle” is the best way to describe the activities planned for this year’s conference! On November 18 (the day before the conference) buckle up and smoke the tires at one or both of the pre-conference sessions where the topics will be “Migrating to Exchange” and “Linux, Open Source Systems in K12.” 

Following the pre-conference sessions, move into high gear at the opening general session where the keynote address will be delivered by Jack O’Connell, California superintendent of public instruction. Then, get ready for overdrive with over 40 highly informative workshop sessions, hands-on labs, tech-talks and the vendor exposition! 

This year will be a challenge for school districts and county offices of education to meet their instructional and administrative technology needs in the most efficient and effective manner possible. The conference will provide an excellent opportunity for you to gather ideas from others or share your own solutions for coping with the requirement that you do more with less. CETPA will once again contribute to your awareness, expertise and career development at the 43^rd Annual Conference in Santa Barbara. 

So, join us at the Fess Parker Doubletree in Santa Barbara, from November 19-21, for three days of professional development and networking as CETPA provides the resources necessary for “Engineering the Future of Educational Technology.” Take advantage of the Early Bird registration to reserve your place at the conference for significantly less than the regular registration fees. Finally, stay tuned to the CETPA Web site at www.cetpa-k12.org for further conference information. 

See you in Santa Barbara! 

-- Mike Caskey, CETPA president