Connecting Business Through Technology Conference Oct. 10 in Omaha

Oct. 3, 2014

LINCOLN, Neb. — A Connecting Business Through Technology conference Oct. 10 in Omaha will help local businesses explore how technology can help them achieve their goals.

The event will be at the Salvation Army Kroc Center, 2825 Y St., from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. A full agenda is available at http://broadband.nebraska.gov/omaha-conference

"Technology is advancing rapidly and the Connecting Business Through Technology Conference will help people to catch up with innovative technology already available to everyone," said the Rev. Maria "Liz" Conner of the Midlands Latino Community Development Corp.

Keynote addresses are from Roberto Gallardo of Mississippi State Extension, on "Think Digital. Go Digital. Prosper in the Digital Economy," and Mike Bitter,  founder and CEO of Affordable Social Media Inc., on "Social Media Trending."

Breakout sessions are titled "Importance of Business Networking," "Managing Your Online Presence – How to Market," "The New Google and Your Business Needs: Know about Search Engine Optimization and Online Strategy," "Data and Information Security" and "Websites for the Mobile World."

"The Connecting Business Through Technology Conference provides an opportunity for small businesses to look to the future through technology; they can explore where technology will fit into their business plan," said Vernon Waldren of UNL's Office of the Vice President/Vice Chancellor.

Charlotte Narjes, UNL special projects manager, added, "Dr. Roberto Gallardo, our keynote speaker, is passionate about bridging the digital divide.  He has focused on educating those that have typically not used broadband technologies to understand the importance and to gain skills to become confident in using the new technologies."

Connie Hancock, UNL Extension educator, noted that a tech fair throughout the day will feature topics including tools, mobile applications and tips on how to bank online.

The Nebraska Broadband Initiative  has partnered with several organizations to sponsor the Connecting Business Through Technology Conference. This Broadband Mapping and Planning Initiative aims to increase broadband adoption and utilization. The project is funded through a grant to the Nebraska Public Service Commission by the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Nebraska Information Technology Commission Community Council (NITC), University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) and AIM are cooperatively leading the effort to address the broadband planning needs of Nebraska's communities.