BICSI Affirms Commitment To Advancing The Information And Communications Technology Community

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Feb 05, 2014, 08:47 ET

TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Yesterday, at the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Conference and Exhibition, BICSI announced its focus and commitment to advancing the information and communications technology (ICT) community. During his inaugural address, the new BICSI President, Michael A. Collins, RCDD, RTPM, CCDA, NCE, discussed BICSI's roadmap as outlined in the Board Strategic Plan. BICSI's primary goal is to be the preeminent global resource for developing standards, providing credentials, accreditation, and knowledge transfer for the ICT community.

"To be elected by your peers to lead such an esteemed organization as BICSI is truly humbling," said Collins. "With commitment to uphold integrity, embrace diversity and lead with transparency, this association will continue to thrive. I look forward to implementing the BICSI Board Strategic Plan and holding true to our core purpose, beliefs and goals."

Along with the inauguration of the new BICSI President, the 2014 BICSI Board of Directors was presented to the membership during the Annual Business Meeting. The new Board includes BICSI President Collins; newly elected President-Elect Brian Ensign, RCDD, RTPM, NTS, OSP, CSI; Secretary Bob Erickson, RCDD, RTPM, NTS, OSP, WD; newly elected Treasurer Mel Lesperance, RCDD; Canadian Region Director Peter Levoy, RCDD; re-elected U.S. North-Central Region Director Christy Miller, RCDD, RTPM, DCDC; re-elected U.S. Northeast Region Director Carol Everett Oliver, RCDD, ESS; U.S. South-Central Region Director Jeffrey Beavers, RCDD, OSP; U.S. Southeast Region Director Chuck Wilson, RCDD, NTS, OSP; and U.S. Western Region Director Larry Gillen, RCDD, ESS, OSP, CTS.

The Opening Keynote presentation was delivered by Zalmai Azmi, Chief Executive Officer for Nexus Solutions, LLC. With more than 30 years of leadership experience, Azmi has demonstrated success in the development, management and integration of advanced technology systems and solutions to meet a variety of enterprise modernization needs. Azmi has held a variety of leadership roles within the Department of Defense, Intelligence, Diplomatic and Homeland Security organizations, including Chief Information Officer for both the FBI and the Department of Justice. Azmi discussed his experiences throughout his career, which shaped his vision for the future of the world of technology. He stressed the importance of business leaders having a transparent and concise communication strategy, being agile and responsive, and maintaining relevancy.

The BICSI General Session technical presentations covered topics such as Category 8 Cabling for 40G Applications; Designing for 802.11ac; and cabling certification. The education continued into the BICSI Exhibit Hall, which has evolved into an epicenter of knowledge transfer at the conference. New at this conference, BICSI introduced enhancements to the Exhibit Hall including extended hours and expanded booth spaces.

Exhibitors have seen a benefit to these advancements. Ed Coffin of ConEst Software Systems in Manchester, N. H., said, "Of all the trade shows we've attended, BICSI's is the most well-attended. The attendees are always the most focused and interactive of all of our leads. We've exhibited for more than 20 years, and we've seen BICSI's offerings growing and growing. We love coming to these shows."

Attendees have been impressed with the overall quality of the conference thus far. "I've been especially interested in new cabling techniques, such as category 7 and 8 cables, and there's plenty of that kind of info here," said David Switzer, RCDD, of AT&T in Columbia, S. C. "The interaction with other BICSI members has been useful when discussing various cable environments. This is my seventh BICSI conference—at least—and I've always come away with a good feeling about being part of the BICSI community, and for my job."

The 2014 BICSI Winter Conference & Exhibition continues through Thursday morning.

BICSI is a professional association supporting 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. BICSI serves more than 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.

SOURCE BICSI