I am incredibly excited to see you at our S2 Symposium on September 10th and 11th at Chateau Elan and our Charity Golf Tournament on September 12th.

This year has felt like 27 months rolled into just nine. We’ve all been moving at the speed of light, chasing our professional and personal goals. That’s why our theme, Forging Connections: The Future Is Now, is so important. Now more than ever, we need to strengthen the bonds that connect us.

With this symposium, we wanted to capture the magic of the old Q4 experience. I’ve heard so many stories from members about how those events were more than just conferences. They were set in beautiful, calming places that supported wellness and nature. People were encouraged to bring their families and colleagues. We didn’t just talk about leadership and technology; we built extraordinary connections—connections that grew into trust, respect, and support.

I’ve heard about a member whose son, now grown, celebrated two birthdays at our symposiums. Everyone sang to him, and those memories became a cherished part of his family’s story.

These are the relationships that help us navigate uncertainty. These are the relationships that open doors to our next career opportunities. These are the relationships that coach us through salary negotiations and promotions. They celebrate our successes and help us regroup after disappointments. You have to plant these relationship seeds now, not just when you’re in need. We all need connections.

So yes, we’ll talk about AI, cybersecurity, data, and cloud. We’ll also focus on mind, body, and soul development. I challenge you—whether you’re an extrovert or an introvert—to strengthen your existing connections and build new ones. I want to hear your stories about the relationships you’ve forged at this event.

You will learn and be challenged, but you will return refreshed and reenergized to achieve your goals for Q4. For me, it’s a lot like when I visit my family in Jamaica. Every morning, I wake up with a flood of ideas, inspiration, and solutions to complex problems. It’s that flow of creativity and connection that gives me new vision.

I can’t wait to see you all at the beautiful Chateau Elan. While you’re there, please consider supporting our students by donating to the ITSMF Foundation. Your support of the golf tournament—whether it’s a sponsorship, a purchase from the auction, a foursome, a hole sign, or a non-golfer ticket—is deeply appreciated.

I will see you all on September 10th-12th at Chateau Elan. Let’s make some amazing memories and forge connections that last a lifetime!

Sincerely,

Johanna Jones
President & CEO

About Information Technology Senior Management Forum

Since 1996, Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF) has been dedicated to prepare professionals for executive roles in technology, to impact organizational innovation and growth. We do this by developing and nurturing these dynamic leaders through enrichment of the mind, body and soul. With a half-million new computer-related jobs expected by 2028, ITSMF is committed to increasing the number of qualified professionals for these positions. For more information about ITSMF, visit itsmfleaders.org.