One of our blog’s regular features is a weekly chat with some of our Conference Committee Members. Today’s chat is with Drew Collier, the Systems Operations Manager at Shook, Hardy and Bacon and Assistant Track Coordinator for the ILTA U track.
What are your current volunteer roles for ILTA?
Conference ILTA University Assistant Track Coordinator / Infrastructure Technologies Peer Group Steering Committee
Please briefly tell us what we’ll experience in your track.
The ILTA U track is unique in its format because it provides the opportunity to drive before you drive. Our sessions are built around the premise of a Hands-On environment to see real world problems solved with viable solutions. This is a chance for the IT professional to really see the capabilities of a product or solution, warts and all, that they are considering.
What excites you the most about ILTA ’09?
The fellowship and networking of the conference. You have a gathering of like-minded professionals and the opportunity for building relationships that will be rewarding both personally and professionally. How could you not get excited?
Is there a specific session at ILTA ’09 that you’re looking forward to?
I am looking forward to the Business Strategy Track’s session “Law Firm Economics in a Downturn”.
Is there anything you learned at an ILTA conference that made you a hero when you got back to your firm?
I wouldn’t say it made me a hero; however, I sat in on an Executive Track session on forwarding your career path from Manager to CIO. It was an excellent discussion that re-focused my management style and turned around my department.
Conference is a whirlwind of activity; can you share your strategy or any tips to making it through and getting the most out of it?
My best advice is to try to plan your day before you get there. The experience is very overwhelming and you can easily lose focus on the goals you are trying to achieve after the first breakfast and everyone is running from session to session. Oh, and make sure you drink enough water.
What prompted you to get involved as a volunteer leader with ILTA?
I had never worked for a law firm before SHB. While trying to get acclimated to the environment, My peer and good friend, Sherwood Archibald introduced me to ILTA and it took off from there.
What’s your Twitter handle?
Filed under: 2009 Conference
