By Lauren Woodman

It’s hard to believe that it’s almost time for the NetHope Global Summit to convene once again -- this time, in Atlanta, Georgia. This is my third Summit, and I’m looking forward to so many sessions on our jam-packed agenda. I’m also excited to welcome over 300 delegates to the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center, in vibrant, midtown Atlanta. And as always, I’m keenly interested in hearing about the work our members have been doing over the past year.

What’s in store in Atlanta? A lot – the Agenda Steering Committee has really put together a great week.

The Digital NGO: Turn Intent Into Action

Disruptive technologies are changing the world, sector by sector – and ours is no exception. This year’s Summit theme, “The Digital NGO: Turn Intent Into Action,” recognizes this coming sea change, and our agenda reflects the opportunities and challenges emerging technologies present for our sector.

On Monday, November 7, MIT’s Jeanne Ross will deliver the opening keynote, “Designed for Digital,” discussing how large, established companies are leveraging new technology, and how these lessons might be applied to member NGOs. In his keynote, Team Rubicon CEO Jake Wood will describe how his organization used the cloud and other smart tech to rapidly scale, cut costs and increase remote collaboration. And I’ll moderate a panel with member CEOs on digital transformation to kick the week off.

The rest of the week will see speakers ranging from Microsoft’s Mary Snapp to Portland State University’s Evan Thomas to John Stewart, Cisco’s Chief Security and Trust Officer. We have many breakout sessions, in-depth trainings as well as member showcases and our Technology Solutions Exhibit. Throughout the week, we’ll explore what it means to be a "digital NGO," highlighting member projects, emerging technologies, and innovative approaches from across the NetHope community.

Community celebration, and a new member organization

We won’t spend all of our time inside ballrooms and boardrooms, though. On Wednesday afternoon, delegates can take a field trip, opting either for a tour of Georgia Tech, one of the nation’s most respected polytechnic universities, or the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library, which houses all papers and materials from the Carter presidency. The NetHope Community Celebration, held at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and sponsored by CDW, promises to be an inspiring, unforgettable experience.

I'd like to extend a special thank you to all of our wonderful sponsors, including Microsoft, Cisco, Marlink, Splunk and many others listed here. You help make the NetHope Global Summit happen, year after year. 

Finally, I’m delighted that NetHope membership will vote on welcoming our 50th member at the Annual Member Meeting. Our growing community is a testament to the collaborative, collegial work we’re doing together. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m looking forward to turning 50!

It promises to be a great week, but not just because of the content. It’s the one time each year that we get to come together as NetHope – to welcome old and new friends, to network and partner, and to learn from one another. More than any other week during the year, the Global Summit brings to life the collaboration that makes NetHope special.

I look forward to seeing everyone in Atlanta in two short weeks.

Filed Under: From the CEO, Global Summits