Prince Edward Island has been awarded another major information technology (IT) conference. The President of the Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS), Dr. Leslie Oliver, announced today that Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island has been chosen as host city for their annual Informatics conference in 2003. Upwards of 400 IT professionals from across Canada are expected to attend the four-day event from May 4 to 7, 2003.
"CIPS recognizes that information technology is expanding in Prince Edward Island. Areas such as multimedia, telecommunications and beta testing are flourishing in the province," said Oliver. "Companies are looking to knowledgeable IT professionals to be equipped with the latest and best practices in the industry. Informatics will provide IT professionals with the opportunity to hear first hand about the issues affecting the sector not only nationally but internationally as well."
This will be the second major IT conference in Prince Edward Island in less than a year, with Softworld 2002 scheduled for Charlottetown during September 8 to 11 of this year.
Development and Technology Minister Mike Currie says these conferences and events will draw more attention to the province and the local IT community.
"This is an example of Prince Edward Island's growing presence in IT and is a testament to the local IT community," said the Minister. "And with the opening of the Atlantic Technology Centre, we should see more IT conferences in the province."
"The IT professionals are the backbone of the industry. Informatics is focussed on the development of the IT professionals, providing practical knowledge and skills that can be taken back to the workplace and put into use," says Sheldon MacDonald, CIPS Charlottetown section President.
CIPS is an industry association, formed in 1958, which provides leadership in information systems and technologies by developing and promoting quality standards and practices, research, certification, and professional development, while safeguarding the public interest.