Policy & Practice December 2017

association news

IT Solutions Management for Human Services (ISM) 50th Anniversary Conference

A t the end of October, ISM held its 50th annual conference at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD. It is amazing to think of a tech- nology conference being 50 years old, but even more amazing is a technology conference that focuses on human services. This year’s conference theme was “Learning from the Past. Innovation for the Future.” There were 30 breakout sessions covering a wide range of topics, including Agile Development, Mobile Computing, Analytics, Cloud Computing, and Innovative Practices. In addition to these sessions, there was a design workshop, and multiple opportu- nities to spend time one on one with our federal partners. The general sessions were espe- cially informative, starting with the keynote speaker, Simon Bailey, who focused on “Leadership Brilliance: Foreseeing the Future.” Another session featured Etay Maor, a security expert who detailed the dangers associated with cybercriminals and the “dark web.” On a lighter note, the second day ended with a look at “The Internet of Everything Smart Technologies” presenting the latest innovations in emerging technologies of wearables, mobile devices, health

Recipients of 2017 ISM Conference Awards ISM Awards recognize state and local governments and individuals who are utilizing technology to improve human services programs to deliver services more effectively and efficiently. This year, awards were pre- sented in the following categories: Innovation in Service Delivery that Improved Outcomes recognizes the innovative use of technology to enhance and expand service delivery. Health and human services are being delivered in nontraditional places and/ or methods, and these new options and approaches would not be possible without the thoughtful and stra- tegic use of information technology. This year’s winner is the Georgia Department of Human Services’ Division of Child Support Services’ Child Support Mobile App . Collaboration Across Boundaries recognizes the use of technology to support collaboration and/or integra- tion that crosses traditional program or organizational boundaries. It is increasingly being recognized that to be effective, human services programs must be better coordinated with each other as well as with other programs,

and fitness aids, and other tools for improving academic and social perfor- mance, by Dr. Robbie Melton. As has been the trend with ISM con- ferences, this year’s conference set an attendance record of more than 1,450 registered attendees representing more than 45 states and localities. A highlight of the semicentennial conference was recognition of former ISM Chairs, who were especially invited to attend this year’s meeting because of their signifi- cant contribution to ISM’s rich history. For the second year, ISM provided a setting for a class of Emerging Leaders, nominated by executives in both the public and private sectors, to participate in a special program to develop their skills as leaders in their organizations. Finally, the Technology for a Cause fundraiser for this year’s conference was Melwood, a nonprofit organiztion that provides jobs and training for people with differing abilities. The program teaches life skills and provides recre- ation and trauma-related programs for veterans in the greater Washington, DC area. In kind and cash donations, more than $27,000 was raised. We look forward to seeing you at next year’s conference September 16–19 in Seattle!

Policy&Practice   December 2017 32