BMA Presents "Up in the Clouds: The Next Generation of Information Technology" on February 11th

MILWAUKEE, Wis. - The Business Marketing Association - Milwaukee Chapter is hosting a lunch presentation on Thursday, February 11, 2010 that features Melissa Roy, Business and Marketing Officer for Microsoft. Roy will discuss the importance of understanding the capabilities and trends occurring in the information technology industry as it transforms the way businesses approach marketing and leverage it in the future. The event will take place at the Italian Community Center, located at 631 E. Chicago Street in Milwaukee.

Feature Presentation: (11:30 - 1:30 p.m.)

Up in the Clouds: The Next Generation of Information Technology - How Microsoft Sees Cloud Computing Transforming Business

Melissa Roy, Business and Marketing Officer, Microsoft

The Internet has changed our world and now it's transforming the way Information Technology is consumed and delivered. Internet-based, or "cloud," technology has enabled companies to use software as a service to offset their IT capital costs and increase their competitive reach.  The advancement in technology, ubiquity of the Internet, and explosion of bandwidth has set a higher bar of expectations of consumers and businesses alike. Parallel innovation in marketing is more than necessary to leverage this new technological landscape; it has become an assumption.  Now, more than ever, it is important to understand the capabilities and trends occurring in the industry as it transforms the way businesses look at and leverage marketing.

Roy is Microsoft's Business Productivity Manager for the Midwest District (MWD) based in Chicago and leads the business productivity team for the tri-state area. The team is responsible for translating Microsoft's enterprise business strategy and innovative technology advancements into customer competitive advantages, business process re-engineering, and accelerated business productivity through all lines of business, including marketing, human resources, finance, and sales. Prior to her current role, Roy was the Business and Marketing Officer for the MWD. She has been in sales, marketing and business development for more than 12 years, focusing on technology and consulting services.

Prior to joining Microsoft, Roy held several diverse positions within the industry, and brings the perspective of sales, licensing, consulting and marketing.  She holds a Bachelor of Science from Bowling Green State University and an M.B.A. from the University of New Haven in Connecticut. Roy is also a project manager with her PMP certification from Project Leadership, and holds a certification from the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL).

Lunch and networking will take place prior to Roy's feature presentation, which will begin at 12:30 p.m.  Lunch will be served at noon, and attendees are encouraged to arrive at 11:30 a.m. for professional networking.

How to Register

Be sure to hurry, the first 100 BMA members to register receive a FREE Windows 7 upgrade and all attendees will be eligible to win a Microsoft Zune! Cost for members who register by February 8 at noon is $40 and after is $50. Cost for non-members is $55 by February 8 at noon and after is $65. The cost for full-time educators is $20 and $10 for full-time students (student spots are limited). All attendees must register on www.bma-milwaukee.org. For more information, contact Ilka Hoffins, executive administrator, at 262-746-9686.

About the Business Marketing Association:

The Business Marketing Association (BMA) is the leading professional resource for business-to-business marketers and communicators. The organization offers services, information, skill enhancement and networking opportunities that help its members grow, develop and succeed throughout their marketing careers. For more information on BMA, visit www.bma-milwaukee.org.

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