Posts Tagged ‘KCnext’
By: Greg Elliott, Director of Business Development at 1102 GRAND
Networking, networking and yes, more networking!
Last Thursday night, 1102 GRAND was thrilled to be the Host Sponsor for the KCnext IT Happy Hour at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park. The venue, of course, was solid and the vibe was excellent as 450+ people relentlessly networked. We have always been huge believers in the power of face to face networking and this event did not disappoint.
I had meaningful conversations with CIOs, developers, CTOs, IT directors, owners, etc. I was able to visit with a few local startup companies and listened to challenges they are facing. Conversely, I spoke with a larger company and learned what types of innovative projects they have coming down the pipeline. What a great dynamic!
If you happened to miss this networking opportunity and want to save the date for the upcoming KCnext Summer IT Networking Happy Hour it is scheduled for Thursday, July 26 at the Negro League Baseball Museum. Also, if you would like to learn more about KCnext and check out the membership page go to http://www.kcnext.com/index.php/membership/ .
Hope to see you there, or at the next KCnext event!

Valerie Jennings, CEO of JSMM with Todd Applegate and Greg Elliott of 1102 GRAND
Valerie Jennings, CEO of JSMM and T.J. Bloom, COO of MDL Technology
Micah Pratt and Steve Roatch of Twentyseven Global
Tags: 1102 GRAND, Kansas City technology, kansas city technology event, kc entrepreneurs, kc tech event, KCnext, KCnext IT, LIVESTRONG sporting park
Posted in Kansas City Technology Networking Events | No Comments »
Kansas City Data Center 1102 GRAND To Host Sponsor Upcoming KCnext Networking Event at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park
Friday, April 6th, 2012
By: Greg Elliott, Director of Business Development at 1102 GRAND
1102 GRAND is thrilled to have the opportunity to be the host sponsor for
the upcoming KCnext IT networking event. We firmly believe that when you
bring together the best and the brightest in the IT community to exchange
ideas, meet new contacts and help connect the dots, good things are sure
to follow. We have witnessed the power of networking at this level first
hand and cannot wait until the next KCnext IT Networking Event on April 26, at
LIVESTRONG Sporting Park from 5:00-8:00 p.m. There will be plenty of food
and beverages as well as some excellent giveaways and facility tours.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Learn more about this event and register here.

Tags: 1102 GRAND, data center, Kansas City tech, Kansas City technology, kansas city technology event, Kansas City technology networking event, kc tech, KCnext, LIVESTRONG sporting park, technology entrepreneurs, technology event, technology networking
Posted in Kansas City Technology Networking Events, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Kansas City Data Center 1102 GRAND Interviews KCnext President, Ryan Weber, On Building A Strong Technology Community in Kansas City
Thursday, March 22nd, 2012
By: Greg Elliott, Director of Business Development at 1102 GRAND
At 1102 GRAND, we recognize that creating a platform for tech-focused individuals and businesses to exchange ideas and work toward common goals is a necessity for a strong technology community. 1102 GRAND is excited that KCnext , The Technology Council of Greater Kansas City, has chosen Ryan Weber as president and we look forward to seeing him take the organization to the next level. The programming and events they have already put together look fantastic! I wanted to do a little Q and A with Ryan to see what is new with KCnext, how to become involved and how to join.

Q. Tell me about KCnext
- KCnext – The Technology Council of Greater Kansas City serves as the regional advocate for the tech/IT industry, supporting more than 65 tech/IT company members, and growing, in the KC area. By focusing on key industry priorities, KCnext works to connect, promote and support the KC region’s community by amplifying our tech assets, increasing the tech/IT workforce pipeline and attracting technology companies to KC. KCnext also works to grow the existing base of technology firms in the KC region through workforce development and industry advocacy.
- KCnext is housed in Union Station and governed by a 10-member Board of Directors from the local tech community.
Q. What impact does KCnext plan to have on the IT community?
- There are several opportunities in our tech community that KCnext will impact this year. First, KCnext will work to increase collaboration opportunities among regional tech firms in the KC area and serve as a catalyst for joint-tech ventures. KCnext serves as the region’s database resource to increase mind-sharing within the tech sector.
- Talent is at the forefront of a tech company’s mind right now. Recruiting, retaining, and getting access to the best talent is extremely important to success. Being part of a strong tech/IT community makes it easier to recruit from outside the region. We do a great job of creating a home for like-minded individuals and showcasing why KC is a great place to start and grow successful careers.
- Raising capital is a difficult process, especially in the Midwest. KCnext can help member companies through this process by increasing their level of exposure to local and national investors by promoting their successful ventures.
- KCnext is focused on increasing the tech workforce pipeline by educating the local community on what opportunities exist in the industry. Finally, KCnext will continue to aggregate and amplify our region’s tech assets regionally and globally.
Q. What opportunities are there to become involved with KCnext?
- Regional companies are welcome to join as members, providing full access to our networking and educational events. Today, everyone is in technology so we do not limit who can become a member of KCnext. As a member of KCnext, we will increase the national and regional awareness of your organization through marketing and promotion. We encourage non-members to also attend our events; however there is a small fee. There are additional sponsorship opportunities for companies inside and outside the region.
Q. Are their upcoming KCnext initiatives that the IT community should be aware of?
- Yes we have several upcoming events this spring. We have an educational briefing series we are very excited about, which will bring some talented industry experts to KC and raise our community’s level of tech knowledge. Also, we are co-promoting or co-sponsoring several upcoming events too. Below is a list but our website is always the best way to get up-to-date event information.
KCnext Events
March 29 – “Fiber to the Desktop” (Sponsored by Motorola and Hosted by PassiveNetworks)
April 26 – KCnext Spring IT Networking Happy Hour at Livestrong Sporting Park
Co-Hosted Events
March 21 – Council of IT Executives (CITE)
April 5-6th – The Forum @ Middle of the Map Fest
April 27-28th Kansas City Developer’s Conference
Q. How does a company or individual learn more about how to join?
- We would be more than happy to meet with anyone who would like to learn more about KCnext. You can also visit KCnext.com for more details.
I hope this has been helpful and I hope to see you at some of the upcoming events! As always, if you have questions about KCnext or 1102 GRAND in general, feel free to email me at Greg@1102Grand.com.
Tags: 1102 GRAND, business information technology, Kansas City IT, KCnext, Ryan Weber, tech workforce, technology group, The Technology Council of Greater Kansas City
Posted in Kansas City Tech News | No Comments »
1102 GRAND Welcomes New KCNext President Ryan Weber
Thursday, January 26th, 2012
Posted by: Greg Elliott, Director of Business Development at 1102 GRAND

1102 GRAND welcomes Ryan Weber as the new president of KCNext! We are excited for Ryan to take the organization to the next level and look forward to assisting him in any way possible. Good luck, Ryan!
Read the announcement: KCnext – The Technology Council of Greater Kansas City Announces New President and Names New Board Leadership
KCnext – The Technology Council of Greater Kansas City has selected Ryan Weber as its president, effective January 24, 2012.
Representing 70 current KCnext member companies and growing, Weber will work to support tech/IT company members and grow the region’s tech ecosystem. He will support KCADC in its efforts to recruit new technology companies to the Greater Kansas City region. With his expertise in angel networks, Weber will collaborate with area tech companies to attract motivated funders to the area. Weber will also work closely with KCnext members to develop key educational programs and networking events, as well as encourage joint-calendaring and co-promotion with regional entrepreneurial organizations.
Tags: Kansas City technology, KC tech c, KC tech leaders, KCnext, KCNext announcement, KCNext president, Ryan Weber
Posted in Kansas City Tech News | No Comments »
KCnext – The Technology Council of Greater Kansas City’s Fall IT Networking Event a Success!
Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011
By Greg Elliott, Director of Business Development at 1102 GRAND
Last Thursday I had the privilege of participating in the KCnext Fall IT Networking Event at the College Basketball Experience. What a great experience it was! Where else could one be involved with conversations about mobile technology trends, good places to find venture capital, the challenges of starting your own business or where to find datacenter space? The list goes on and on.

There were connections being made all over the place, with sponsor provided prizes being given away via drawings. If all of this was too much to handle, people could slip away and participate in one of the many interactive games that the CBE has available.
Thank you to everyone (attendees and sponsors) who made the KCnext Fall IT Networking Event a fantastic experience!

Valerie Jennings, CEO of Jennings Social Media Marketing, with Travis Holt, principal of Brush Creek Partners, at the KC Next technology event last Thursday.
Go to www.kcnext.com to learn more about upcoming events with updates to come soon.
I hope everyone has a safe and relaxing Thanksgiving!
Tags: 1102 GRAND, College Basketball Experience, data center, datacenter, KCnext, KCnext Fall IT Networking Event, networking event
Posted in 1102 GRAND, Kansas City Events, Kansas City Technology Networking Events | No Comments »
Join Us At The KCNext IT Networking Event
Friday, November 11th, 2011
Posted by: Greg Elliott, Director of Business Development at 1102 GRAND
The KCNext IT Networking Event takes place Thursday, November 17, 2011 from 5-8 p.m. Raffles will be from 6-7 p.m. The event will be held at the College Basketball Experience (see below for address). To register or sponsor Click Here. Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

College Basketball Experience
1401 Grand Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64106
Tags: 1102 GRAND, College Basketball Experience, events, it networking, KCnext
Posted in 1102 GRAND, Kansas City Events, Kansas City Technology Networking Events | No Comments »
Kansas City Data Center & Internet Hub, 1102 GRAND, Announces October Technology Entrepreneur Speakers Program Sponsored by KCnext
Thursday, October 13th, 2011
Posted by: Greg Elliott, Director of Business Development at 1102 GRAND
Event Date and Location
2011 Technology Entrepreneur Speakers Program: Testing Your Business Idea- Frequently Overlooked Questions
Tuesday, October 18 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Polsinelli Shughart PC
Kansas City, MO
$25 Advanced Registration. $30 On-Site Registration
Testing Your Business Idea- Frequently Overlooked Questions
For the final program of the year, hear from featured speaker, Cason Coplin, Chief Executive Officer at EcoFit Lighting, on five key areas to investigate for starting and growing your business.
Attendees will learn about:
• Market validation
• Product viability
• Financial support
• Management talent
• Execution capability
REGISTER NOW
Tags: 1102 GRAND, about financial aid, ads by google, back utility, backup files, backup utility, Bandwidth, Bandwith, best web hosting, business entrepreneur, business ideas, Caged Space, careers in information technology, carrier hotel, carrier neutral data facility, Carriers, Cason Coplin, chief information, chief information officer, chief operating officer, chief technical officer, chief technology officer, choosing a data center, Co-location, co-location services, collocation, collocation cross connect, Colo, communication technology, computer information systems, computer maintenance, computer repair, computer repairs, computer support, computer troubleshooting, Darren Bonawitz, data backup, data backup service, data center, Data Center Security, data circuit, data management, data storage, data storage location, Data Suites, datacenter, dedicated server hosting, domain name hosting, downtown Kansas City, Ecofit Lighting, efficiency, electricity, Energy, energy savings, energy-efficiency, entrepreneur, entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship, facility, file backup, financial aid, financial aid for, financial support, hard drive backup, hardware, hardware maintenance, heating and cooling, hosting space, how much storage, how to make a company, how to start a business, how to start a small business, information officer, information services, information systems, information technologies, information technology, information technology director, Interconnection, Internet Hub, Internet hub and data center, internet in kansas city, Internet Service Prodiver, IT department, it employment, it field, IT infrastructure, it professional, it specialist, kansas, Kansas City, kansas city business, Kansas City IT, Kansas City IT companies, kansas news, KCnext, KCnext event, market, market company, market validation, Midwest data center, Midwest Internet hub, money to start a business, new company, new information technology, new products in the market, Raw Space, remote facility, start a small business, start small business, starting a business, starting a small business, starting business, starting my own business, starting own business, starting your business, storage location, tech, tech news, technology, technology management, technology news, temperature control, VoIP, Web Hosting, web hosting news, webhost, website hosting, what is entrepreneur, what is financial support, why start a business, young entrepreneur, young entrepreneurs
Posted in 1102 GRAND, Colocation Information, Data Center Cooling, Data Center Security, Disaster Recovery Solution, Energy, Green IT, healthcare it, Kansas City Events, Kansas City Technology Networking Events, Location, Midwest data center, Networking, raised floors, Saving Money, Uncategorized | No Comments »
July 2011 IT Networking Event at Boulevard Brewery in Kansas City
Friday, July 15th, 2011
Posted by Darren Bonawitz, principal of 1102 GRAND
EVENT DATE & LOCATION
Summer IT Networking Happy Hour
Thursday, July 28, 2011
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
(Raffles occur at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.)
Boulevard Brewery, Muehlebach Suite
2501 Southwest Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64108
The IT Networking Happy Hours provide the unique opportunity to connect with technology industry professionals, exchange innovative ideas and establish beneficial relationships and strategic partnerships to grow your business. The events also promote KC’s assets for the technology sectors and innovators within the industry.
Join us and 300 professionals from the KC region’s technology community at some of the greatest venues Kansas City has to offer for networking. Enjoy Boulevard beer and raffles for some of the hottest tech gadgets available. More Events

Tags: 1102 GRAND, Boulevard Brewery, colocation, Darren Bonawitz, data center, datacenter, events kansas city, FishNet, google, information technology, IT, kansas city events, Kansas City technology, KCIT, KCnext, Smart Communications, things to do in kansas city, TradeBot
Posted in 1102 GRAND, Colocation Information, Kansas City Events, Kansas City Technology Networking Events, Uncategorized | No Comments »
KCnext Announces Summer IT Networking Happy Hour
Tuesday, June 21st, 2011
Posted by: Darren Bonawitz, principal of 1102 GRAND
Register Now for Summer IT Networking Happy Hour
Thursday, July 28, 2011
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
(Raffles occur at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.)
Boulevard Brewery, Muehlebach Suite
2501 Southwest Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64108
The IT Networking Happy Hours provide the unique opportunity to connect with technology industry professionals, exchange innovative ideas and establish beneficial relationships and strategic partnerships to grow your business. The events also promote KC’s assets for the technology sectors and innovators within the industry.

Join us and 300 professionals from the KC region’s technology community at some of the greatest venues Kansas City has to offer for networking. Enjoy Boulevard beer and raffles for some of the hottest tech gadgets available.
Read More
Tags: 1102 GRAND, Boulevard, Boulevard Brewery, Boulevard Brewing Co., Darren Bonawitz, it professionals, Kansas City colocation, Kansas City data center, Kansas City IT, Kansas City IT events, Kansas City networking, Kansas City Tech Events, KCnext, KCnext events, Summer IT Networking Happy Hour
Posted in 1102 GRAND, Colocation Information, Data Center Cooling, Data Center Security, Disaster Recovery Solution, Energy, Green IT, healthcare it, Location, Midwest data center, Networking, raised floors, Saving Money | No Comments »
Kansas City Data Center, 1102 GRAND, Announces KCnext Event for April
Wednesday, April 6th, 2011
Posted By: Darren Bonawitz, principal of 1102 GRAND

| Please join KCnext for the 2011 Technology Entrepreneur Speakers Program event on April 19, 2011 from 5:30-7p.m. |
|
| “Rebellion As Creative Genius” |
|
| Hear how Ivan Brown built a company that has grown to $15 million in sales and 125 products from a base of $240,000 and 2 products.
Learn more about:
- Entrepreneurial Character
- Product Innovation and Organizational Culture
- Principles of Innovation
|
| About Our Speaker:

|
| Ivan E. Brown, Ph.D. is is President and CEO of Brown Medical Industries, a manufacturer of 125 orthopedic and wound care medical devices with worldwide distribution, headquartered in Spirit Lake, Iowa with a sales, marketing, and business development office in Kansas City and a sales office in San Diego. Shortly after joining the company in 1992, Ivan initiated a product innovation process, resulting in sales growth from $240,000 annually to nearly $15 million in 2011, and growth from just two products to the current 125 products.
Ivan has launched nine businesses, including his first while in high school. Four of the companies are in the healthcare industry. He has received 5 patents from the USPTO on his medical device inventions and has three patent applications pending. In 2003 Ivan was a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and he has earned numerous awards for exporting sales, including recognition on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest growing companies.
Prior to joining Brown Medical, Dr. Brown taught management and entrepreneurship at Wichita State University and Friends University. He is currently a member of the Kansas City Plaza Rotary Club, and an officer in the Kansas City Chapter of the Boston College Alumni Association.
Read More: |
Tags: 1102 GRAND, 2011 Technology Entrepreneur Speakers Program, Bandwidth, Bandwith, business entrepreneur, Caged Space, carrier hotel, carrier neutral data facility, Carriers, choosing a data center, Co-location, co-location services, collocation cross connect, Colo, Darren Bonawitz, data center, Data Center Security, data management, Data Suites, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, facility, greening it, hardware, hardware maintenance, heating and cooling, Internet Hub, Internet Service Prodiver, IT infrastructure, Ivan Brown, Kansas City data center, KC Next, KCnext, KCnext events, Midwest Internet hub, Novita Therapeutics LLC, Polsinelli Shughart, Raw Space, Spring break, Technology Entrepreneur Speaker Program, telecommunications, Web Hosting
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