CompTIA Annual Member Meeting Tees Off With a Charitable Cause

Every serious IT channel event should have some fun activities where attendees can unwind and socialize in a less formal environment, to clear out the cobwebs and enjoy some camaraderie. When combined with a charitable cause, could it get any better? At the CompTIA Annual Member Meeting in Chicago, the Creating Futures Charity Miniature Golf Classic was added to the welcome reception, producing an interactive evening of excitement and amusement.

The CompTIA Educational Foundation hosted the event, with sponsorship proceeds funding IT training for individuals in need. The Creating Futures program, the charitable arm of the CompTIA Educational Foundation, aids military veterans, individuals with disabilities, youth at-risk or dislocated workers in their training and certification needs to launch their IT careers. This program is different than any other training program as they work with employers to identify their needs, and then train individuals to fit those requirements. That allows individuals to overcome many barriers to employment and helps employers create a diverse and well-qualified workforce. The Educational Foundation receives contributions and grants from individuals, industry leaders, businesses and government organizations and has expanded its program with the challenging economic environment.

Xerox, Intronis, and Pearson VUE stepped up to sponsor the evening’s activities, where attendees competed for prizes and the bragging rights of Mini Golf champions of the IT channel. During the event, each individual had a chance to network with industry peers and partners, as well as shoot some holes with George McLeod, the second highest ranked professional mini-golfer (according to the U.S. ProMiniGolf Association).

It was a lot of fun watching vendors, VARs, consultants and other IT channel affiliates competing for valuable prizes and challenging for the IT channel mini golf title. While some attendees preferred to socialize off the golf course, it gave everyone a chance to relax and make some new industry connections.