1999…and our First Repeat at The University of Texas…
Our historic past has helped lead us to 1999 and yet another first in our conference annals. The University of Texas has written Conference history with the first repeat hosting role. The conference delegates journeyed to Austin, the silicon valley of the Southwest, to explore the theme of “Hooked on High Tech.” Let there be no doubt – the Longhorn hosting committee, led by Courtney Naismith, set a new standard for Conference planning, especially with our speaker slate and breakout sessions. Austin’s own Michael Dell kicked off the Friday morning Conference with his inspirational story of success at Dell Computers. Appropriately, he was awarded with the 1999 GBC Business Leadership Award for his professional and community leadership. The remainder of Friday was devoted to speeches by Deborah Willingham of Microsoft, Ross Roberts of Ford Motor Co., as well as a series of business leader panel discussions.
After a busy day of exploring the high-tech theme with over 20 founders, CEOs, CIOs, and other top executives, delegates were treated to real Texas cuisine at the Salt Lick Barbeque. Jack Wilson, Managing Partner of Andersen Consulting, was the featured dinner speaker, and the Student Leadership Award was presented to Courtney Naismith of the University of Texas at Austin for her work on hosting the first repeat GBC, and for her volunteer work with the UT dance troupe.
Hook ‘Em…
Saturday morning was kicked off by Ron Harris, President and CEO of Pervasive Software, who motivated and inspired the delegates with tales of his high-tech start-up and self-made success. And in keeping with conference tradition, the Student Leadership and President’s Forums were truly the highlight of the weekend. The day’s discussions ended too soon as we wrapped up the conference and headed to the Casino Gala at the Headliner’s Club, followed by late-night revelry on Austin’s infamous 6th Street. As bleary-eyed delegates departed Sunday morning, they promised to keep in touch and meet again in L.A. A big thanks to our excellent Longhorn hosts and primary conference spell, Dell Computers!
