Wednesday, April 03, 2019

The UNCW campus community and IT professionals will exchange ideas, experiences and innovation on April 9 during the 16th annual Wilmington Information Technology eXchange (WITX). The opening ceremony for UNCW's Center for Cyber Defense Education will occur at 4:15 p.m. as part of the WITX event.
 
WITX provides students an opportunity to showcase their technology projects and network with leading IT professionals. The event also allows IT professionals to participate in professional development and learn more about trends affecting their field.
 
“Over 16 years, the event has grown from 65 people to more than 550 last year. It has put UNCW on the map for local IT employers and increased the exposure of UNCW to our employers,” said Tom Janicki, conference chair and professor of management information systems. “It also brings back many of our alumni to renew friendships and provide feedback to faculty on current industry technology needs.”
 
IGNITE, a popular WITX event, allows presenters to share their professional and personal endeavors in five-minute “TED Talks.” Attendees will also take part in virtual reality demonstrations. Exhibitors include the university, tekMountain, the UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and local industry representatives.
 
This year’s featured speakers, FBI Supervisory Special Agent Michael Nauert and U.S. Army Lieutenant General William C. Mayville Jr., will discuss current cyber threats and trends.
 
“It’s important for IT professionals to understand the impact of hackers as well as the privacy of data,” said Janicki.
 
UNCW launched its CCDE in April 2018. The center is dedicated to raising awareness levels of cybersecurity issues and supporting the development of cyber defense expertise among students, faculty and staff. The university recently was designated a Center of Academic Excellence for Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security.
 
WITX is open to the public (tickets are required). The registration deadline is April 7. Tickets are $25 for one session or $50 for an all-day pass (includes keynote and two sessions). UNCW students are invited to attend free of charge. The event begins at 12:30 p.m. and will be held in the Computer Information Systems Building on the UNCW campus. For more information or to register, visit the WITX website.
 
-- Kristian Worthy ’19