Name: Baton Rouge .Net, SQL Server & PowerBI User Groups Meeting
Start: 2025-01-08T17:15:00-06:00
End: 2025-01-08T20:00:00-06:00

Agenda:
• 5:15 - 5:45 - Food and Drinks (Networking)
• 5:45 - 6:00 - Introduction/Announcements
• 6:00 - 7:15 - Presentations
• 7:15 - 8:00 - Open forum for questions

This month's meeting is being sponsored by

### Startup 101: Lessons Learned

### **[Michael Viron](https://sessionize.com/app/organizer/speaker/7812/f3281bba-36d8-4f77-8910-0ecf9d9e0e0d)**

In the dynamic landscape of startups, leveraging technology effectively can be a game-changer. This session delves into essential lessons learned in Information Technology (IT) that are crucial for the success and sustainability of startups. Whether you're launching a tech-driven product or service, managing data, or optimizing operations, understanding these insights can steer your startup towards growth and resilience.

Baton Rouge .NET and SQL Server User Groups

.NET Foundation

Excella

Envoc

EisnerAmper

DBADuck

The Personnel Consulting Group

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana

SUSCO

Rubrik

Quest

Glean

Cozyroc

Elevator3

Kuvare

Silk

Technology

.NET

Database Professionals

Software Development

SQL Server

Web Development

Professional Networking

Mobile Development

Computer Programming

Kenneth Neal

Thomas LeBlanc

Multi-faceted IT Executive & Entrepreneur
Over the years, I have gained a wide variety of experience as a senior IT director, business owner, speaker, volunteer, and event organizer. Since 1995, I’ve helped launch numerous startups, company divisions, product lines, professional user groups, and technology events.




In 2010, I launched the Northwest Florida Software Architecture Summit (designed to bring developers & IT professionals together) and complimented it with the launch of Careers in Tech in 2011. Careers in Tech underwent a successful reboot in 2015 and regularly holds events virtually and across the southeastern US.

My wide range of experience covers many key areas, including operations (both business & IT), project management, security, and software engineering. In addition to my full time job, I also continue to be heavily involved as an alumni volunteer, presenter, and mentor at the University of West Florida and in various leadership and consulting roles for projects and organizations nationwide.

In my role as Director of IT & Software Engineering at KAMedData, Inc / KontactIntelligence, I've been heavily involved in coordinating numerous product launches and both company and division startups. A key member of the company's management team, I have a wide range of responsibilities including day-to-day technical operations, project management, security, short and long range technical planning, and development.

In addition, I founded General Education Online (GEO), handling a wide variety of business and technical operations. GEO has been recognized for quality and excellence, and as an industry innovator and leader by the Chronicle for Higher Education, the US Department of Education, and LibrarySpot.com .

I also spend time as a volunteer with a wide variety of professional organizations and user groups at both a local and national level, including IEEE Northwest Florida (IEEE NWF), the Computer & Communications Joint Society of IEEE NWF (as Chair since 2009), the international IEEE Computer Society (currently serving on the Awards & Recognition Committee), and IT Gulf Coast. As part of my efforts to give back to the community, I also serve on advisory boards covering IT, computer science, and cyberforensics for Pensacola State College (since 1/2015) and the Escambia County School District (since 09/2015).

In my sparse spare time, you'll find me active on social media, as a photographer and writer, and as a consultant / advisor for Fortune 500 companies and startups nationwide.

Michael Viron