Congressman Connolly and CIOs Toast Paddy’s Day on March 14th

MeriTalk’s mixologists are giving the artist formerly known as Cyber Smoke a new shake.

As of 2024, the bi-monthly power networking event is called MeriTalk Tech Tonic. It’s the same recipe of face time, fun, and connections that 700 government and industry execs know and love – but with a few sweet new twists.

So, what’s in a Tech Tonic?

MeriTalk’s juicing our value for CIOs and gov tech leaders. We kick off with turbo-charged Tech Tonic content in the VIP reception. We’re adding fun themes. And, we’re expanding the focus beyond cyber – to cover Hill priorities/FITARA, AI, women in tech, and, yes, cyber. So, we’ll see a broader, more diverse Fed exec crowd.

Mason McDaniel, CTO at Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives

“We love Cyber Smoke networking, but cyber’s only part of the equation – so, we asked MeriTalk to shake it up to provide more value for Fed tech leaders,” said Mason McDaniel, CTO at Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives. “We’re excited about Tech Tonic – best of the past, with new twists.”

So, Who’s on First?

The Paddy’s Day March 14th Tech Tonic features VIP speaker Congressman Gerry Connolly – Federal IT’s favorite leprechaun – talking Hill priorities. Congressman Connolly will recognize CIOs for their FITARA achievements – CIOs will join us to pick up their awards and toast Fed IT excellence. Thank you to our VIP sponsors Dell and GDIT – others welcome.

What’s on the Menu for the Rest of the Year?

New topics – new themes – new audiences:

May 16th – Women in Tech – Triple Crown

July 18th – AI – Beach Party

September 19th – Cyber – Almost Fed Year End & CIO Cricket Recap

December 19th – Holiday Bash

We’ll announce Tech Tonic VIP speakers as we run up to these programs.

Sean Connelly
Sean Connelly, Trusted Internet Connections program manager and senior security architect at CISA

“MeriTalk’s happy hour has always been great networking for Feds – Tech Tonic takes us to the next level,” said Sean Connelly, Trusted Internet Connections program manager and senior security architect at CISA. “Connelly, Connolly, and O’Keeffe – Paddy’s Day’s setting up nicely.”

“Who wouldn’t want a little luck o’ the Irish?” said Steve O’Keeffe, founder of MeriTalk. “Pour yourself a Tech Tonic. VIP reception to kick the night off? That’s your pot o’ gold. Relaxed indoor/outdoor space as springtime starts to show itself? You may be sure. Throw in a dash of fun – renew old acquaintances – come as a stranger, leave as a friend.”

Same time, same place – just Tech Tonic better. Join hundreds of your gov IT friends and colleagues at Morton’s The Steakhouse from 5:00-9:00 p.m. on the 14th for the happiest hour in gov IT. VIPs at 4:30 p.m.

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Steve O'Keeffe
Steve O'Keeffe
The most connected executive in the government technology community – O'Keeffe is an accomplished entrepreneur and tech-policy expert, with 30 years’ experience as an innovator at the crossroads of government and industry. He founded MeriTalk, O'Keeffe & Company, 300Brand, among other entities. O'Keeffe is a fixture on the Hill, in both the House and Senate, testifying on IT, budget, government workforce, and the requirement to modernize government IT to enhance outcomes for the American people and government employees. He is a champion for change, simplification, transparency, and clear communication of IT value without jargon. A committed philanthropist, O'Keeffe has served for 15 years on the USO-Metro Board of Directors – Vice Chairman of the Board and Chair of the Annual Awards Dinner. He started his career as a journalist – O'Keeffe has contributed to The Economist, Government Executive, Signal Magazine, The Washington Post, and, of course, MeriTalk.
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