Conference Theme:

SMART SUSTAINABILITY:
the Information Systems Opportunity

Ken Geisler's Presentation

In the last few years, the word "smart" has been appended to many central features of the modern world, such as cities, grids, organizations, and buildings. Smart, in this sense, implies that information systems are used to advance sustainability. A smart city produces less waste, requires less water, and has highly efficient and convenient public transit. A smart building uses information about the weather and occupancy to reduce energy consumption. A smart organization consumes fewer resources by applying novel ways to substitute physical artifacts and resource sinks with information.

Trends towards networked objects that communicate and autonomously coordinate, the Internet of Things, and the growth of big data are some fragmented manifestations of this. It is about making smarter decisions about sustainability through the use information systems at every level—organizations, networks of entitles (organizations, supply chains, resources), geographic conglomerations (cities, regions, nations), and the society.

Thus, it is an opportunity for IS scholars and practitioners to contribute novel ideas to help substantively shape an ecologically sustainable society.

Poster Session Guidelines

Dear AMCIS 2014 Poster Session Presenters,

The poster session is scheduled for August 9^th (Saturday) from 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM in Chatham Ballroom AB. You may find the following guidelines useful as you prepare your poster.

•  Eighty-six double-sided boards will be ready for you in the Chatham Ballroom AB. Each of your entries is numbered 1 through 172 and the boards will be numbered 1 through 172. Please look for a board with your number on it.

• Bring a full-size HORIZONTAL poster. The maximum poster board dimensions are: 4’ W x 8’ L with 1.5 inch trim finish. Please see an example in the attached file: Horizontal Poster Image. You may bring a full-size or a smaller size custom-made poster and post it on the provided board. Please check local stores near the conference hotel in case you intend to have your poster made and picked up in Savannah. Keep in mind the maximum dimensions while creating the poster! Pushpins and tape will be available onsite.
  
  
• The boards will be available in the Chatham Ballroom AB 45 minutes before your session (at 11:15 AM). Please plan on placing your poster on your assigned board between 11:15 AM and 11:45 AM (15 - 45 minutes before the session starts).
  
  
• Most importantly, plan to be on duty next to your poster during your poster session. You may want to bring a few copies of your full paper and/or a sign-up sheet for those who may request a copy of your paper.
  
  
• Please check the AMCIS website to see updated instructions for the poster session (e.g., layout of room, number of posters, changes, etc.)
  
  
• If the paper was coauthored, please share this information with your coauthor(s).

For questions or comments please contact Doug Battleson, AMCIS 2014 Poster Chair, at dbattleson@gsu.edu or 404.413.7379.

I’m looking forward to seeing you and your posters in Savannah!

Sincerely,

Doug

Douglas A. Battleson, EDB, PMP
AMCIS 2014 Poster Chair

Thank you to the AMCIS 2014 Sponsors

PLATINUM Sponsor

GOLD Sponsor

 ACADEMIC Sponsors

EXHIBITORS

ICCP

Legerity Digital Press

Project Management Institute

Wiley

Max Burns
President of Gordon State College
Barnesville, Georgia, USA

Max Burns was appointed the President of Gordon State College in Barnesville, Georgia in 2012. He was a member of the United States House of Representatives from 2003 to 2005, representing Georgia's 12th congressional district. Prior to his election to Congress, he was a professor of Information Systems at Georgia Southern University's College of Business Administration in Statesboro.

He also served as Dean of the Mike Cottrell Business School at North Georgia College & State University in Dahlonega. He has a PhD and Masters in Information Systems from Georgia State University and a Bachelor's degree from Georgia Institute of Technology.

When:  Thursday, Friday, and Saturday – See schedule for more details 

Where:  The Savannah International Trade & Convention Center  (First Floor, Near Exhibit Hall A, Behind the River Concourse)

Co-Chairs:

Jennifer Claggett, University of Virginia
Nick Berente, University of Georgia
Michael Frutiger, Georgia Tech

The doctoral student corner is a dedicated space for doctoral students attending the conference to orient them to the AMCIS experience and to connect them to others in the field. Located on the first floor of the Convention Center, this space will be available throughout the conference to provide a place for doctoral students to network and relax between conference events. We encourage doctoral students of all levels to register for this free ancillary event when registering for AMCIS 2014.

Students registering for this event in advance will be assigned two student buddies. These buddy groups, made up of fellow doctoral students, are designed to help seed additional networking connections and provide new associates to get to know during conference receptions and meals. There will be additional activities, including a scavenger hunt with prizes and semi-structured round table discussions during networking coffee breaks.

If you have any questions, please email Jennifer Claggett.

Schedule of Events: 

Thursday

Kick-Off     1:00-6:00

Description: Drop by during the doctoral student corner kick-off and get important information about our activities planned for the conference. If you’re participating in the buddy-system, this is a great place to arrange to meet your buddies. Catch up with old friends and make some new ones before heading next door to the opening reception.

Friday

Networking Break: Talking about Your Research Effectively   10:00-10:30            

Description: Stop by during your break and participate in some round table discussions or meet other students and fill out your scavenger hunt cards. The suggested round table topic of this break is the importance of a good elevator speech (a.k.a., how to give a meaningful but brief description of your dissertation project). Various faculty will be around to provide feedback.

Networking Break: Building Your Teaching & Research Portfolio    3:00-3:30

Description: Stop by during your break and participate in some round table discussions or meet other students and fill out your scavenger hunt cards. The suggested round table topic of this break is tips and advice for preparing your teaching and research portfolio. It's important to start planning for your job market material, even as a first year student. Various faculty will be around to contribute to the discussion.

 
Pre-Reception   5:00-5:30

Description: Come by the doctoral student corner before heading over to the reception. Work on filling out your scavenger hunt cards and meet-up with your buddies and discuss dinner plans. Some small prizes may be given out to encourage participation.

Saturday

Networking Break: MIS Celebrity Topic – Future Directions of the Field   10:00-10:30          

Description: Stop by during your break and participate in some round table discussions or meet other students and fill out your scavenger hunt cards. During this networking break we will invite some senior scholars to discuss the important future directions of the field. Various faculty will be around to contribute to the discussion.

Networking Break: Closing Remarks and Scavenger Hunt Drawing    3:00-3:30

Description:  As the doctoral student corner draws to a close, we invite everyone to stop by for the closing remarks. Make sure to get your completed scavenger cards in, as we'll do the big drawing for our prizes. We anticipate giving out several hundred dollars of amazon gift cards!!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: I am not a member of AIS, can I attend the conference?

A: Unfortunately no, this conference is only open to current members of AIS. Prior to registering, you must join or renew your AIS membership. In order to join or renew your AIS membership, please visit the AIS Member Benefits page.

For questions regarding your membership, please contact the AIS Member Service Center by email at membership@aisnet.org or by phone at +, Mon.- Fri. 9am - 5pm ET, excluding US Holidays.

Please select the following link for a current list of the Individual AIS membership rates

Q2:  May I register to only attend the Pre-conference Workshops and/or the SIG/Ancillary meetings?

A:  Unfortunately no, registration for the full conference is required if you are planning to attend the pre-conference workshops and/or SIG/Ancillary Meetings.

Q3: Can I pay after I attend the conference?

A:  Conference registrations fees may be paid in advance or onsite but must be paid in full prior to picking up your badge and other registration materials.

Q4: I am participating in the Doctoral Consortium, are membership fees included in my registration?

A: Student Doctoral Consortium invitees who are first time AIS members are eligible to receive a complimentary one-year AIS student membership; please contact the AIS Member Service Center (membership@aisnet.org) to receive the promo code you will need to complete your complimentary membership registration.  If you are already a current member or will be renewing your membership, Doctoral Consortium registration does not change your membership status and renewal will be at the prevailing rate. 

Q5:  Can I register and pay onsite?

A:  Yes you may register and pay onsite; although we strongly encourage all participants to register and pay in advance due to space limitations and our effort to ensure all of your registration requests/needs can be met. We accept personal checks, traveler’s checks, VISA, MasterCard, and American Express. Cash payment method is also accepted when paying onsite. Please note: conference badges will not be issued until payment is made in full. Register early to take advantage of the early registration discounts!

Q6:  Can I pay by purchase order?

A:  Purchase orders are not permitted. Instead, you may complete the online registration form and select the check payment option as your form of payment. Or you may complete the paper registration form and select the check payment option then fax your form to the registrar at +1 (404) 240-0998 or email to registrar@aisnet.org. Please note that your registration will not be processed until payment has been received. Please note: If evidence of company payment is not available onsite, the participant will be given a registration badge only after he/she provides a valid credit card number as a guarantee until staff returns to the office following the conference to verify payment.

Q7: I am an Institutional Member or Academic Sponsor Designee. How do I register?

A: Contact the AIS Member Service Center at membership@aisnet.org to verify your eligibility and receive the appropriate promotional discount code. Once you receive the appropriate promo code you may enter it during your online registration or provide it on the paper registration form. Please submit your paper registration form via fax +1 (404) 240-0998 or email it to registrar@aisnet.org. 

Q8: What’s the last day for conference registration?

A: We strongly encourage all participants to complete the conference registration by July 28, 2014 to ensure proper processing. After this date, you may complete your conference registration upon your arrival onsite.

Q9: What is the refund policy for conference registration cancellations?

A:Requests for refund or cancellation must be received in writing via email, fax or mail and are subject to the following schedule: 

• Received by June 17, full refund less $25 administrative fee
• Received between June 18 – July 28, full refund less $50 administrative fee
• Cancellation request received on July 29 or later will not be eligible to receive a refund; the registrant will be liable for the full conference registration fee.

Q10: What is the recommended attire for the conference?

A: Conference attire will be casual and comfortable. Meeting room temperatures may be cool and climate varies, so layered clothing may provide the greatest comfort. Be sure to check the local Savannah Forecast for the current weather conditions.

Q11: What is included with the full conference registration?

A: The full conference registration includes attendance to all conference sessions and exhibits, the Welcome Reception, all conference provided meals, evening events and refreshment breaks. (Please note, conference meals are provided on designated days; please see schedule of events for details)

Q12: What if I’d like to bring a guest?

A: Guest Full Package tickets are available and include a printed badge, all conference provided meals and evening events. Or you may purchase a guest individual ticket for the individual evening events. You may pay for your guest ticket through the online registration form, or make your purchase while onsite. Please note guest tickets do not include access to any educational sessions.

Q13: I have special dietary needs; how can I request special meals?

A: We are happy to honor your special dietary needs. Please select your special meal request from the options provided during your conference registration prior to the conference. All special dietary requests mustbe made prior to the conference; requests made onsite may not be honored.

Q14: Are the conference proceedings included in my registration?

A: Yes, the conference proceedings will be available via the AIS eLibrary.

Q15: I need a Visa to travel.  How do I obtain a letter of invitation?

A: Please complete your conference registration, and then complete the Letter of Invitation request form.  After completing both please email the completed request form to the AIS Registrar at registrar@aisnet.org or fax to +1 (404) 240-0998. Please note: prior to receiving a letter of invitation you will need to complete and pay for your conference registration. As visa requests can take several weeks, registrants are strongly encouraged to apply for the Letter of Invitation no later than 2 months prior to the conference.

Q16: Can I pay by bank transfer?

A: Wire transfers are accepted. Please contact the conference registrar to request the wire transfer instructions be sent to you then complete the online or paper registration form and indicate check as your method of payment. Please note: conference badges will not be issued until payment is made in full. If evidence of company payment is not available onsite, the participant will be given a registration badge only after he/she provides a valid credit card number as a guarantee until staff returns to the office following the conference to verify payment.

Need additional registration assistance?

Please contact the AMCIS Registrar by e-mail at registrar@aisnet.org, by phone (Mon. – Fri., 9:00am-5:00pm EST, excluding US holidays) at +1 (404) 760-8177  +1 (404) 760-8177 or via Skype: andreal613.

 Reminder:  Submission deadline was 11:59 PM EST on March 1, 2014.

Important Deadlines for the Review Process:

•  MARCH 4, 2014                 Deadline to assign reviewers (Download Reviewers Guide)

•  MARCH 28, 2014               Deadline for reviewer scores 

•  APRIL 2, 2014                    Deadline for minitrack chair recommendations (Download Mini-track Chair Guide)

•  APRIL 4, 2014                    Deadline to enter track decisions (Download Track Chair Guide)

The acceptance rate for AMCIS 2014 is between 55% and 65%.

Ken Geisler
Vice President, Siemens Business Strategy
Smart Grid Division
Infrastructure & Cities Sector, USA

Ken Geisler's Presentation

Ken Geisler has over 29 years of management and technical experience in defining, designing, developing and implementing large integrated solutions in the energy industry. His background covers real-time analysis, control and integration for systems addressing both operations and planning for transmission and distribution systems, as well as wind generation, substation automation and protection, and distribution automation. Ken has served in various technical, management and executive roles for large international engineering companies.

From 2004-2010 Ken served as chief architect, Smart Grid, Siemens Energy & Automation. In this role he was responsible for solution vision, direction, strategy, definition, design and initial implementations for all areas of EA business, including Smart Grid solutions related to transmission control centers; distribution control centers, distributed energy resources, substation intelligence and automation; distribution automation, demand side management and response; and the overall integrated solution.

Prior to his time with Siemens, Ken was president, CEO and chairman of the board of Configured Energy Systems Inc. from 1991-2004. He was responsible for the vision, direction, strategy, operations, financial performance and management of the executive team. While in this role, he grew the company from 2 to 150 people with $17 million in annual revenues, brought in venture investment to support growth and drove the company to become the largest outage management solution provider in the market during that period.

Ken earned a B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering and a M.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.