Start Your Engines for Connect 2024: Transforming for Tomorrow
May 20, 2024 by Philip Wood
The charge at the starting line of Tyler Connect 2024: Transforming for Tomorrow was electric as thousands of public sector leaders from around the country streamed into the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. And for good reason. Over the coming three days of training, inspirational lectures, and networking in "The Racing Capital of the World," these individuals will be celebrated for their collective dedication to serving the public.
And It’s Off to the Races
As Connect 2024 opened Sunday night into Monday, teams were busily mapping out the road ahead.
Terri Reese, Francis Dohnji, and Gretchen Wyrick from the city of Gaithersburg, Maryland, were among the 5,900 public sector attendees now gathered in the #1 convention city in the U.S. Although they came to Connect 2024 to learn more about Tyler Enterprise ERP software, which they are implementing in their office, the team also plans to explore a range of other innovative products being showcased over the coming days at the 800 educational and training sessions on offer.
“We’re here to learn about new technologies, and to make what we’ve been using more efficient,” Dohnji said.
Reese said the networking opportunities at Connect 2024 had already proven to be a major plus.
“We love the networking, it’s such a good opportunity to talk to other users of the software,” she said. “Everyone is so open to telling you how they use the product — most people have been using the products for so long, and they give you the tips and tricks.”
How best to map out their product-training schedule, decide between inspirational speakers, and leave time for some high-octane networking with their industry peers?
“That’s the challenge,” Reese laughed. “We try to sit down periodically and reevaluate to determine if we are getting the most out of the classes.”
Along with courses tailored to every level, skill set, and learning style, the conference attendees are also being treated to an inspiring lineup of industry thought leaders and motivational speakers including FutureThink CEO Lisa Bodell, Black Ambition CEO Felecia Hatcher, and celebrity chef and best-selling author Jeff Henderson.
Attendees also dropped in on the Connect Solutions Hub, a convenient location where they could check out Tyler software, brainstorm with Tyler staff, and formulate plans to maximize the capabilities of Tyler products in years to come.
Transforming for Tomorrow: Together
Tyler Technologies President and CEO Lynn Moore gives the opening address to a packed auditorium in Indianapolis.
Connect 2024 formally launched on Monday morning with an opening speech by Tyler Technologies President and CEO Lynn Moore, who described the energizing effect of walking into the Connect Opening session.
"This event — and the time I am able to spend with you — is truly the highlight of my year," Moore said. "Your presence here today speaks volumes about your dedication to serving the public, and I am honored to be here with you."
Moore then elaborated on the theme of this year's conference, "Transforming for Tomorrow."
"There’s nothing more energizing than walking into the Connect opening session each year and seeing all of you.”
"As we look to tomorrow, we see an opportunity for truly transformative change in the public sector," Moore said. "However, to realize the opportunity, we must collectively transform how we think about our technology, today. Our time together this week is a chance for us to chart the course for tomorrow's innovations — to discover opportunities to make our communities smarter, safer, and stronger than ever before."
FutureThink CEO Lisa Bodell shares her tips on simplifying life – and work – with the Connect 2024 audience.
Moore was followed at the podium by FutureThink CEO Lisa Bodell, who shared her insights on simplifying complexity to better embrace opportunities and push the boundaries of what's possible. Ranked as one of the Top 50 Speakers Worldwide, the best-selling author of Kill the Company and Why Simple Wins equipped the audience with radically simple tools to simplify, collaborate, and innovate to get to the work that matters.
From Strength to Strength: The Tyler Excellence Awards
A highlight of Connect every year is the announcement of Tyler's Excellence Award winners. This year's 29 honorees were selected from over 80 nominations spanning local governments, courts, schools, and other departments from around the country.
Learn more about the Tyler Excellence Awards winners here
Attendees from Richland County School District 1 in South Carolina sharing their excitement about Connect 2024 during a red-carpet interview in the media hub.
Connect 2024 on Social
As many attendees and Tyler employees know, social media remains the best place to stay constantly plugged in with Connect. Following Tyler Technologies and using #TylerConnect is a great way to connect during and after the conference and to see highlights from the three-day event. Post and tag pictures of yourself, your team, or other sights around Connect to be featured in Tyler's Connect 2024 photo album on Facebook!
Christopher Lavin, Linda Hood, Tammy Lomelino, and Gabe McLeod from Peoria County, Illinois, between sessions at Connect 2024.
We'll be back soon with more stories from Connect 2024.