Danny press release

SIIA Welcomes Danny Bounds as Manager, Education Technology Policy

by PolicyPress Release

Washington D.C., December 15, 2022 – The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) today announces the appointment of Danny Bounds as Manager, Education Technology Policy.  He will support and advocate on behalf of SIIA’s education technology members on key issues and initiatives.

Bounds has spent the majority of his career in education, most recently as Federal Programs Ombudsman for the Tennessee Department of Education where he worked with federal law and policies related to federal funding to state-wide school districts.  He started his career in higher education specializing in leadership development, diversity and inclusion, first-year programs, community service and strategic planning at the University of South Carolina, the University of Tennessee, and the University of Georgia. He also served as a Judicial Law Clerk for Honorable Judge in the Circuit Criminal Court, Division II, of Rutherford County, TN as well as a law clerk for two law firms.

“Danny is bringing a deep knowledge and experience of higher education to SIIA and will be a valuable contributor to our team,” said Sara Kloek, Vice President, Education and Children’s Policy, SIIA.  “His legal and education background provides unique expertise we can leverage for our members as they navigate today’s challenging ed tech environment.”

A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Bounds received his B.S. at Middle Tennessee State University, his M.Ed. at the University of South Carolina and his J.D. at the University of Memphis.

 

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About SIIA

SIIA is an umbrella association representing more than 600 technology, data and media companies and associations globally. Industry leaders work through SIIA’s divisions to address issues and challenges that impact their industry segments with the goal of driving innovation and growth for the industry and each member company. This is accomplished through in-person and online business development opportunities, peer networking, corporate education, intellectual property protection and government relations. For more information, visit siia.net.

 

Media Library (5)

SIIA Congratulates the EU on Advancing Process for Data Privacy Framework

by PolicyPress Release

This statement can be attributed to Paul Lekas, Senior Vice President, Global Policy, Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA).

SIIA congratulates the European Commission on launching the process toward adoption of an adequacy decision for the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework. We also commend Secretary Raimondo and her team for expertly laying the groundwork for today’s announcement. The EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework is critical to ensure responsible data protection practices that underpin the significant portion of day-to-day global operations that are impacted by data flows across the Atlantic.

Read the full statement here.

Media Library (3)

SIIA Statement on the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act of 2022

by PolicyPress Release

The following statement can be attributed to Chris Mohr, President, Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA).

While the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) is pleased by the progress Congress has made towards finalizing the FY23 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), we are disappointed that Congress is considering using this vehicle to place restrictions on information available in the public domain.

SIIA strongly supports protecting the safety of judges and their families, and we support the goals of the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act of 2022, contained in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that passed the House last week. Included in this legislation is Section 5934, which would permit any current or retired federal judge, as well as their family members and people living in their households, to demand the removal of information about them from the public domain. SIIA nonetheless strongly opposes this measure, as we have no doubt that this form of censorship will restrict judicial transparency and the public’s ability to engage in judicial oversight, undermine First Amendment protections, and limit socially-beneficial uses of information for both the public and judges themselves. Indeed, invoking the rights proposed under Section 5934 will make it difficult for a lender to assess the creditworthiness of a judge.

Read the full statement here.

Media Library (2)

Draft Regulations Comments on Colorado Privacy Act

by Policy

On behalf of the Software and Information Industry Association (SIIA), we write in response to General Weiser offices’ request for input with regard to the draft rules supporting the Colorado Privacy Act (CPA).

We write to propose several modifications that would make the CPA draft regulations
stronger

Read the full letter here.

Thank you for considering our suggested revisions to the CPA draft regulations. We are happy to discuss in further detail, as appropriate.

Q&A - AM&P Network (2)

‘Diversified Revenue Streams and Critical Mass’; Ferrell Aims High for Endeavor Business Media

by BIMSMedia

The industry-leading Business Information & Media Summit (BIMS) will take place in Orlando, Feb. 23-24, the first in-person BIMS since 2019. Accordingly, the team at the AM&P Network see an opportunity to help drive the media conversation and feature the voices of leading thought leaders speaking at the event.

In the weeks to come, we’ll continue to publish one or two brief Q&As every week, each of them zeroing in on a specific topic related to sessions at the event—and in the process highlight our rich and timely agenda.

In our fifth installment, Tony Silber talks to Chris Ferrell, CEO of the Nashville-based, acquisition-focused Endeavor Business Media. Chris will be one of the esteemed executives speaking at the BIMS General Session: Outlook 2023: A CEO Panel.

As businesses face new challenges in an ever-evolving market, improving operational efficiency remains a top priority for leaders like Chris Ferrell. In his conversation at the BIMS General Session, he’ll likely touch on how Endeavor Business Media has successfully navigated the complexities of acquisitions while staying focused on improving business efficiency.

The key lies in understanding how different elements of the business intersect—whether it’s optimizing workflows, leveraging technology, or streamlining communication between teams. For businesses looking to stay competitive in 2023 and beyond, incorporating strategic Business Consulting can be an invaluable tool. Experienced consultants help identify bottlenecks, improve decision-making processes, and implement scalable solutions that support growth, all while ensuring that resources are used effectively.

As leaders like Chris Ferrell share their insights at BIMS, the focus on business efficiency will undoubtedly resonate with attendees, encouraging them to adopt strategies that drive sustainable success.

Tony Silber: What’s your topline take on the state of B2B media for 2023?
Chris Ferrell: How 2023 shakes out for B2B will largely be determined by the underlying industry being served. I expect a ragged recession that impacts certain sectors significantly and others hardly at all. I do think that events will continue to rebound from the Covid downturn and that if events aren’t at or exceeding 2019 levels in 2023 then there is something wrong with the event rather than a hangover from Covid. Overall, I think the B2B industry is healthy. There are lots of companies doing interesting things and providing great content for their audiences.

You’re the fastest-growing, most dynamic company in the business right now. What’s driving your growth?
Chris: We have been able to continue our acquisition strategy of acquiring smaller B2B media companies in an environment where there is little competition for them. At the same time, we have assembled a very experienced team and have the resources to invest in the innovative ideas they come up with for organic growth. As a result, we are launching new events and new products on a regular basis. In terms of organic growth, our suite of marketing solutions products is where we are seeing the largest revenue growth.

What’s your ultimate goal for the business model across your existing businesses and this year’s many acquisitions? A diversified approach including advertising, events, data, subscriptions, etc.? A gradual shift to one of those or something else?
Chris: Our business model is predicated on having both diversified revenue streams and critical mass in the industries we serve. Our acquisitions have reflected that approach as we acquired both expanded capabilities this year in research and podcasting as well as expanded the size of our audience and the number of brands we offer in several of the verticals that we serve. It is our goal to be our clients’ most important marketing partner. We want to have the largest, most engaged audience in each sector we cover and then be able to provide a full range of services to our clients who are trying to reach those audiences.

What’s the most resilient model in B2B media?
Chris: We built EBM with the idea that it would be resilient. If sentiment moves away from certain products, we have many others that can take up the slack. If certain industries are struggling, then we have others that are having a good year and can make up for softness elsewhere. That is the whole idea behind diversification. It worked during Covid, and I expect it to allow us to navigate whatever 2023 throws our way as well.

Thanks so much, Chris. See you in Orlando at BIMS 2023!