Robert Lewis, president and founder of IT Catalysts, and Master of Ceremonies, opened the evening by entertaining and enlightening the group with his perspectives on IT.

Metropolitan State U president Sue Hammersmith shared thoughts on the importance of community.

Partners and friends of Advance IT Minnesota enjoyed Maverick panelists Marty Hebrig, president of Maverick Software Consultant and winner of the 2011 Tekne award for Innovative Collaboration, Jake Severson, intern, and Mitch Van Eps, software engineer.

The evening included audience participation led by Bruce Lindberg, executive director, during an interactive "voting session" regarding what Advance IT Minnesota is and does, and culminated with an ideation session about "What Drives IT Career Success."