BY AJAY GHOSH
Atlantic City, November 2, 2023: Networking, learning, and knowledge sharing, along with esteemed speakers, insightful workshops, collaboration, relationship building, celebrating achievements, cultural events, awards ceremony, business showcases, diverse cuisine, all hosted more than 2,200 members of ITServe Alliance. These members represent small and medium-sized Information Technology companies. This remarkable gathering, known as Synergy 2023, took place from October 26th to 27th, 2023, at the popular Harrahs Resort in Atlantic City, NJ.
In his Presidential address, Vinay K. Mahajan, National President of ITServe Alliance, extended a warm welcome to members, leaders, chapter presidents, sponsors, and volunteers, expressing his deep gratitude for their unwavering commitment and dedication. He highlighted their essential role as the backbone of the organization, driving it forward.
Mr. Mahajan described ITServe’s mission, emphasizing its role as the voice representing the interests of small and medium-scale IT enterprises, protecting members’ interests, and contributing to the community by investing in startups, ultimately helping the United States maintain leadership in innovation and technology. He stressed the importance of collaboration and synergy, both within individual businesses and across the entire community.
Venu Sangani, Director of Synergy 2023, emphasized the unity of the community as its strength and outlined his objective to provide attendees with concrete insights to help their businesses thrive. He recognized the collective vision of ITServe as alive and thriving.
Sanghani, who led a dedicated and visionary team in organizing this historic event, highlighted that Synergy 2023 goes beyond knowledge exchange; it also serves as a source of inspiration for entrepreneurs, with success stories from fellow business owners igniting ambitions to scale businesses, diversify investments, and explore new territories.
Vinodbabu Uppu, Governing Board Chair of ITServe, underlined that Synergy 2023 stands as a unique conference, offering innovative strategies and tactics exclusively tailored for IT service companies and individuals. He emphasized the importance of building strategic relationships with partner organizations, sponsors, and supporters to create a better technology environment.
Jagadish Modsali, President-Elect of ITServe, expressed his appreciation for the dedicated efforts of the volunteers and the Board, acknowledging their crucial role in the event’s success. He thanked both the “Sung Heroes” and the “Unsung Heroes” for their service and commitment to the organization and the community.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, the Chief Guest at Synergy 2023, delivered the Keynote Address during an interactive session with ITServe members on October 27th evening. Ms. Clinton, the 67th Secretary of State of the United States, shared candidly about her personal life, her upbringing, her marriage to Bill Clinton, and the challenges of juggling various roles as a daughter, wife, mother, and public figure.
Clinton commended the contributions of the fast-growing Indian American community and encouraged them to stay involved in their communities, become active members of civic clubs and volunteer groups, and consider becoming American citizens if they so choose. She praised the Indian diaspora as role models for people across the nation and expressed gratitude for their contributions.
Steve Forbes, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Media, delivered a speech on “Leadership Lessons: The Stunning Parallels Between Great Leaders of the World and Today’s Top Business Leaders.” He emphasized the importance of taking action, even when not fully prepared, and offered hope for positive changes, including potential immigration law reform in 2025.
Phaneesh Murthy, Founder & CEO of Primentor, addressed the audience on “Strategies for Scaling and Sustaining a Successful IT Company from One to 100 Million Plus.” The keynote address by Zack Kass, Technology Futurist and Generative AI Solutions Specialist, focused on “AI for Small Business Success: Navigating the Future of Entrepreneurship.”
Ashish Agarwal from Turbo Start, DVC, led the Startup Cube Panel discussion on “GTM Pitfalls Faced by Growing Startups.” A Financial Panel Discussion explored “Alternative Investments for Diversified Business Portfolios and Funding Solutions for Diversified Growth.” The afternoon Breakout Session covered “Mastering the Art of Effective Recruiting in the Staffing Industry” by Barbara Bruno.
Another important topic discussed during the Breakout Session was “State, County, City, High-Ed & Federal Government Contracting: Opportunities & Challenges,” led by Nazeera Dawood, CEO of Vendorship.net. The M & A Panel Discussion delved into “Driving Growth and Value Through Strategic M&A: Opportunities and Challenges: Accelerating Business Expansion.” Another interesting Breakout Session on the first day focused on “Increase Cash Flow and Debt Collection,” led by Douglas Fuchs at Goldman, Evans & Trammell LLC.
Kevin O’Leary, a Venture Capitalist and star of ABC’s Shark Tank, delivered the Evening keynote address on “The Path to Profit: Strategies for Building a Successful Business,” offering insights into enhancing business profits.
During the evening Gala, Grand Sponsors Four Oaks Insurance and TrackEx, as well as Platinum Sponsors of Synergy 2023: AG Fintax, BBI Law Group, Ceipa Corp, Imagility, Oorwin, Q 1 Technologies, Somireddy Law, T I A Tech Insurance Agency, and Vitel Global, were honored for their generous support to ITServe Alliance.
As one participant summarized, “Synergy 2023 was an incredible experience, and I feel so grateful to have been a part of it. The energy and enthusiasm that you brought to the event were truly inspiring, and I came away with a wealth of knowledge and new connections. Once again, thank you for all of your hard work in putting together such a fantastic event.”
In addition to the learning and knowledge sharing, cultural events, music, and dance, Synergy 2023 provided actionable insights and strategies for companies to implement, serving as a catalyst for taking businesses to the next level. Beyond networking and knowledge sharing, Synergy 2023 has become a marketplace for ideas and innovations.
Amar Varada, Chair of Synergy 2023, highlighted the event’s success in bringing together industry professionals from across the country, fostering a strong community network.
Anil Atyam, Chair of Speakers for Synergy 2023, emphasized the diversity and prestige of the speakers and panelists, who played a pivotal role in shaping discussions and providing valuable insights.
Ashok Dandamudi, PR Director for ITServe, described Synergy 2023 as a platform for industry leaders to come together, hear from policymakers, engage in discussions, and deliberate on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the world of IT Staffing and Technology.
The morning of October 27th began with the keynote address on “Navigating the Financial Crises and Regulatory Landscape: Lessons Learned and Insights for IT Staffing Company Owners” by Sheila Bair, Former FDIC Chair.
Other sessions in the morning included a Startup Cube Finals on GTM Pitfalls Faced by Growing Startups, led by Ashish Agarwal, Turbo Start, DVC. The Immigration Panel Discussion focused on “Navigating Immigration Challenges and Policies.” The CXO Panel focused on “The Evolving Role of CIOs and CTOs in AI and ChatGPT Powered Digital Transformation.” Other panel discussions addressed issues related to “Contracts And Litigations” and “Direct Client Engagement in the World of Contingent Workforce.”
