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I almost forgot! On February 18th, I attended Tech Trends with Keith Brophy , an event hosted by West Michigan’s tech group, aimWest. Other noteworthy attendees I ran into included Jim Bruckbauer, Daniel Estrada, and Mayor Hartwell of Grand Rapids.

Keith, a software and technology guru, has been putting this event on for the past 10 years in which he make 10 prediction of what is to come in the future in regards to technology. Thus far, the past 2 years I’ve attend have been pretty good and spot on. If you follow technology news, some of them seem obvious, but he always speaks to a few subjects that are new to me.

1 – Evolution of the cell phone

Prediction: Within 5 years, 50% of adults are tracked in home or office via phone tracking applications.

2 – Extinction of Paper

Prediction: In 5 years, only one-third as many newspapers and books are published on paper. Alternatives to paper, such as on-line forms, E-paper products and E-reader delivery boom.

3- Evolution of Social Networking

Prediction: In 3 years, social networking becomes as pre-requisite as phone and electricity across the full range of age demographics. Organizations continue to embrace Facebook as it loses its “teen” status and opens the way for acceptance of other similar business social networking solutions.

4 – New Energy Source

Prediction: In 5 years, we will find the early generation of a new heat-to-electricity energy harvester (the thermoelectric generator) on a wide variety of products. This will be the beginning of a revolution in the way we use energy.

5 – Evolution of the PC

Prediction: In 3 years, the majority of us use Netbook computers, as traditional desktops and laptops largely fade to the background.

6 – Evolution of How We Interact with Computers

Prediction: In 5 years, software lives in clouds and the computer platform is everywhere.

7 – Cyborgs

Prediction: In 5 years, simple cyborgs appear and social and legal issues begin to rage.

8 – AniRobos

Prediction: In 5 years, 20% of professionals, 20% of business offices, 30% of homes have mobile helpers or AniRobos.

9 – Data Communes

Prediction: In 5 years, we own an “overall e-record” of our lives that we grant electronic entities selective access to; many regions gain advantage by aggregating this; and privacy issues rage across all sectors as collective personal data begins to be viewed as gold.

10 – Evolution of Role of Elderly to a that of Workplace Sages

Prediction: In 5 years, we see the start of a remarkable shift in workplace demographics and workflow. There is a societal shift of age-based roles fueled by explosion of age-supporting technology that pushes net-era Seniors to the forefront.

A lot has stayed the same and much has changed. With only half a semester left, my thoughts are all over the place and my work ethic in shambles. In hopes to correctly assign my To-Do’s and my ‘Want’ To-Do’s, I took time this weekend to construct a decently sized whiteboard in my Tremont room. We’ll see if it is successful.

Last week, another very successful GVSU Idea Pitch Competition (4th Annual) was put on by the university’s chapter of The Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization. Katie Racey earned 1st place this year with her pitch regarding an innovative way to redesign and relocate insulin pumps for individuals with diabetes. Congratulations to all participants!

I also attended an AimWest event on sustainability last week, which featured a panel of three local businessmen who are leading this regions efforts; Bruce Thomson, Clinton Boyd and Dan Blackledge. Understanding, continuing, and advancing Michigan’s sustainable technology will be what turns our economy around. As a state, we need to use what we know, and we are a leader in this area and must run with it. Fast Company rated Grand Rapids as America’s Greenest City.

GVSU roller hockey practices have also began in these last few weeks. The team is making a lot of progress and the caliber of players has greatly increased. We are expecting both teams, A and B, to improve upon last year’s records. The teams will be coached by Bob Fisher and Stephen Harford, both team alumni. Close friend, Tony Switkowski, will also be playing again this year. Check out the team website and also let me know if your interested in sponsoring the team.