GSA shines a light

I don't often talk about our competitors because... well, you know. I actually worked for Government Computer News for nearly five years before I want to an online publications PlanetGov and then finally came to Federal Computer Week almost six years ago. So I love competition. It is one of the reasons I love this business -- it is SO competitive and you always want to beat the other guys. Increasingly, our competition is time -- you have so much information coming at you, we have to present information in ways that draws you in.

All of this is a long way of saying that I'm going to talk about our competitors, specifically the GCN Awards Banquet, which was held last week. By all accounts, it was a really excellent event. First off, they honored programs that make a difference, and I'm a big believer in that. Secondly, they honored Brig. Gen. Susan Lawrence, who was named GCN's Defense Executive of the Year. She received a standing ovation when she appeared on screen from Qatar via video link. Given my most recent experience with that kind of video, the GCN folks told me it worked well.

But the buzz down here at ELC is that apparently Lurita Doan, the GSA administrator, bought four tables to the GCN banquet. Not GSA -- Doan herself. The requirement was that there be only GSA people at the tables -- no industry. And apparently she brought those glowing necklaces for GSA people to wear. They had party clickers.

I know we look forward to seeing her and the GSA folks at Fed 100 in March.

By the way, Fed 100 nominations are up. Nominate away at www.fcw.com/fed100.