Noted Economist Tim Harford to Deliver Keynote at CompTIA EMEA Member & Partner Conference

London, 25 September 2013 – CompTIA, the non-profit association for the information technology (IT) industry, announced today that noted economist, journalist and author Tim Harford will deliver the opening keynote address at its 2013 EMEA Member & Partner Conference.

IT industry channel executives and IT certification partners from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa will be in attendance at the conference, set for 21-22 October at the Lancaster London. The conference is open to CompTIA members, non-members and partners.

Harford is a world renowned behavioural economist and award-winning Financial Times columnist. Frequently described as �Britain's Malcolm Gladwell,' his first two books, The Logic of Life and The Undercover Economist, have been translated into 30 languages and sold well over one million copies. He is also presenter of Radio 4's More or Less and Pop Up Economics.

"We're pleased to welcome Tim Harford as our conference keynoter," said Kelly Ricker, senior vice president, events and education, CompTIA. "His remarks promise to be enlightening, reflective and thought-provoking."

At the CompTIA EMEA Member & Partner Conference, Harford will speak on "Innovation and the Art of Good Mistakes." He'll share his insights on where good ideas come from; and explain that while certain kinds of innovation are easy to manage, others pose serious challenges to both innovator and manager alike. He'll also explore the importance of trial and error and why "experiment and learn from your mistakes" is such difficult advice to take.

Harford's speech is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, 22 October.

Each year the CompTIA EMEA Member & Partner Conference attracts executives from leading IT solution providers, value-added resellers, technology vendors and distributors, training companies and academies from across the region. These industry leaders come together to connect, collaborate and gain insight into the latest technologies and trends to help grow their businesses and the IT industry.

Visit CompTIA Events for more information and to register for the 2013 CompTIA EMEA Member & Partner Conference. 

About CompTIA
CompTIA is the voice of the world's information technology (IT) industry. Its members are the companies at the forefront of innovation; and the professionals responsible for maximizing the benefits organizations receive from their investments in technology. CompTIA is dedicated to advancing industry growth through its educational programs, market research, networking events, professional certifications, and public policy advocacy. Visit www.comptia.org, www.facebook.com/CompTIA and twitter.com/comptia for more information.