special interest circles
The Circuit has created several peer groups that address technology or marketing issues in a vendor-free
environment. These Special Interest Circles hold informal discussions on issues of current interest to them,
supplemented by speakers on topics selected by the group.
Members of these groups are often from non-IT companies. Special categories of membership are available to
people who want to join these groups. See the Membership Home Page section
for more information and for pricing. For more information or to join a Circle please use our
contact form.
Note: In order to preserve the pressure-free environment of the Circles, vendors are not permitted to join
the Circles. However, members of The Circuit are often invited to make educational presentations to Circles in
their areas of expertise.
Marketing Circle
The Marketing Circle is about solving the challenges that today’s marketers face. Its focus is real-world
applications of marketing strategies, methods and technologies that members can take away and go to work on
right away. The members will select presentation topics that best address their current challenges. Topics may
include Strategy and Branding, Online and Print Advertising, Search Engine Optimization, Blog Marketing, RSS and
Podcasting, Event Marketing and Marketing ROI Measurement.
Who Should Join. Marketing managers and executives from small and medium size businesses who have
decision-making authority over major marketing projects.
Moderator: Brian LeCount, 513.791.8670 x 1-101.
The CIO Circle
This Circle networks IT Leaders of local companies to discuss current technology and management issues,
learn about new technologies and products, and help each other solve pressing problems. Recent topics have
included Server Virtualization Strategies, IT Budgeting, and VOIP. The CIO Circle formally meets six times a
year, and holds many informal gatherings. The CIO Circle is in its third year and has over 25 active members.
Who Should Join. IT Leaders from small and medium size businesses. You do not have to have the title CIO to
attend, but we do ask that you are the IT leader of your organization.
Moderator: Matt Mountain, NexGen Consultants, 513.482.1127
IT Security Circle
The Security Circle is focused on helping our members use best practices and methodologies to provide the
necessary foundation for a secure enterprise environment. The sessions provide a mix of prepared presentations
on selected topics along with closed-door, confidential group discussions around the use of managerial, operational,
and technical controls to create a secure environment.
Who Should Join. IT Management and those individuals with responsibility for information security.
Moderator: Geoff Pearson, KiZAN, 513.618.8943
Enterprise Architecture Circle
The Enterprise Architecture Circle provides a place for enterprise architects to meet and discuss problems
and solutions to today’s hardest enterprise architectural challenges. The EA Circle is intended to be
technology neutral, though at times speakers from various industry-leading organizations such as Microsoft,
Sun and IBM may present on specific subject matters allowing members to view issues from different perspectives
and interact with industry thought leaders.
We address subjects like: Information Worker and SOA; Enterprise architecture planning: SOX, Governance, and
Agility; Security and SOA; Aligning IT with business units; The value of an enterprise architecture plan
Who Should Join. Architects, CTOs and CIOs.
Moderator: Greg Kling, Tahoe Partners, 513.259.1473
IT Operations Circle
The IT Operations Circle is focused on helping our members use best practices to become efficient managers
of technology. We have open discussions about the critical issues that IT resources face everyday. High-level
topics include balancing functionality with cost, selecting and managing vendors, evaluating up and coming
technologies, and control versus empowerment.
Who Should Join. IT Management and Senior Network Administrators.
Moderator: Matt Scherocman, PCMS, 513.477.1377