It seems like sometimes tech trends tend to explode on the scene via the marketing machine before anyone in IT has really had a chance to figure out what they are. It happened with the Cloud, and now it seems like it’s happening with Big Data.

In the case of Big Data, the term may be new but the concept is not. There has always been a need to gather data effectively and then analyze it. Now it’s finally becoming formalized.

CIO Magazine and EMC conducted a survey very recently that indicated Big Data is about to get the attention it deserves: 60% of the survey replies considered big data initiatives either critical or important.  For non-US IT leaders, it was an amazing 82% or greater.

There’s no better time to inform yourself about Big Data than now. Here are three events coming up that may help you do that:

2012 Business Intelligence Congress 3

Taking place in Orlando, FL on December 15 and 16, 2012, this conference will provide support for those who teach analytics and facilitate constructive discussions around analytics research. It’s an opportunity to contribute your knowledge and brainstorm with key industry movers and shakers.

Webinar: Fast Path to Cross-Functional Predictive Analytics

Join well known Analytics and Big Data expert Shawn Rogers of Enterprise Management Associates, Predictive Analytics expert Steven Hillion, and Data Virtualization expert David Besemer to learn the benefits of cross functional analytics and new streamlined approaches for accessing and analyzing multiple data sources. November 13, 2012, 12:00pm ET/9:00am PT.

Webinar: Advancing Analytics – How To Address the Analytic Silo Challenge

(Oct 16, 2012, 12:00pm ET / 9:00am PT)

Join well known Analytics and Big Data expert Krish Krishnan and Data Virtualization expert Robert Eve to learn about the cross-silo analytic opportunity and how to advance your analytics strategies beyond today’s silos to achieve significant business impact.