The Advanced Technology Academic Research Center (ATARC) and The Government Information Technology Executive Council (GITEC) announced their merger on May 31.

The merger brings together two non-profits that provide professional development and collaborative forums for Federal government, academia and industry to identify, discuss and resolve emerging technology challenges.

“I’ve attended the GITEC summit for many years and realized the value they bring to the federal community,” said ATARC Founder and President Tom Suder. “We finally realized our missions were so well-aligned and our audiences so similar that joining forces would allow us to do more for the Federal government while creating less confusion in an already crowded space.”

The new organization will be guided by GITEC’s Government and Industry Advisory Councils and run by ATARC’s dedicated staff.

“We are excited about this new relationship,” said GITEC President Adriane Burton. “Both organizations bring unique opportunities to the Federal audience. We both have something to offer, and together our constituents win.”

The merger between the two organizations is effective immediately. Initially, the GITEC Spring Summit — the organization’s flagship event — will remain under its brand and be produced by the new, merged organization. Similarly, the ATARC Federal IT Summit Series and ATARC Working Groups will also remain under its current brand and production.