Inspired by a fun InformationWeek blog post, we thought we'd ask some Enterprisers which techies they'd enjoy sharing Thanksgiving dinner with. Here's what they said:
Someone to judge family tech ideas
Inevitably the conversation at the Marcante household during Thanksgiving dinner ends up with a discussion of who (around the table) has the best, next killer idea. Often these ideas are about technology since my family is filled with technologists, economists, accountants and tech-savvy kids. I'd be tempted to invite former WIRED magazine editor-in-chief Chris Anderson, who did a tech talk about the life cycle of tech gadgets that was filled with economic analysis (think credibility). He'd be the perfect judge to anoint the "best, next big idea," finally earning me the proper bragging rights. - John Marcante, CIO, Vanguard
Let's talk XPRIZE
I'd have to say Peter Diamandis is someone I could listen to talk for hours. He is a futurist techie and co-founder of the Singularity University and founder of the XPRIZE Foundation, and he has amazing insight into what is happening on the far edge of technology. - Sven Gerjets, CTO, Pearson
A pioneer computer scientist
The late Grace Hopper. Her perspective on the emergence of computing in the 20th century and the changing role of women in technology and society would be fascinating. - Lee Congdon, CIO, Red Hat
An inventor and futurist
I'd go with Ray Kurzweil. I would love to hear about his process for invention and his thoughts on the future with all of the digital technology and computer intelligence that is right at our doorstep. - Peter Buonora, Enterprise Architect, BJ's Wholesale Club
