Behind the Curtain: I/ITSEC

Today we introduce a new series on GovEvents, "Behind the Curtain."  In these posts, we will talk to the producers of some of the biggest shows for our government audience.  For our inaugural post, we feature Debbie Langelier, CEM, Director of Exhibits and Sponsorships for I/ITSEC.

Held this year from November 30-December 4, the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) is the world's largest modeling, simulation, and training conference.  The event includes peer-reviewed paper presentations, tutorials, special events, professional workshops, a commercial exhibit hall, a serious games competition, and STEM events for teachers and secondary students.

Thanks to Debbie and her team for sharing some of the thought process that goes into putting on this annual event which attracts 15,000-18,000 attendees each year.

Q: We've been hearing recently that travel and training budgets are starting to loosen up a bit.  Are you seeing this?

While travel budgets remain tight due to the effects of sequestration and flat defense outlays, our rising attendance is recognition that some events, such as I/ITSEC, are indispensable to a trained and ready force. Both the Chief of Naval Operations and the Commandant of the Marine Corps are scheduled to address the conference attendees.  In addition, representation from the Congressional Modeling and Simulation Caucus promises to be robust.  We are thrilled that agency leaders are attending and as a result showing their support for the importance of training and networking.

Unique to our role in the industry, we are seeing acceptance that simulation is a budget force multiplier in times of fiscal constraint.  The prospect of using synthetic environments to replace and/or enhance training is seen as an opportunity to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the way we train.[Tweet "At I/ITSEC, we are seeing acceptance that simulation is a budget force multiplier. #GovEventsBlog"]

Q: How are you integrating social media into your event?

Social media is fully integrated into all aspects of I/ITSEC.  We are on all social media platforms and will post content updates from the "Show Daily" each day during the event.  In addition, video content from the floor is posted continually on our YouTube site, NTSAToday and the "Show Daily" is posted each day on our web sites. [Tweet "Social media is fully integrated into all aspects of I/ITSEC. #GovEventsBlog"]

Q: What is your perspective on hybrid events?  Virtual events?

While virtual and hybrid events offer convenience and flexibility, it is not a great fit for our audience.  Much of the technology on display at I/ITSEC can only be experienced first-hand. Virtual attendance would restrict the participant to a narrow impression of the capabilities on the floor.  Business being conducted on the exhibit floor among varying nationalities could not be successfully pursued in an artificial environment where social and cultural cues would be obscured.  Our in-person attendance has been growing in spite of travel restrictions, so it is not an area we are looking into for this event.

Q: What are you most excited about for this year's event?

This year we will host a large, live/virtual/constructive exercise for I/ITSEC 2015.  Operation Blended Warrior will involve more than thirty exhibiting corporations and government agencies across the I/ITSEC exhibit floor.  This will be a four-day scenario based on a humanitarian relief mission with kinetic and cyber overlays.  Exercises of this kind utilize all elements of synthetic environments, effecting savings in time and effort while producing an all-encompassing training experience.

We also have a number of outstanding, groundbreaking events such as Black Swan, which will explore the role simulation training can play in preparing for low probability/high impact events.  Another will deal with the challenge of cyber, while yet another panel will focus specifically on how cyber threats could impact the power grid.

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GovEvents will be at I/ITSEC 2015 - please stop by and see us at booth 516.