Conventions

GovSec is the Government Security Conference and Expo, co-locating with the US Law Enforcement Conference. On offer was “a full spectrum of physical, IT and cybersecurity solutions, alongside wireless and mobility communications equipment for federal, state and local governments”. GovSec brought together thousands of professionals tasked with securing the homeland, from the decision-makers at the federal level to the first responders, firefighters and police officers responding to catastrophic events in their hometown, and every government security professional in between. Keynotes came from Admiral Thad Allen, who was in charge of the BP Gulf Oil-Spill cleanup, and Nicholas Stein, the producer of the Border Wars series on National Geographic TV. So you could take your pick between oil slicks and illegal alien visitors as the main threat to the National Way of Life.

FDIC stands for Fire Department Instructors’ Conference, and it’s the World’s Largest Firefighter Training Conference and Exhibition, it says here. Special events included church services, a Fire Engineering bookstore event, health and safety officer exams, certification exams for incident safety officers, and the rather surprisingly-named FOOLS Annual Leadership Event. (Turns out FOOLS stands for The Fraternal Order Of Leatherheads Society). Exhibitors included ACC Climate Control, Ram Trucks, Hydratek water trailers, and the folks who make portable two-way radios. When they’re not running around raising ladders, unspooling hoses and tapping hydrants, it turns out that firefighters are a pretty sociable bunch, much given to back-slapping and carousing in enthusiastic groups. Forget “Where’s the Fire?”, it was more like, where’s the party?

It’s the Helicopter Association International you have to thank for this one. What’s the matter man? Stuck in traffic and late for yet another important business meeting? What you need is an executive helicopter to land you on the roof of your business associates’ building — all you have to do is look out for the big white-and-blue-painted “H” between the rooftop water tower and the big ol’ satellite dish. Man, do those rotor blades save time! Heli-Expo was the one-stop shop for everything helicopter-related, covering half a million gross square feet of space, and complete with real live helicopters on the show floor. Delegates got to visit the displays of nearly 600 exhibiting companies. And everyone who is anyone in helicopters was there to greet you. You want to look the part? Get yourself a pair of those shiny wraparound aviator shades…

No, it’s not about ‘shots’ of tequila or Jack Daniels. The shots at issue here are the kind you squeeze off during hunting trips. The Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show and Conference (or SHOT Show) claims to be the largest and most comprehensive trade show for professionals involved with shooting sports and hunting industries. It pitches itself as “the world’s premier exposition of firearms, ammunition, archery, cutlery, outdoor apparel, optics, camping and related products and services”. The SHOT Show attracts visitors from more than 100 countries. This year there were nearly 60,000 attendees, and 2,000 exhibitors. There were some pretty impressive weapons on display, like the ArmaLite AR-10, and there was quite a buzz over long-distance target illumination, a brilliant notion if you want to see your moose in the dark…

Trade-only show billed as an opportunity for delegates (est. 10,000 attendees) to engage military/industry leaders designing war-fighting strategies and operational systems. Biggest West Coast event for military and intelligence communications, electronics, info systems, imaging, weapon systems, etc., including airborne and naval.  400-odd exhibitors. A lot of interest in satellite and GPS, intel, modeling and simulation products, nanotech. Debates on change, “hybrid warfare”, plus “Does the QDR (= Quadrennial Defense Review, which is this year) Get It Right?” — a discussion of “smart power” with heavy military and navy brass incl. vice chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff. Lots of talk about Video Game Warefare dubbed “Too Fat to fight” but able to utilize the Gamer Geeks to drive those drones. Not a great space to be in for a peacenick like me.