Conventions

Apr. 2-4, 2012. FOSE claims to be the largest and most comprehensive government information technology event in the country, covering topics like cybersecurity, mobile government, defense innovations, records and information management, and Cloud & Virtualization.  Cloud computing activity is rapidly changing IT architectures in government and industry, we heard, and is being used to support data center consolidation and other cost sharing initiatives. On one hand, there are significant concerns with controls over data, security, and reliability. On the other hand, government could get faster benefit from technology via cloud computing services.  This conference looked at the latest issues facing the federal government. We kind of suspected that government had “its head in the clouds…”.

Mar. 28-31, 2012. It means United States Institute for Theater Technology.  Most audiences at a theatrical performance don’t stop to consider everything it takes to get put this thing on the stage. The performance is just the tip of the entertainment iceberg. Creativity and hard work go into scenes, lighting, costumes, sound, make-up, stage managing, and the performance area itself. It is the design, production, and technology professionals in the performing arts and entertainment industry that the United States Institute for Theatre Technology was set up to serve.  USITT provides benefits, learning opportunities, and networking for over 3,700 members worldwide. For those who design the spaces and those who create and manage the productions, the Annual Conference & Stage Expo were where the performing arts community gathers.  Break a leg!

Mar. 27-29, 2012. WESTEC, reportedly the California region’s definitive manufacturing event, returned to the Los Angeles Convention Center redefined, and with renewed commitment to area industry. WESTEC is a manufacturer’s think-tank where creativity, vision, and strategy join forces to spotlight the promise of ground-breaking products for vital global markets.  The focus is on people using technology to innovate. Delegates could chase down the very latest technologies – from cutting tools to multi-tasking machine tools, all from top international equipment manufacturers. New features included the Emerging Technology Showcase, highlighting applications for micro, nano, and additive manufacturing; and Milestones in Manufacturing, a celebration of key technology developments.  As the old Bread song had it, “I’d like to “make” it with you….”

Mar. 21-23, 2012. The Ground Robotics Show is mounted by NDIA, the National Defense Industrial Association, and it claims to have been “promoting national security since 1919″.  Education and consciousness-raising are big aims: technical and policy symposia connect attendees to the core of the defense industry. Logistics, policy, combat, and acquisition form the main topics.  Delegates heard from the movers and shakers in the field, and found common ground with peers who shared their company’s interests. Defense professionals from the public and private sectors rely on these programs for information straight from the experts and for making contacts in industry and government. Nothing to feel “defensive” about….

Mar. 15-17, 2012. ITEEA is short for the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association.  Members are teachers, administrators, developers, and university personnel who are committed to providing the best technology and engineering resources today to bring forward tomorrow’s future innovators. The organization claims to have developed the only standards-based national model for Grades K-12 that delivers technological literacy. Their model, Engineering by Design, is built on Standards for Technological Literacy (from ITEEA itself); Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (NCTM); and Project 2061, Benchmarks for Science Literacy (AAAS).  Students participating in the program learn concepts and principles in an authentic, problem-based environment. So… no problem, engineering-wise….