Conference Leader: Guiding a Major International Conference to Success
Debbie L. Berry
Lockheed Martin Simulation,
Training and Support
Chairman, ITEC 2009 Conference Committee
Training and Support
Chairman, ITEC 2009 Conference Committee
Debbie L. Berry, Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training and Support, has over 23 years of experience in the simulation and training industry supporting both domestic and international programs. Berry chaired the 2001 Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) and is the first to have chaired both of the prominent modeling and simulation venues. She is a charter member of the Modeling and Simulation Professional Certification Commission (CMSP). Berry received a Bachelor of Science in engineering from the University of Florida.
Q: Briefly describe your responsibilities as ITEC chairman in the months leading up to the conference.
A: First and foremost success is built upon the shoulders of the distinguished leadership of past ITEC conferences. I am fortunate to have several past chairs supporting me as active committee members. Committee members establish the theme topics of interest, which in turn become an intricate part of the “call to engage.” As we evaluate submissions and identify subject matter experts for the relative topics, the program evolves into what will be an intricate part of ITEC 2009. I rely on the strengths of each member of the conference committee. At this time we are selecting thebest of submissions to build a first-class program designed to meet expectations of those who attend the conference.
Q: Why was Brussels selected as the 2009 venue?
A: As we mark the 20th ITEC, we also celebrate the 60th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization [NATO]. Brussels, the international gateway to Europe, is headquarters to NATO and the European Union. The location boasts an abundance of transportation options and old world charm. The ITEC facilitators selected the Brussels Expo, a great location to mark this historical milestone. ITEC 2009 will be held May 12–14.
Q: What approximate percentage of 2009 conference exhibitors will be Europeanowned companies?
A: Statistics from 2008 indicate 74 of the 131 exhibitors represented European-owned companies and 36 were first-time exhibitors. Stand registrations for 2009 are under way at this time and we expect to surpass the 2008 statistics. As a reference point, 2008 yielded over 2,600 participants, which included 64 percent European [EU], 6 percent non-European [non-EU], 14 percent U.K., and 8 percent U.S. visitors. The balance consisted of persons mainly from Canada, South Africa, Asia, Middle East, Australia and New Zealand.
Q: Provide several noteworthy highlights from the draft 2009 agenda.
A: At this time the agenda is being formulated. The program will be even more robust than in previous years with subject matter experts sharing their knowledge on 16 theme-pertinent topics. These go beyond the traditional modeling and simulation presentations and encompass relevant areas such as medical advances, education and academic applications, gaming technologies, survivability, quality of life, procurement and much more. Back by popular demand, we will again offer the Modeling Simulation & Training [MS&T] for Beginners Tutorial. In addition we are offering a second tutorial, HLA Project Management/ Procurement, which is expected to yield a full audience. The Senior Officers’ Panel is always a distinctive highlight of the conference, and this year will be no exception.
Q: How will a member of the military and industry professionally benefit from attending 2009 ITEC?
A: ITEC offers a multitude of benefits to all participants, whether to a full conference attendee or an exhibitor. Defense contractors, government officials, users, decisionmakers, academic professionals, leaders and future leaders establish and renew their networks and discuss state-of-the-art technologies, real-need requirements and solutions. Briefings are engaging and educational. The conference committee carefully selects prominent speakers knowledgeable on their respective topics. We believe those attending will reap the benefit of top notch presentations. The committee is comprised of government and industry representatives from 11 countries, all dedicated to making ITEC 2009 a valuable experience for all who attend.
Q: What will set 2009 ITEC apart from its earlier ITECs?
A: ITEC 2009 marks the first time the venue has occurred in Brussels. Participation of flag and general officers, along with other VIPs, continues to increase with each ITEC. With the significance of 2009 and the anniversary of NATO, we expect strong representation of our world leadership. The challenges we face with today’s world situations are more demanding than ever. At ITEC, leaders in the defense training and simulation industry showcase vital solutions for supporting our warfighters through training, simulation, situational awareness, survivability and so much more. The ingenious and creative solutions of today were dreams only a few years ago. Now, with ITEC 2009, we continue to build the future. ♦