Arlington, VA (PRWEB) July 31, 2014
The National Training and Simulation Association, in conjunction with the Congressional Modeling Simulation Caucus, is pleased to announce that the ninth annual Capitol Hill Modeling and Simulation Expo was its most successful so far.
The Capitol Hill Expo attracted enthusiastic participation from key stakeholder groups, while reinforcing the message that modeling and simulation is central to our national economy, society and overall well-being.
Featuring exhibits from 17 local, national and global corporations, research organizations and universities, the Expo showcased the diversity of M&S today. From healthcare to emergency planning to management solutions, the variety of applications on display at the 2014 Hill Expo was the widest ever seen in one place in DC.
The Hill Expo is the Washington area's largest exhibition of modeling and simulation technology, and this year's event attracted staffers, Members of Congress and corporate and academic representatives.
The wide range of exhibits at the Expo testified to the nearly infinite ways modeling and simulation is being utilized today. Exhibits ranged from virtual trauma training on advanced patient simulators to training in realistic clinical environments. Other exhibitors displayed training simulators for firefighting under a wide variety of stressful conditions, systems to monitor the health of oceans and waterways, as well as emergency scenarios for urban areas, enabling first responders and emergency planners to identify and correct vulnerabilities in real-world systems before emergencies happen.
Additionally, seven Members of Congress attended the Expo. The large group of attendees crowding the foyer of the Rayburn Office Building heard Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA) emphasize the critical importance of M&S to much of human activity. Today, he asserted, the vitality of the American economy is dependent to a great extent on a healthy and expanding modeling and simulation sector. Rep. Forbes also emphasized the importance of creating new North American Industry Classification Codes for the modeling and simulation industry. Such action would recognize modeling and simulation as a distinct industry, with its own norms and standards. He stressed that recognition of M&S in this context would add further vitality to the industry, benefiting the nation as a whole.
Rep. Bobby Scott (R-VA) addressed the Expo audience as well, emphasizing the importance of STEM education to the continued health of the modeling and simulation community by ensuring a new generation of scientists and engineers.
About NTSA: Founded in 1988, National Training and Simulation Association (NTSA), an affiliate subsidiary of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), fosters communication between the training agencies regarding requirements, procurement issues and policies. Representing companies in the Simulation, Training Services and Related Support Services Industries, NTSA is a focused, formal organization that represents and promotes its members’ business interests in the marketplace. NTSA is committed to ensuring that all aspects of training systems development and training services requirements are highlighted as independent and important "line items" in the overall planning, programming, budgeting and acquisition process.
About The Congressional Modeling and Simulation Caucus: The Congressional Modeling and Simulation Caucus, established in 2005, is comprised of members who either have an economic interest in modeling and simulation or have concerns about the advancement of the technology in the U.S. The Caucus has about 40 members and is currently chaired by Congressman Randy Forbes (R-VA). The purpose of the Caucus is to promote the growth of M&S activities throughout the U.S. through advocacy and legislation.