KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany -- Secure data encryption, hybrid cloud services, digital hacking investigations and hardened, portable briefcase mobile satellite communications terminals may sound like the stuff of the latest Hollywood spy blockbuster, but it's accessible technology for the present and it's on display here July 21.
The U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz welcomes more than 20 high-tech companies exhibiting their products at the garrison's annual Tech Expo at Armstrong's Club in Vogelweh Housing.
"Tech Expo's provide an excellent venue to bring Government Representatives and Private Vendors together to discuss emerging technologies, mission requirements, and establish a professional network for future projects which improves overall mission readiness," explained Joseph Walker, chief of the garrison's Information Management Operations division.
The focus of this year's event is on areas of innovations in the fields of communications solutions, combined arms maneuver support and tactical networks under the theme of "Innovate. Collaborate. Educate."
The expo is open to the all ID cardholders and Walker notes that "those who attend will establish a better understanding of some very interesting new technology enhancements."
The benefits of seeing the latest state-of-the-art advancements across all spectrums of military use was echoed by Emma Woodson, event manager in the Federal Events Division of National Conference Services, Inc., which sponsors the expo.
"In order for the DoD to function to its fastest, most secure, and most efficient ability, understanding and having access to the latest technology is essential," she said. "Yet when you're in that rut of a contract with the same technology company, it becomes difficult to learn about the newer companies and products that are out there and available. These Tech Expos bring the latest and greatest creations and solutions right to the front door of the DoD without it being focused on sale but on education of what is out there."
The Armstrong's venue is just one in NCSI's "Summer 2017 Germany" series, which includes expos at Ramstein (July 18-19) and Spangdahlem Air Bases (July 20), Patch Barracks Stuttgart (July 24-25), USAG Bavaria, Grafenwoer (July 26), and USAG Wiesbaden, Clay Kaserne (July 27-28).
"We manage roughly 60-80 events for the DoD per year," said Woodson. "None of the events are exactly the same as we do our best to tailor each event to the specific branch or units that are on the instillation. We do often switch up or add Tech Expo locations in order to fit the changing installation populations and needs."
While the Ramstein Tech Expo is in its 21st year, the USAG R-P site is the newest -- hosting its third year.
"These Tech Expos are often the only chance companies get to meet face-to-face with their largest consumer, the U.S. Government and Military," Woodson added. "The Government/Military is a rapid technology consumer and there are always new scenarios and needs being created within the day-to-day of military requirements. On the exhibitor side, the exponential growth of technology within today's world is so fast, so there is always a need to educate end-users on what is being created, what is available, and the various ways to maximize technical use. Hosting a free local tabletop exhibition allows for the technology to come right to the military in order for both parties to benefit, learn, and make positive changes on a regular basis."
Walker agreed with the benefits offered in providing the forum: "It is common that government representatives are required to conduct Independent Government Estimates and knowing the technology while having a network of contacts can better enhance the Governments' overall success at obtaining the required technology at the right price. In addition, technology is a key element to any mission requirement and must be understood to achieve overall success."
"The world of technology is changing and growing faster than one can imagine," said Woodson, "so to have the latest and greatest for the U.S. Military niche coming directly on base is such a unique opportunity to go out, talk to someone, and learn about what is new. When the military attends the Expo and walks around learning about what is available to them, the companies get to receive feedback and learn about what solutions are currently needed by the military. They go back to their companies and get to tell an engineer to make this whole new product to fix a specific problem and all of a sudden there is this domino-effect of technology creation, use, and growth. It's an amazing cycle that can be instigated by a simple conversation."
"I personally do not consider myself a tech-minded individual," added Woodson. "And although I'm really not a direct end-user of the products and services shown at these Tech Expos, I have the greatest time walking around and learning about what is out there in the world."
Friday's event offers everybody a chance to get their Geek on and do the same.
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