All,
I sincerely appreciate the discussion about some of the issues at GEOINT2008. This was my first GEOINT Symposium since joining USGIF as its first full-time president earlier this year. We aren't a 'for profit' conference company, but rather a 501(c)(3) non profit corporation focused on the promoting the education, training, and tradecraft of GEOINT. The GEOINT Symposia serve as platforms to gather people together to interact, hear interesting presentations, and explore technologies and services from companies large and small. So, it isn't about making money for us, but about fostering progress in GEOINT in support of our nation's security. I will take your comments and fold them into our upcoming after action review. I am eager for more feedback so that we can make this a worthwhile event for all. Finally, while some anecdotal discussions and academic research suggest that symposia/conferences of this type are indeed headed for extinction, our experience (steadily increasing membership and attendance) tells us just the opposite: that people have an enduring need to come together, face-to-face. While we are diving into Web 2.0 to bring people together virtually, it seems there will be an ongoing desire for GEOINT Symposia, and other smaller, more targeted/focused events. Thanks again for your participation and your interest! - Keith