The Spring 04 SIW took place in Hyatt Crystal City in Washington D.C. Our experiment in moving the Spring 03 SIW and co-locating with the Society for Computer Simulation (SCS) Advanced Simulation Technology Conference (ASTC) was considered a success, thus establishing a pattern of moving the Spring workshop around to new venues, continuing to partner with SCS, and keeping the Fall workshop in Orlando.
In following with our strategy of focusing the theme of our workshops on a specific targeted community, Spring 04 was dedicated to the topic of Asymmetric Warfare. We were extremely fortunate to have Dr. Richard Kass, Analysis Division Chief, US Joint Forces Command, J-9 Joint Concept Development and Experimentation discuss some of the challenges in representing human behaviors in large Joint wargames. Dr. Michael Bailey, Technical Director of the US Marine Corps Training and Education Command, discussed how the Marines usefederations of lightweight, low-cost simulation systems for their training needs. Finally, Mr. Stephen Swenson of the Defense Modeling and Simulation Office discussed the new strategic direction and priorities for DMSO and the interoperability standards they foster.
This year's EuroSIW was held in Edinburgh, Scotland, and was a very impressive event. We were fortunately graced with sponsorship from AMS for local support, thanks to Graham Shanks. There were approximately 150 attendees and there was unanimous clammoring to have the EuroSIW back in Edinburgh as soon as possible.
The next SISO Chapter is beginning to take shape in Australia. The Australian defense industry has come to the realization that there is the need for a centralized control point to develop and adopt interoperability standards for the nation. A SISO Chapter seems to be the most logical solution to this need.
The last round of elections passed with only a minor hicup or two. I'd like to thank everyone who ran for office and continues to serve the organization in a volunteer capacity. I'd like to congratulate the winners of committee elections and look forward to working with you in the coming months.
I'd like to once again thank everyone who contributes to this organization. SISO is one of the finest team efforts that I've ever been involved in, and considering that it's almost entirely run by volunteers it continually impresses. Thanks once again for giving me the opportunity to serve as Chairman.