VP International is responsible for OES activities around the world: initiating future conferences and symposia; promoting chapter formulation; and providing higher visibility abroad. I have relied on Norm Miller, VP Professional and Jim Collins, Membership Director, for chapter “build up” to facilitate new venue selection. Jim has just replaced Norm as VP Professional. Many kudos for Norm, he has served with great distinction. I greatly appreciate Fred Maltz’s efforts in conference reporting and advertising in the OES Newsletter to get the word out. The Newsletter is a very helpful handout when traveling about.

The two Oceans per year policy has greatly accelerated the total number of conferences handled in the last year.There are more than 20 conferences, symposia and workshops being considered. OES policy invites MTS to join all offshore venues. For those that are joint, OES and MTS approval are required. The Recon Committee (Recon) of very experienced, expert conference assessors: Jim Barbera, Jerry Carroll, Andy Clark, Rene Garello, Hisaaki Maeda, Tamaki Ura, Bob Wernli and Glen Williams providing global recon to find and encourage new conference venues that present good opportunities for OES and MTS. Five of us Reconers are dual OES& MTS members, and I was able to add MTS’ notable Judy Krauthamer at Oceans 2003. San Diego sunshine promotes camaraderie. VP Technical, Stan Chamberlain, with Joint Ocean Advisory Board (JOAB) support, are interacting with MTS/IEEE 2003-04-05 -06, where proposals and budgets are relatively firm and the venue is certain. For continuity from my report last winter, these “front-burner” conferences are reported, followed by the ‘back-burner” Recon activity ‘06 to ’11.

Note that offshore (non North America) venues are all scheduled in the Spring, preferably in early June; and the Fall is reserved for the traditional North America Oceans-MTS/IEEE Conferences.

Oceans 2003(San Diego). This has escalated in all dimensions as the “biggest & best” with participation by 14 societies and celebration of Scripps 100th Anniversary. Everything you wanted to know is on their website .Bob Wernli, Kevin Hardy & Co had blocked out the entire Town and Country Hotel and there were over 800 papers organized by the societies and 275 exhibits. Over 1000 attended each of the MTS and OES Awards Luncheons and the Gala Affair at Sea World. This new MTS/IEEE venture was very successful and should serve as the model for integrating like-minded US marine-oriented societies in future conferences.

Oceans 2004(Kobe, Japan) combines two premiere conferences, Oceans MTS/IEEE and Techno Ocean 2004, referred to as OTO ’04 in Kobe Japan, November 9-12. This is another important venture that can firm up MTS/IEEE visibility in Asia –Pacific, where OES hopes to be in even numbered years. Overall, it should not cost too much more than going to e.g. Oceans ‘01 in Hawaii. The key is getting a low airfare on the internet, well in advance. There’s a first class conference committee led by Dr. Hiroshi Ohba, former Chairman of Kawasaki Heavy Industry and JAMSTEC and past chair of several Techno Ocean conferences. The Japanese side committee leadership is provided by Tamaki Ura & Shinichi Takagawa (OES Japan Chapter) and Toshitsugu Sakou & Hiroyuke Nakahara (MTS Japan Section). Watching the OTO partnership develop, I was pleased to have been a founder of Japan’s MTS Section and IEEE/OES Chapter. Comparable MTS/IEEE leadership is provided by Tom Wiener, Ted Brockett, Andy Clark, Stan Chamberlain and Jim Barbera. Hisaaki Maeda and I serve on the Advisory Committee.

Kobe, Japan Convention Center for Oceans-Techno Ocean 2004 (OTO ‘04)

Oceans 2005 (Brest, France) June 20-23. It’s on track and under control of Chairman Rene Garello and a strong core committee that includes OES members. The Le Quartz is a first class conference facility with adequate space for exhibits and breakout sessions. Hotels are conveniently co-located not requiring busing, as was the case for Oceans ’94. The Mayor of Brest offered city support .There are many seafaring tourist attractions in and around the port city of Brest, and the restaurants and creperies are quite good In April, a Recon visit was made by Jim Barbera to check out facilities and review financial arrangements.

Oceans 2005 (Washington D.C.).September 19-23. Leadership will be provided by Honorary Quad-Chairs. VADM Conrad Lautenbacher, USN (Ret.), NOAA Administrator and Department of Commerce Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere; Mr. John Kreider, Senior Vice President, Oceaneering Technologies, Inc.; VADM Roger Rufe, USCG (Ret.), President, Ocean Conservancy; and Dr .Lydia Thomas, President & CEO Mitretek Systems,Inc. More honorary chairs will be added. Operational leadership is provided by Tri- Executive Chairs: Barry Stamey, Fred Klein and Steve Holt, all of Mitretek Systems Inc. Kudos for Mitretek Systems Inc. They are busy looking at possible program options that will elevate the stature and resulting value-added contributions of Oceans ‘ 05.The Marriott Wardman Hotel will handle the entire program: rooms, social functions, technical sessions, exhibits etc. Oceans has finally returned to Washington after 15 years.

Oceans 2006 (Singapore). A proposal for a Singapore venue was presented at the OES AdCom meeting by John Potter, organizer of the Singapore Chapter. A Recon visit was postponed in the Spring because of SARS concerns. It now appears to be under control, but we will keep a watchful eye. Recon’s Tamaki Ura visited in July and Hisaaki Maeda in September. It is best to get at least two views on a new venue, and they gave favorable reports to AdCom. The consensus seems to favor the centrally located Raffles Center, with first class hotels, shopping mall and underground station. When John Potter and I Co-Chaired OI ‘97 in Singapore, I was impressed with Singapore’s ambiance and quality; and a great place to confer and socialize. Provisional approval of the venue was given by AdCom, pending approval of the official proposal and budget.

Oceans 2006(Boston). We received a preliminary proposal and budget and a presentation by John Irza to AdCom. Expectations are for over 900 registrants and 175 exhibitors, perhaps a tad better than Oceans ‘00 in Providence. This should be realized, especially since some of the committee served with Oceans ’00. John Irza has the OES lead and MTS leaders include Dick Butler, Bob Lobecker and Don Jagoe. Boston’s Hynes Convention Center, with adjoining first class hotels, is being considered. AdCom has given provisional approval for Boston, pending approval of their proposal and budget by MTS & OES. Bean Town is back, after 25 years, and the Big Dig will have been dug.

L to R: Brian Horsburgh, AECC, James Barbera; Lady Provost, Margaret Smith, Joseph Vadus, Rene Garrello and Prof. John Watson, University of Aberdeen.

Oceans 2007(Aberdeen). In Biloxi, at Oceans 2002, a preliminary proposal was presented for the Aberdeen venue. In April, a Recon visit was made by J.Barbera, R.Garello and me. Our consensus was that we were impressed with: 1.the Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Center (AECC) and related facilities. AECC has undergone a major refurbishment; 2.the proposed leadership and conference committee; 3.the proposed program plan and technical coverage; 4.sight seeing and social aspects. The Aberdeen proposal was presented to AdCom by John Watson, University of Aberdeen, and Brian Horsburgh of AECC. Their proposal covers these points, along with a preliminary budget. Provisional approval was given for the Aberdeen venue, based on receiving final approval of the budget. Are you ready for kilts and pipes and a drum roll or two?

At the Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre - Planning Session for OCEANS 2007 Europe. L to R: John Watson; Brian Horsburgh; Joseph Vadus; Rene Garello; James Barbera; and Michael Cowling

Oceans 2007 (Vancouver). A letter of intent and preliminary proposal for a Vancouver venue was presented to the AdCom by Jim McFarlane, President of International Submarine Engineering, who is the proposed Chairman. At Oceans ‘87, Jim received the OES Distinguished Technical Achievement Award and Canada’s highest award in the same week. A strong core of the conference committee includes prominent ocean figures such as Phil Nuytten and Terry Thompson. The Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre is anchored on the waterfront in the heart of Vancouver downtown within strolling distance of many first class hotels. AdCom gave provisional approval, pending approval of their official proposal and budget by MTS and OES. A Recon visit is planned by Bob Wernli and Glen Williams. Vancouver is a popular venue for conferences and vacation travel.

Vancouver, British Columbia with Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Center Proposed for OCEANS 2007.

Oceans 2008 (Asia-Pacific). Hisaaki Maeda and Tamaki Ura are exploring the possibilities in Japan, Korea, and China. Perhaps repeating OTO in 2008 may be desirable, depending on OTO ‘04 success. Australia has also come up on the radar screen with information from Tom Wiener, Jim Collins, Steve Holt and others. The consensus preference seems to be toward Sidney for general reasons. However, we need more substantive information in a preliminary proposal to determine if there is convincing interest, more than marketing brochures from convention centers. We need a core interest from IEEE sections and members. Jim Collins has also provided information on China and India, and I’ve had several interactions with India’s National Institute of Technology. We will work toward firming up Asia-Pacific in 2008.

Oceans 2008 (North America-East Coast). A preliminary (2-page) proposal was received from Laurie Jugan of Stennis, MS for repeating the venue of Biloxi and involving the core of the Oceans 2002 Conference Committee. Jerry Carroll is tracking this proposal for OES and provided an update to AdCom. The proposers want to remain in Biloxi and will select another hotel near the convention center. Jerry notes that there will be new resort hotel complexes to choose from, but the committee is reluctant to shift from Biloxi to New Orleans. However, they may be amenable to shift their proposal to Oceans 2010, offer a new hotel and promise another Gala Cajun Fest. I considered the Oceans ’02 Conference to be a big success and it netted the largest financial surplus on record. However, based on negative comments from several members, AdCom did not support going to Biloxi, as proposed.

Another Oceans 2008 (North America-East Coast). A proposal for Quebec City in 2008, the year of Quebec City’s 400 th Anniversary, was presented to AdCom by Philippe Dupont, with assistance from Ferial El-Hawary, who is helping coordinate the effort. This may be a special opportunity for holding an Oceans conference. A preliminary proposal was received from the Quebec IEEE Section (Xavier Maldague, Pres. and Andre Morin, VP); and a Recon visit was made by Jim Barbera and Jerry Carroll, September 5-7. They found the Conference Center, nearby first class hotels and strolling in old town very favorable. Their comments were supportive of a Quebec City venue. The AdCom gave provisional approval to proceed, pending joint approval of the proposal and budget by MTS and OES. AdCom also expects the formation of a Quebec City-Montreal Chapter.

Oceans 2009 (Europe). A preliminary proposal for Bremen, Germany was presented to AdCom by Christoph Waldmann, IEEE/ OES Member for 15 years. He is affiliated with the University of Bremen’s new Research Center on Ocean Margins. He indicated that there is a strong interest in Germany to host technological conferences, and that there is adequate infrastructure and financial resources to assure success. The economy is strongly related to marine business. The city of Bremen has developed one of the central locations of marine research and technology in Germany. Financial and organizational support is expected from the state of Bremen, German and European Funding Agencies, and major companies. Close ties exist with institutions in France, U.K. and Germany. A Recon visit is planned in mid-2004.

Last year, I indicated that OES Senior Member Andrea Trucco, University of Genoa, was planning to submit a proposal for Genoa at Oceans ’03 in San Diego. However, no message was received since that time. Rene Garello, Region 8 Chapters Coordinator informed me that Andrea was unable to attend, and that he suggests we consider Genoa for Oceans 2011(Europe).O.K., we will.

Oceans 2009 (North America-West Coast). An expression of interest was received for a Third Anniversary Oceans 2009 in Seattle. Norm Miller is making inquiries and the indomitable Bob Spindel has stepped up to say “great” and to count him on board. After two Chairmanships ’89 & ’99, I don’t dare ask Bob to Chair again, but maybe he could start as Senior Advisor. Judy Krauthamer has received an inquiry from the Seattle Convention Bureau, and some member interest. Actually this is a Fourth Anniversary, since we were there for Oceans ‘80, but who’s counting? Our late colleague, Ed Early is remembered for his great contributions to the past three.

Oceans 2010 (Asia-Pacific). Previously mentioned venues such as Australia, Korea, China and India will be explored with greater gusto.

Oceans 2010 (North America-East Coast). This may be an alternate choice for the Gulf Coast or an opportunity for suggested venues of Charleston, Savannah, return to Washington, or other East Coast venues.

Oceans 2011 ( North America-West Coast). Returning to Waikiki Beach, Hawaii for the Third Anniversary is a great possibility. At Oceans 2003, the notable Executive Co-Chairs of Oceans 2001, Liz Corbin and John Wiltshire expressed interest and asked to place a marker in the future scheduling. By that time some ought to improve their hula technique and develop a taste for poi.

Oceans 20xx and Beyond The Reef
We have received expressions of interest for other offshore venues such as Rio de Janeiro, Barcelona, Vienna, Istanbul, and Sidney, but they are solicitations from conference center marketing reps and need leadership from a local IEEE chapter or section.

There is new interest for symposia/workshops from Latin America: Chile, Mexico and Argentina, that include OES members.

Suffice it to say that there is a lot of conference activity on the table, including new symposia and workshops that emerge. Any promising venue suggestions and offers of assistance are appreciated.

Other Non-Oceans, Symposia and Workshops
Homeland Security Workshop, December 10-11, 2003 in Warwick, RI. This workshop topic is very timely and should draw a lot of interest. Leadership is provided by Bob Bannon and Pam Hurst. Glen Williams is reviewing abstracts.

A prominent list of speakers on this important topic will be there, and a large turnout is expected.

UT ’04 International Symposium in Taipei, Taiwan April 20-23 is still on track with a watchful eye on the SARS situation. A call for papers (deadline October 30) and web site are available on http://ut.na.ntu.edu.tw/ut04. Yi-Nan Chen (Taiwan), T. URA (Japan) and R. Wernli (USA) are Tri- Chairs leading this event in Taipei, with H. Maeda, Forng-Chen Chiu and J.Vadus as advisors. A first-day technical/site seeing tour is included.

OTC 2004 Houston, May 4-8, 2004. Once again, Claude Brancart is coordinating OES participation. Ask Claude or me, andwe’ll tell you how important OTC really is. For information, contact Claude at <c.brancart@ieee.org>

AUV ‘04 Workshop in Maine. In June 2004. As before, this is being orchestrated by Claude Brancart. This time, he will focus on technology related to operating multi AUV’s. For information, contact Claude at <c.brancart@ieee.org>

US-Baltic 2004 International Symposium in Klaipeda, Lithuania June 15-17, 2004. In April, a visit was made by J. Barbera and J. Vadus with Algirdas Stankevicius, General Co-Chair, and Lina Siauliene, Program Co-Chair, to evaluate the venue and accelerate the planning. A Call for Papers has been distributed and is included in this Newsletter; and appears on the Lithuania Center for Marine Research web site. J. Barbera, Program Co-Chair is assisted by Victor Klemas, University of Delaware and Horst Oebius, Berlin, Germany. Jim has invited OES Committee Chairs as Session Chairs to organize sessions and recruit papers. Stan Chamberlain has offered much-needed support.This program addresses one of the few IEEE conference themes that focus on the marine environment, and enables several related OES technical committees to have an important role. The IEEE Region 8 Director, Professor A. Davies in U.K., is interested in establishing a Lithuania Section, and we would like to recruit OES members and follow up with an OES Chapter. Region 8 is listed as a sponsor.

US-Baltic Symposium for June 2004. L to R: Joseph Vadus, U.S. Chair; Algirdas Stankevicius, Lithuania Chair; Lina Siauliene and James Barbera, Program Co-Chairs in Klaipeda Lithuania.

James Barbera & Lina Siauliene, Program Co-Chairs for the US-Baltic International Symposium

IGARSS ’04 Anchorage, September 20-24, at the Egan Convention Center. It is being tracked by Rene Garello and Stan Chamberlain. I have been informed that OES has a partial financial sponsorship and agreement with IGARSS, and Stan and Rene promised 50 to 100 papers. This is a substantial offering in the light of OES needing papers for US-Baltic ‘04 and OTO ’04. However, Rene has offered a session on Remote Sensing for the US-Baltic ‘04.

Current Measurement Technology Workshop 2005. This is another in the series orchestrated by Sandy Williams and headed offshore for the first time, located at Southampton Oceanography Center, UK; June 27-29, 2005 and focusing on current measurement technologies, applications, and observations. For more info contact Sandy at awilliams@whoi.edu

Proposed Conference Support Recommendations
1. Reconsider using IEEE Conference Management Services (CMS) as Support Contractor in a Task Ordering-type contract. CMS can repeat managers for conference continuity; handle multiple conferences proceeding at different stages; “ramp up” support as needed; and provide conference data base maintenance. Note that Oceans ‘05 Washington has started using a CMS manager.
2. Modify Oceans conference guidelines to assign a conference committee member to monitor Support Contractor tasks in regard to scope, schedule and cost to ensure satisfactory completion in an efficient manner. This can help avoid “out of control” tasks or redundant, unnecessary tasks or “never ending” cost plus fixed fee tasks.
3. Strengthen Conference guidelines for the assigned MTS & OES Liaisons to provide support to enable frequently attending committee meetings and reporting back to ExCom on progress, problems, and where JOAB- type assistance may be needed and included in the conference budget. This would ensure equitable charges absorbed by MTS & OES. MTS participation in JOAB has been sparse.

I welcome your suggestions and rationale for new conference venues, or ways to improve planned conferences.

Semper Fi
Joseph R. Vadus
Vice President, International
j.vadus@ieee.org