AOC MEMBERSHIP SURVEY: AOC Members Would Recommend Membership to a Friend or Colleague
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The AOC distributed a membership survey during the fourth quarter of 2013. Participation by all of the respondents is gratefully appreciated by the AOC. The primary survey objective is to assess the level of satisfaction with the AOC and AOC activities/events. The responses and comments are included in the attached report.
A summary of what was revealed in the survey is highlighted below.
From the survey respondents, 96.1 percent would recommend an AOC membership to a friend or colleague.
The JED is clearly a great value for AOC members and a critical tool in advancing the importance of Electromagnetic Warfare among key stakeholders. The JED, under the supervision of the JED Advisory Board, remains committed to this purpose. Additionally, the AOC conferences, virtual webinars, advocacy activities, professional education courses, and symposium were also scored by members as valuable membership benefits as well. In 2014, the AOC will focus on highlighting in marketing and communications the "across-the-board" return on investment derived from AOC membership. It is important for members, and potential members, to know that the AOC offers a wide array of value-added services.
The AOC Conferences have traditionally provided a "networking rich" environment for AOC members, but because of lack of funds and travel restrictions many of the 2013 conferences were postponed; moved into 2014. The only 2013 conference supported by the AOC was the October 22-24, 2013 "Information Operations In The Pacific" conference in Honolulu, Hawaii. It was a great success with meaningful speakers and good attendance.
As the AOC moves forward in 2014, it is the intention to support all of the traditional conferences that receive necessary DoD approvals. The preliminary 2014 schedule includes seven (7) planned conferences.
The annual AOC International Symposium and Convention has always been the prime AOC information and networking event. The 2013 (50th) Symposium and Convention was a great success with 1,627 total attendees (a very welcome outcome given that the event closely followed an October 1-16 U.S. federal government shutdown). There also was a large number of companies with exhibit booths which provided valuable information to attendees. It is anticipated that the 51st Annual AOC International Symposium and Convention, scheduled for October 7-9, 2014 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, Washington, D.C., will build on that success and be a great event as well.
It is important to stress that AOC makes every effort to provide high level, value-added topics and speakers for its conferences, webinars, courses and symposium. All events, including the 2014 Annual Symposium, are planned to deliver information and networking activities to "stay knowledgeable in EW."
The AOC will build on its 2013 successes and continue its international presence in 2014. Major global events in 2013 were: EW Europe, Cologne, Germany; AOC EW Pavilion at DSEI, London, England; and EW Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, KSA. Three (3) global events are currently planned for 2014; EW Asia, March 10-11; and EW Europe, May 13-15 have already been announced.
Virtual conferences were introduced in 2013 with 10 webinars. They have averaged about 220 attendees each. Sponsorship fees cover costs, so they are free to AOC members and non-members alike. In 2014, plans include 15 virtual conferences.
Also in 2014, a new series of 3-4 hour online education courses will be introduced. The Electromagnetic Battle Management (EMBM) Concepts course on Wednesday, February 26, 2014 is the first such online education opportunity. A student registration fee is required; however, there are no additional costs. It is anticipated that the online courses will provided a valuable service to persons who cannot travel due to lack of funding.
In 2013, the AOC made a significant successful effort to revitalize its relationship with the Congressional EW Working Group (EWWG) and establish AOC as a vital information resource. A consultant, previously on the AOC staff, was contracted to reestablish AOC contact and build working relationships with Capitol Hill staffers. The most prominent 2013 events were congressional staff briefings and an AOC educational briefing to Congress. In 2014, AOC will continue to provide staff briefings and focus on expanding advocacy scope with more congressional briefings and Chapter advocacy training.
In addition, the Capitol Hill Awareness Day (CHAD) was held for the first time in four (4) years during the 2013 Symposium. Visits were made to Capitol Hill offices by 52 participants. The scope of activities included a training seminar to prepare CHAD participants and a breakfast program featuring special guest speakers from Capitol Hill offices. Plans for 2014 are being developed to continue AOC member interaction and facilitate CHAD activities at local and/or regional levels including training.
You can see the full report HERE.
A summary of what was revealed in the survey is highlighted below.
Finding: The level of satisfaction with the AOC (value) and AOC activities and events is very high.
From the survey respondents, 96.1 percent would recommend an AOC membership to a friend or colleague.
Finding: Members find value in The Journal of Electronic Defense (JED) and identify it as their prime reason for joining the AOC and maintaining membership.
The JED is clearly a great value for AOC members and a critical tool in advancing the importance of Electromagnetic Warfare among key stakeholders. The JED, under the supervision of the JED Advisory Board, remains committed to this purpose. Additionally, the AOC conferences, virtual webinars, advocacy activities, professional education courses, and symposium were also scored by members as valuable membership benefits as well. In 2014, the AOC will focus on highlighting in marketing and communications the "across-the-board" return on investment derived from AOC membership. It is important for members, and potential members, to know that the AOC offers a wide array of value-added services.
Finding: Networking, Chapter Activities and Advocacy are highly valued. Members look for the AOC to provide vehicles to "stay knowledgeable in EW."
The AOC Conferences have traditionally provided a "networking rich" environment for AOC members, but because of lack of funds and travel restrictions many of the 2013 conferences were postponed; moved into 2014. The only 2013 conference supported by the AOC was the October 22-24, 2013 "Information Operations In The Pacific" conference in Honolulu, Hawaii. It was a great success with meaningful speakers and good attendance.
As the AOC moves forward in 2014, it is the intention to support all of the traditional conferences that receive necessary DoD approvals. The preliminary 2014 schedule includes seven (7) planned conferences.
The annual AOC International Symposium and Convention has always been the prime AOC information and networking event. The 2013 (50th) Symposium and Convention was a great success with 1,627 total attendees (a very welcome outcome given that the event closely followed an October 1-16 U.S. federal government shutdown). There also was a large number of companies with exhibit booths which provided valuable information to attendees. It is anticipated that the 51st Annual AOC International Symposium and Convention, scheduled for October 7-9, 2014 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, Washington, D.C., will build on that success and be a great event as well.
It is important to stress that AOC makes every effort to provide high level, value-added topics and speakers for its conferences, webinars, courses and symposium. All events, including the 2014 Annual Symposium, are planned to deliver information and networking activities to "stay knowledgeable in EW."
Finding: Be more international and engage more with international members.
The AOC will build on its 2013 successes and continue its international presence in 2014. Major global events in 2013 were: EW Europe, Cologne, Germany; AOC EW Pavilion at DSEI, London, England; and EW Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, KSA. Three (3) global events are currently planned for 2014; EW Asia, March 10-11; and EW Europe, May 13-15 have already been announced.
Finding: Lower the cost of conferences, symposium and courses.
Virtual conferences were introduced in 2013 with 10 webinars. They have averaged about 220 attendees each. Sponsorship fees cover costs, so they are free to AOC members and non-members alike. In 2014, plans include 15 virtual conferences.
Also in 2014, a new series of 3-4 hour online education courses will be introduced. The Electromagnetic Battle Management (EMBM) Concepts course on Wednesday, February 26, 2014 is the first such online education opportunity. A student registration fee is required; however, there are no additional costs. It is anticipated that the online courses will provided a valuable service to persons who cannot travel due to lack of funding.
Finding: Continue/increase advocacy of EW nationally and internationally and continue/increase advocacy opportunities on Capitol Hill.
In 2013, the AOC made a significant successful effort to revitalize its relationship with the Congressional EW Working Group (EWWG) and establish AOC as a vital information resource. A consultant, previously on the AOC staff, was contracted to reestablish AOC contact and build working relationships with Capitol Hill staffers. The most prominent 2013 events were congressional staff briefings and an AOC educational briefing to Congress. In 2014, AOC will continue to provide staff briefings and focus on expanding advocacy scope with more congressional briefings and Chapter advocacy training.
In addition, the Capitol Hill Awareness Day (CHAD) was held for the first time in four (4) years during the 2013 Symposium. Visits were made to Capitol Hill offices by 52 participants. The scope of activities included a training seminar to prepare CHAD participants and a breakfast program featuring special guest speakers from Capitol Hill offices. Plans for 2014 are being developed to continue AOC member interaction and facilitate CHAD activities at local and/or regional levels including training.
You can see the full report HERE.
