VATUSA Forums
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Evan Reiter on December 08, 2017, 04:00:20 PM
-
Posted with the permission of the VATUSA Events Coordinator and VATUSA1.
As many of you may know, a team of members from Boston Virtual ARTCC has launched FlightSimExpo, North America’s only community-driven flight simulation conference. With support from Orbx, X-Plane, and almost 30 other flight simulation organizations, FlightSimExpo is proud to be an event created by the flight simulation community.
Our team will be working closely with Matt from VATUSA to welcome ARTCCs from across the division to the event, and give interested controllers and VATUSA members the opportunity to participate in live controlling from the venue.
I encourage you to check out our press release (below), and to visit the conference on social media. Please follow FSExpo on Twitter (https://twitter.com/flightsimexpo) and like the conference on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/FlightSimExpo/) for updates. Or visit our newly-released website at www.flightsimexpo.com.
I’d welcome any questions, input, feedback, or ideas here on this thread, or by email at [email protected].
Interest in the first annual FlightSimExpo has taken off – with more than 25 organizations expressing initial commitment to making the new event in Las Vegas a huge success. Interested attendees are encouraged to follow the conference on Twitter (@FlightSimExpo) and ‘like’ the conference on Facebook (facebook.com/FlightSimExpo) to stay up to date.
LAS VEGAS – December 8 – FlightSimExpo 2018, a new, community-driven flight simulation conference, will be held the weekend of June 9-10, 2018 at Flamingo Las Vegas Resort. Located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip and minutes from the airport, Flamingo Las Vegas Resort has newly-renovated rooms, modern meeting space, a great rewards program, and features a Caribbean-style water park and tropical wildlife habitat.
FlightSimExpo 2018 will feature a variety of interactive exhibits, and a host of educational and informative seminars from professionals across the aviation and flight simulation industries. In addition, there will be social events after conference hours for networking and connecting with other simulation enthusiasts, aviation professionals, and developers from across the simulation industry.
The conference was formed by a group of community organizers from Boston Virtual ARTCC who have years of experience in flight simulation, aviation, and event planning. FSExpo plans to bring simulation enthusiasts, current and former aviation professionals, and anyone else who has an interest in flight simulation or aviation together to witness the advances and developments within the industry. This conference is truly community-driven: the venue, host city, and activities have all been determined by feedback from the community and developers. Early support from Orbx, X-Plane, and almost 30 others have helped turn this event into a reality.
In addition to Orbx and X-Plane, the following exhibitors and sponsors have confirmed planned participation in the event: Aerosoft, AirDailyX, Boston Virtual ARTCC, FlyTampa, FSFX Packages, FSElite, HiFi Simulation, iBlueYonder, Infinite-Flight, Javiator, Jetline Systems, Just Flight, PilotEdge, PILOT’S, Prepar3D, POSCON, TFDi Design, VATSTAR, and more!
“One of our biggest goals for this conference is to foster collaboration, and connect members of the flight simulation and aviation community that might otherwise not have the opportunity to come together,” noted Evan Reiter, one of the conference organizers. “Las Vegas provides an unbeatable backdrop for the first edition of the conference, and gives attendees and partners alike access to world-class dining and entertainment all weekend,” he continued.
Early bird registration will start at just $50 for the weekend, and a 3-night stay at the FlightSimExpo special event rate will be approximately $135/night, including all taxes and fees.
Visit www.flightsimexpo.com for more information about the event and venue. Interested attendees are also encouraged to follow FSExpo on Twitter (@FlightSimExpo) and like the conference on Facebook (facebook.com/FlightSimExpo) for updates.
-
So are other ARTCCs invited to setup a booth and exhibit their facilities or is this another exclusive ZBW only event?
-
CET property, losing so much $. Nice to we you guys could take advantage of it.
Given that it’s Vegas (and I know it’s far out), can we expect cannily clad women?
I look forward to finally attending this Con though.
-
So are other ARTCCs invited to setup a booth and exhibit their facilities or is this another exclusive ZBW only event?
VATUSA is planning on attending. We are looking forward to participating and exhibiting all of our great ATC Facilities.
-
I look forward to finally attending this though.
Thanks Rick! Would be great to finally meet you.
So are other ARTCCs invited to setup a booth and exhibit their facilities or is this another exclusive ZBW only event?
Yes, as Matt said, FSExpo looks forward to working with VATUSA to welcome anyone who wishes to participate in the event. I expect VATUSA will want to present a "single USA" setup, with VATUSA attending the event "as one" community. In that capacity, we would have several controlling stations available for VATUSA members to demonstrate our capabilities across the United States. Obviously, BVA will be well-represented, and will likely have some pilot setups available for FSExpo attendees to try, depending on how much space we have available. However, all of that really is a call for VATUSA, and not ZBW/BVA, so Matt, you and I need to get together at some point soon :).
For the record, and as someone in VATUSA leadership should know, there has never been an "exclusive ZBW-only event".
-
I look forward to finally attending this though.
Thanks Rick! Would be great to finally meet you.
So are other ARTCCs invited to setup a booth and exhibit their facilities or is this another exclusive ZBW only event?
Yes, as Matt said, FSExpo looks forward to working with VATUSA to welcome anyone who wishes to participate in the event. I expect VATUSA will want to present a "single USA" setup, with VATUSA attending the event "as one" community. In that capacity, we would have several controlling stations available for VATUSA members to demonstrate our capabilities across the United States. Obviously, BVA will be well-represented, and will likely have some pilot setups available for FSExpo attendees to try, depending on how much space we have available. However, all of that really is a call for VATUSA, and not ZBW/BVA, so Matt, you and I need to get together at some point soon :).
For the record, and as someone in VATUSA leadership should know, there has never been an "exclusive ZBW-only event".
Hmm... I wonder if you may want to get ZLA involved. Perfect spot for an event, from say, ZBW to ZLA and spaces inbetween, all at the floor of what is in ZLA's yard, plus this could roll in perfect if one wanted to get a rep from L30 to come by and talk Vegas Tower and how we roll at KLAS...
..Not that I'm biased or anything.. ;)
BL.
-
I guess a point of order or two....
FlightSimExpo is a new event; this will be its first incarnation. The organizers were key members of the FlightSimCon leadership team, and were largely responsible for that event's success over the past several years, but they have branched off to start this new event. And yes, they are all members of ZBW. But the fact that they are members of ZBW in no way means there is any exclusivity involved. Note that in 2018 FlightSimExpo will be in ZLA's home turf, and FlightSimCon will be in ZFW's home turf.
As evidenced by FlightSimCon 2017, VATSIM and VATUSA and BVA were well represented at FlightSimCon 2017. VATSIM and VATUSA and BVA as exhibitors, and BVA had a significant presence due to the fact that the event is in ZBW's backyard plus the tie that BVA has had to the event for many years. That said, during the entire conference, there were at least 4, and sometimes more, VATUSA ARTCCs represented at all times, with scopes going and controllers engaging with the public, explaining what our part of the hobby does. And, in a few cases, a VA that was in the exhibition room adjacent to the VATUSA space was flying in and out of multiple facilities, and we were engaging both online and "across the room" so hobbyists could see not only the "both sides of the scope" portion of our hobby, but see the camaraderie as well. VATUSA and VATSIM were well represented, and we hope to be at FlightSimExpo and FlightSimCon as well. Participating in such events, regardless of who the organizers are, extend our reach within the hobby, hopefully drawing more people in to take a look not only at the flight simming hobby, but more importantly into VATSIM and VATUSA. That's the hook; our camaraderie, sense of community, culture, communication, engagement and effectiveness are what will keep folks positively engaged in our hobby and our community over the long run.
I am assuming (but will check) that VATSIM will look to VATUSA to be the driving force in representing both VATUSA and VATSIM as a whole to the community. As such, Matt is and will be working with the event organizers from both events to see how we best fit in, and work with all of VATUSA to ensure we are best represented. We did well this past year, but with anything we do, there are lessons learned. Perhaps we'll be able to employ those and impact an even greater percentage of the online flight simming community in 2018. Brad, I like your idea, and trust Matt will engage with you and the FlightSimExpo organizers to capitalize.
-
I'm planning to attend this event, so if anyone could use me for anything, I'll be there. Hopefully, my schedule lines up next year.
-
I've just sent the following press release out to the usual suspects. For anyone from VATUSA thinking about attending the event, I would strongly encourage registration before February 1, as it's never getting cheaper than this. Hotel reservation is also open now.
Our current list of Launch Partners: 1C Game Studios, Aerosoft, AirDailyX, Boston Virtual ARTCC, FlyTampa, FSFX Packages, FSElite, GoFlight, HiFi Simulation Technologies, iBlueYonder, Infinite-Flight, Javiator, Jetline Systems, Just Flight, Mindstar Aviation, Orbx, PilotEdge, PILOT’S, Prepar3D, POSCON, QualityWings, SimFlight, TFDi Design, VATSIM, VATUSA, VATSTAR, and X-Plane.
---
FlightSimExpo 2018, North America’s new community-driven flight simulation conference, has officially opened attendee registration! The conference welcomes the public of all ages to join us on June 9-10, 2018 at Flamingo Las Vegas Resort.
Attendees can register now by visiting www.flightsimexpo.com.
Early bird registration is just $50 for the entire weekend. This will include full access to the tradeshow floor and the seminars taking place on both event days. Register now: there are already more than 30 Launch Partners who have made an initial commitment to attend! Included are some of the biggest names in flight simulation like Aerosoft, Orbx, Prepar3D, SimFlight, X-Plane, and many more. The list is expected to grow as exhibitors and sponsors are announced in early 2018.
Registration prices go up to $70 on February 1, so attendees are encouraged to register early and take advantage of the best pricing.
Rooms at the event venue, Flamingo Las Vegas Resort, are just $119/night for Friday and Saturday night, and $59/night on all other nights. A $20/night resort fee and 13.38% county tax will apply. Attendees can book their hotel rooms online now by visiting flightsimexpo.com/hotel (http://flightsimexpo.com/hotel).
As many will know, the conference was formed by a group of community organizers from a VATUSA facility who have years of experience in flight simulation, aviation, and event planning. FlightSimExpo plans to bring simulation enthusiasts, current and former aviation professionals, and anyone else who has an interest in flight simulation or aviation together to witness the advances and developments within the industry. The conference is truly community-driven, and the venue, host city, and event activities have all been established in response to feedback from the community and developers.
Follow FlightSimExpo on Twitter (@FlightSimExpo (https://twitter.com/flightsimexpo)) and like the conference on Facebook (FlightSimExpo (https://www.facebook.com/FlightSimExpo/)) for the latest updates.
-
I'm going to make plans on joining this venture and represent the ZAB ARTCC. It'll be tough keeping me away from the poker room though....
-
I'm going to make plans on joining this venture and represent the ZAB ARTCC. It'll be tough keeping me away from the poker room though....
As someone living in Vegas, I'll tell you that keeping someone away from the poker room is the easy part...
Keeping someone away from the buffets.. It's easier to pull your two front teeth with 20 pair of oxen than to pull someone from a buffet!
Especially that Carnival World Buffet at the Rio... that's some good grub there! :P
Oh, wait.. I forgot.. there's the parking area parallel next to the 26s at KLAS, with ATC piped in over FM radio.. that's a much harder place to be pulled from! ;)
BL.
-
Oh, wait.. I forgot.. there's the parking area parallel next to the 26s at KLAS, with ATC piped in over FM radio.. that's a much harder place to be pulled from! ;)
Can you tell me more about this, or toss me a web link? Sounds like something we should definitely be telling attendees about.
-
Tickets booked!!
-
Tickets booked!!
Awesome! I'm going to be sending you an email after the holidays about whether you might be interested in giving a presentation or doing something during the event. Your posts on these forums about ATC have been fantastic. I'm thinking people would be interested in seeing that come to life...if it's something you're up for.
-
Evan, you know I’m game!
-
Evan, you know I’m game..feel free to text or call as well [redacted]
What if Cat Facts wants to text you?
-
I just registered and booked a room for this. I'd love to help represent Vatusa and ZAB. Let me know if I can help in any way.
-
I just registered and booked a room for this. I'd love to help represent Vatusa and ZAB. Let me know if I can help in any way.
Great!
Matt and I are supposed to chat soon about how VATUSA is going to be involved. As soon as I have an idea of what direction VATUSA wants us to go in, I'll reach out.
-
For those of you who did not see the announcement in the news forum. VATUSA has formally announced our participation and is actively seeking members to participate on the display team. Please check the following threads for more information.
https://forums.vatusa.net/index.php?topic=7736.0
https://forums.vatusa.net/index.php?topic=7737.0
-
For those of you who did not see the announcement in the news forum. VATUSA has formally announced our participation and is actively seeking members to participate on the display team. Please check the following threads for more information.
https://forums.vatusa.net/index.php?topic=7736.0
https://forums.vatusa.net/index.php?topic=7737.0
Matt, I just want to verify if you received my email or not. Mine has been acting a little funky.
-
Oh, wait.. I forgot.. there's the parking area parallel next to the 26s at KLAS, with ATC piped in over FM radio.. that's a much harder place to be pulled from! ;)
Can you tell me more about this, or toss me a web link? Sounds like something we should definitely be telling attendees about.
I'll do better.
Here's a screenshot. What you are seeing is Sunset Road, parallel to runways 8R/26L and 8L/26R at KLAS. That portion down at the bottom that says "McCarran International Airport Aircraft Observation Area" is a parking lot where you can park and watch planes arrive and depart. It is packed when Configuration #1 is in use (Landing 26L, 19L/R, departing 19L/R and 26R). In the screenshot there, you also see the sign that says "Tune your radio to 101.1FM to monitor ATC communication". They broadcast KLAS Tower over that channel on your radio (only for the 8s/26s, which is on 119.9), so you can listen directly to the tower from your car stereo, while any other scanner you have, you can tune to the other tower, Ground, Ramp control, Clearance, or any of the frequencies of the TRACON (the TRACON is co-hosted at KLAS).
They also do the same at KVGT, which is 12 miles northwest. That is on North Decatur Blvd, between Rancho Drive and Cheyenne Avenue. That is more of a small park as well, but broadcasts over the same FM radio channel, and has you tucked between the approach ends of runway 7 and runways 12L/R. 101.1FM there gets you KVGT Tower, on 125.7.
Definitely worth picking up something to eat and just hanging out there, as you'll see a LOT of traffic, and see how well we simulate the big boys.
BL.
-
Many of us have seen the news below on various FS news outlets including ADX this week, but I wanted to re-post it here just in case. Highlights:
- FSExpo now has more than 35 confirmed exhibitors.
- A new announcement we've just made is "The Squawkbox", a meet-and-greet booth on the exhibitor floor that will feature a number of speakers, experts, and scenery developers.
- Confirmation that PMDG’s Robert S. Randazzo will be speaking at the event, announcing the world premiere of a new PMDG product line that has been in planning and development since 2008 but has never been announced to the public.
- Remember to check out the FlightSimExpo Facebook and Twitter pages this week; from Monday to Friday at 11am ET, you'll have a chance to win hotel upgrades, flight simulation add-ons, and other great prizes: https://www.facebook.com/FlightSimExpo/.
JOIN MORE THAN 35 EXHIBITORS AT FLIGHTSIMEXPO: JUNE 9-10, 2018 AT FLAMINGO LAS VEGAS RESORT
FlightSimExpo is connecting flight simulation enthusiasts from across the country and around the world. Pilots, air traffic controllers, aviation professionals, and simmers of all ages can register now at www.flightsimexpo.com.
LAS VEGAS – April 5, 2018 – The biggest names in at-home flight simulation are coming to Las Vegas this summer! Aerosoft, FlyJSim, Infinite Flight, Laminar Research, NATCA, Navigraph, Orbx, PilotEdge, PILOT’S, Prepar3D, REX Game Studios, simMarket, and many more are sponsors and exhibitors for FlightSimExpo 2018. Connect with other like-minded enthusiasts, learn from a variety of speakers and panelists, and enjoy the ultimate “try before you buy” experience: this is the event for virtual aviators.
FlightSimExpo is a conference and tradeshow. Exhibitors will be displaying the latest in flight simulation and aviation technology in the 15,000 square foot exhibit hall. Attendees will be able to try out simulators and new products from developers across the industry, meet air traffic controllers, and learn about local non-profit aviation organizations. The event runs all day on Saturday, June 9 and until 3pm on Sunday, June 10.
Alongside more than 35 exhibitors, the conference will feature education-oriented seminars and presentations from a panel of Twitch streamers, PMDG’s Robert S. Randazzo, CFII Jason Miller, Captain John Cox, home cockpit builders Matt Ford and Tom Gauvin, and more! The event will open with the New Release Announcement Seminar, a 30-minute overview of the latest developments in simulation. Following this session, seminars and panel discussions take place all weekend.
In The Squawkbox, attendees will be able to meet and interact with several flight simulation personalities and experts in a one-on-one format. Ask questions and learn more about freeware (David Waldron), multiplayer and shared cockpit (Dave Hodges), avionics (Ken Smith), scenery design (three developers from Orbx), and more. The Squawkbox will be located on the main exhibit floor, just next to the conference room.
“There’s something for everyone at this event,” said Evan Reiter, co-founder of FlightSimExpo. “Attendees can meet developers, engage in learning-oriented seminars, or chat one-on-one with experts in The Squawkbox. And if you have a co-pilot with you who perhaps isn’t all that into simulation, there’s world-class shopping, dining, attractions, and of course gaming to keep anyone entertained!”
At the event, Attendees will have the opportunity to win prizes donated by FlyTampa, FS2Crew, Genovation, PilotsEYE, Stay Level Avionix, Thrustmaster, and X-Crafts. But there’s no need to wait until then: FlightSimExpo High Five will give anyone the chance to win a tour of Nellis Air Force Base, hotel upgrades, and other prizes during the week of April 9! Like FlightSimExpo on Facebook and look for the first chance to win at 8:00am PT (1500z) April 9.
There are great activities to do in Las Vegas before and after the conference. Just by registering, attendees can get discounts on flying a full motion Boeing 737 NG simulator, helicopter tours of the Strip, and indoor skydiving. WestJet has offered a 15% discount to event attendees travelling within North America. And for attendees coming from out-of-town, staying at the host hotel is as low as $59/night (plus tax) before and after the conference. There’s great planespotting, lots of natural excursions, museums, and fantastic free attractions for people of all ages.
Planning to attend FlightSimExpo? Registration is open now at www.flightsimexpo.com and is just $70 until May 15. Attendees are strongly encouraged to book their stay at Flamingo Las Vegas Resort now by visiting www.flightsimexpo.com/hotel as discounted room rate availability is limited.
###
About FlightSimExpo. FlightSimExpo is North America’s community-driven flight simulation conference. The event was formed by a group of community organizers from VATSIM’s Boston Virtual ARTCC with years of experience in flight simulation, aviation, and event planning. The conference and tradeshow takes place June 9-10, 2018 at Flamingo Las Vegas Resort.
-
Anyone that registers for that KLSV tour is in for a treat! I was stationed there when I worked there as the DoD liaison for the JCALS project in the early 2000s. It's a really nice setup they have there, with not just Red Flag and the Thunderbirds being stationed there, but the entire RAPCON being there as well. You'd get to see how they split the LAS Class D with the L30 TRACON, especially with service into KVGT, plus more. Really nice there, depending on how much they let you see.
Me? while it would be harder to pull me away from My Other Office (see that parking area next to VGT or LAS), it's another day at home for me! :)
Good luck to all that register for that tour!!
BL.
-
Who's all going?!
-
Who's all going?!
Expo, or the tour? VATSTAR will be there (official announcement pending), although I myself am flying in from the east coast early Saturday morning and flying back out late Sunday. So I'm gonna miss a lot of the social stuff before and after. As for Saturday night -- my plan is to wrap up on the exhibit floor the first day at five, check in to the room and grab a quick Disco Nap, then hope to catch up with the party scene after I'm a little rested.
-
Will be there.
-
Just got leave approved and booked this week.
-
Present.
-
I should be there! Can't wait to see y'all!
-
Myself plus a few others in ZDC will be in attendance!
-
Just doing all the work in the background, not actually coming :P.
Looking forward to seeing everyone in Vegas!
-
Got my ticket!
-
WooWhoo!
-
I'm going to the tour and the Expo!
-
Really looking forward to meeting everyone. Hotel, Expo and Travel is all booked. Just look for the goofy guy with all the tattoo's on his legs lol.
Derek
-
Really looking forward to meeting everyone. Hotel, Expo and Travel is all booked. Just look for the goofy guy with all the tattoo's on his legs lol.
Derek
Sir, please do not edit my flight plan.
-
Really looking forward to meeting everyone. Hotel, Expo and Travel is all booked. Just look for the goofy guy with all the tattoo's on his legs lol.
Derek
Dang... Guess I can't come since we can't ever be in the same city together :P