Orlando’s simulation sector is all about creating virtual environments, but the companies that make up the $6 billion industry are ready to get back to an in-person convention.
Firms from across Central Florida and the globe will show off the latest in modeling, simulation and training technology in Orlando on Nov. 29-Dec. 3 at the annual Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference, commonly known as I/ITSEC.
The marquee trade show for the simulation industry was a virtual event in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but it’ll return this year to the Orange County Convention Center, where it routinely draws tens of thousands of attendees every year.
To see the technology showcased at I/ITSEC in 2019, check out the gallery above.
The show generates local economic impact by drawing simulation and military professionals from around the world to Orlando, the world capital for modeling, simulation and training. In addition, it’s a place for Central Florida companies to get their latest innovations in front of potential customers.
Local firms will be well represented at the expo. Among the 413 exhibitors, 115 are Florida companies. They’ll show off simulation and training innovations used by the military, aerospace industry, corporate giants and more.
For example, one of the region’s top simulation firms will demonstrate a mix of new products. Orlando-based Engineering & Computer Simulations Inc. is offering I/ITSEC attendees the chance to demo new telehealth offerings, helicopter training software and a virtual burn procedure simulation developed by the firm.
The emergency burn care procedure training integrates with a headset and cutting-edge haptic glove technology. That allows the user to “experience natural interactions and guidance through a sense of touch” while treating a virtual patient, according to CEO Waymon Armstrong.
Meanwhile, a tech startup expanding to Orlando will exhibit at the show for the first time. Red 6 Inc., which this summer announced it would relocate its headquarters from California to Miami and open a tech hub in Orlando, will showcase its augmented reality training system for jet pilots. This will be the first time Red 6 publicly shows off the technology to the public, said founder and CEO Daniel Robinson.
Of course, the biggest players in the defense sector will exhibit as well. They include Lockheed Martin Corp., the Bethesda, Maryland-based contractor that employs 8,000 people in Orlando. At I/ITSEC, Lockheed will debut its new F-35 pilot trainer, offering attendees the chance to try the device themselves.
To research the local companies that will exhibit at I/ITSEC this year, go here.
Two years ago, the event drew 20,000 attendees and 500 exhibitors. It generated $51.3 million in local economic impact, according to the Orange County Convention Center. The convention ranks as the Orange County Convention Center’s 15th-biggest trade show, according to Orlando Business Journal research.
Sign up here for The Beat, Orlando Inno’s free newsletter. And be sure to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
