CAASE20 Conference Launches With Twin Keynotes, IndyCar Simulation

The CAASE20 Virtual Conference launched this morning with dual keynotes from author Geoffrey Moore (Crossing the Chasm) and analyst Monica Schnitger. The event is co-presented by NAFEMS and Digital Engineering.

Matthew Ladzinski, vice president, Americas at NAFEMS welcomed attendees, noting that the fact that the shift from an in-person event to a virtual conference opened up CAASE20 to even wider participation. According to Ladzinksi, more than 500 companies from more than 40 countries are participating in this year’s conference, which runs from June 16 to June 18.

NAFEMS CEO Tim Morris was also on hand to provide an update on the organization’s activities in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. While NAFEMS working groups and meetings are moving forward, all face-to-face activities have been cancelled, rescheduled, or shifted to online platforms. 

Morris also noted the creation of a new computational electromagnetics working group, plans for a new working group on engineering data science that will focus on artificial intelligence and data analytics. NAFEMS is also asking for input on its future agenda via an online survey, which can be accessed at nafems.org/agenda.

Morris also announced that the in-person NAFEMS World Congress would be held next June in Salzburg, Austria.

Andretti Autosport driver Alexander Rossi also made an appearance, providing a look at an IndyCar simulation. (CAASE20 was originally to be held in Indianapolis.)

CAASE20 featured two keynote speakers this morning. Author Geoffrey Moore, best known for his book Crossing the Chasm, outlined the technology adoption lifecycle model, and how companies can best leverage product acceptance by different types of users. 

Analyst Monica Schnitger focused on the use of simulation in the modern enterprise. 

"No matter what you do, development cycles are getting faster,” Schnitger said. “More outside pressure is being put on what you do and how you do it." 

To register and access the live and archived conference content, visit nafems.org/caase20. We'll also be providing updates on Twitter and Facebook throughout the conference.