AIAA HyTASP Program Committee Recommendations for Conference Growth

Scope and Approach

• Goal: Ensure our conference continues to be held as an

independent event, while maintaining the model that sets our conference apart from others

• Strategy: Improve the overall AIAA ROI for this conference

• Focus Team: Peter Montgomery, Tim O’Brien, Dave Van Wie,

Steve Schneider, Ryan Starkey, Dan Marren

Scope and Approach• Approach:

Increase Conference Attendance Lower Conference Costs

• Implementation: Perform a root cause analysis of the potential causes for

decreased ROI Identify and take any immediate actions possible for the San

Francisco conference Brief the PC in April on analysis and recommended long term

actions Update AIAA leadership regularly on progress and plan

forward Implement long term actions and track results

Root Cause Analysis – Causes to Consider

• Conference Timing JANNAF, National Space Symposium, others Many conferences set their dates at the same time making

coordination difficult Conferences setting dates after us may cause us to shift

dates after the initial marketing material is issued

• Conference Program Low levels of research papers \ S&T participation ITAR restrictions \ No closed sessions for US or US

Government only attendees Confusion over the scope of the conference

Root Cause Analysis – Causes to Consider

• Conference Cost Reduced budgets and constraints on government funding for

traveling to this type of activity Conference registration fee Lodging, meal, and travel costs due to conference location Costs of overseas travel for overseas conferences

• Conference Location Proximity to hypersonics research and development Overseas vs US locations

• Conference Marketing Distribution Message

Root Cause Analysis – Causes to Consider

• Industry Interest in Hypersonics Current industry level of interest in hypersonics Current industry interest in areas other than hypersonics

• US Participation in the Conference US interest in this conference does not seem to match

international interest level– US participants make up about 40% of the conference attendees– Conference location within the US or overseas does not change this

Local participation is not significant for US conference locations– Overseas conferences result in a significant increase in local

participation– US conferences do not result in an increase in local participation

Root Cause Analysis Results

• Conference Timing Secondary root cause 6 month shift might help but may be challenging

• Conference Program Maintain our model of openness that sets us apart

and encourages strong international involvement Grow areas where we could have stronger support

• Conference Cost Primary root cause Remaining below $1000 registration is important

Root Cause Analysis Results

• Conference Location Data suggests minimal impact with location We need to draw more local involvement when in US

• Industry Interest in Hypersonics Not a factor - Interest is currently strong

• US Participation in the Conference Good but we need to draw more local involvement

• Conference Marketing Good but we need to do better locally when in US

Recommendations and Path Forward

• Maintain our current model of openness• Focus on growing attendance, while minimizing

costs where possible Target two specific groups for growth

– Commercial Space Community– Research / S&T Community

Boost local involvement through increased outreach Consider meals and other special activities carefully

• Explore adding exhibits and sponsorships• Consider one 6 month timing shift, if feasible

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