LOA Symposium connects professionals worldwide
By Jacqueline Jastrzebski
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma – Logistics, maintenance, and acquisitions professionals from across the world gathered for the 2019 Logistics Officer Association Symposium October 8-11.
This year 1,246 people attended the symposium, more than double the number of attendees five years ago.
“We made it our priority to listen to feedback and changed elements of the event to make it more interactive and engaging for attendees,” said Ryan VanArtsdalen, LOA Chief of Information.
The symposium also featured an exhibit hall with booths from 69 different exhibitors displaying a variety of aerospace technology.
LOA presents a unique opportunity for logisticians at all levels to network with industry professionals and discuss challenges among today’s Air Force.
“No matter what you wear to work, we’re all invested in advancing our country’s military capabilities,” said JD DuVall, LOA Chief Operating Officer. “The LOA exhibit hall is a unique opportunity for problem solving between Airmen and our industry partners.”
This year marked the first iteration of Log Think Tanks; an idea designed to take advantage of the vast intellectual capital among attendees.
Four groups were given four challenges currently facing the Air Force logistics enterprise. The groups discussed improving digital communications, enlisted retention, and the ability to harness artificial intelligence and data analytics.
At the end of the week, the groups took to the main stage and presented possible solutions to Lt. Gen. Warren Berry, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Engineering, and Force Protection.
LOA plans to further its success by continuing for next year’s event in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The organization would like to thank all attendees and industry partners who contributed to this year’s successful premier professional development event for military logisticians.