The conference – hosted by Index AR Solutions at Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Virginia – is scheduled to allow participants to travel to Williamsburg on Monday, October 21 and return to any mainland U.S. destination by the night of Tuesday, October 22.

Attendees will experience hands-on Index demos and exhibits, listen to speakers describe how their companies are using and considering using Index AR Solutions, and network with other participants.

EXHIBITS

A morning session on October 22 will give conference participants the opportunity to walk around and interact with Index mobile apps, eBooks and experts. Breakfast will be served just outside the ballroom and participants are encouraged to eat, network and experience these best-in-class digital products.

The augmented reality demos and displays will highlight a few of the more than 1,000 Index AR Solutions eBooks, mobile apps and projects. Clients are encouraged to spend some time at their own displays/demos and speak to their experiences.

FEATURED PRESENTERS

The Index Fall 2024 Conference will include thought-provoking presentations from industry and business leaders who will share their experience implementing Index mobile apps and eBooks for workforce development. Stay tuned for additional presenters to be added as they are confirmed.

Dan Arczynski – President & CEO, Index AR Solutions

An Index State of the Union

Prior to Index, for 19 years Dan held a series of executive positions in the shipbuilding industry. He has served as Corporate Vice President of both business development and strategy at HII as well as Sector Vice President of strategy at both Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding and Northrop Grumman Newport News. During this period Dan had staff responsibility for both strategic and growth initiatives and served on the board of directors for Continental Maritime of San Diego, AREVA Newport News and Savannah River Nuclear Solutions.

Garo Hovnanian – Partner, McKinsey & Company

Understanding Today’s Workforce Challenges

Garo Hovnanian is a Partner in McKinsey & Company’s Capital Excellence practice, serving infrastructure owners with ambitious capital projects and the Engineering & Construction community that delivers them. Garo’s mission is to help clients overcome the structural and systematic challenges that face the U.S. projects industry, such as talent shortages, technology adoption, and the need for major contract and process innovation. He helps clients tackle these challenges on both the owner and contractor side to help make project teams more productive, more diverse and more effective at building the physical things that will benefit our society tomorrow.

Xavier Beale – Vice President, Human Resources and Trades Administration, Newport News Shipbuilding

Understanding Today’s Workforce Challenges

Xavier Beale is vice president of Human Resources and Trades Administration for Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of HII, located in Newport News, Virginia. Named to this position in 2022, Beale is responsible for talent acquisition, human resources operations, labor relations, leadership and professional development, ethics, diversity, inclusion, engagement, trades training and trades management, as well as Newport News Shipbuilding’s Apprentice School. A second-generation shipbuilder, Beale is committed to advancing a highly skilled workforce and representing the interests of Newport News Shipbuilding employees.

James Merlo, Ph.D. – Vice President, Operational Excellence, KnowledgeVine

How Multimodal Learning Works

Dr. James Merlo is Vice President of Operational Excellence at KnowledgeVine where he leads the company’s efforts in helping companies around the world leverage Human Performance Improvement technologies to reduce the frequency and severity of errors while building an organization of shared trust. Prior to KnowledgeVine, James served over eight years at the North American Reliability Corporation (NERC) leaving in 2019 as a Vice President and Director of the Reliability Risk Management department. In this role, he led the electric reliability organization’s efforts to assess the industry status and needs with regard to events and occurrences on the Bulk Electric System and explored human performance challenges affecting bulk power system reliability.

Alex Chasson-Colebourn – Training Director, Eversource Energy

How Multimodal Learning Helps Utilities

Alex Chasson-Colebourn is Training Director at Eversource Energy where she leads curriculum development and pipeline program development with local area community colleges. She has over 20 years of experience in designing, delivering, and managing innovative training programs across various industries. She specializes in developing strategic learning initiatives that drive organizational growth, enhance employee performance, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Her work has been instrumental in transforming traditional training methods into engaging, technology-driven experiences that resonate with today’s workforce.

Robert Denson – President, Des Moines Area Community College

How Multimodal Learning Helps Community College Students

Robert (Rob) Denson is the fourth and longest serving President of Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), the largest college in Iowa. DMACC has grown from 20,734 to 36,861 students during his tenure and is recognized as a leader and innovator in post-secondary education, workforce, and collaboration with business.

Rob helped pay his way through college driving a semi for a KENT Feed Mill and earned a B.S. in Political Science and Economics and a Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from Iowa State University. He graduated from Law School at the University of Florida in 1979 and became an Associate University Attorney for three years before operating his own civil trial law practice for 16 years. Rob later returned to Iowa as President of Northeast Iowa Community College in Calmar and Dubuque where he served successfully for 5 years, growing enrollment 58%, before coming to DMACC. Active on multiple community boards and civic organizations, Rob was also 2023 inductee into the Iowa Business Hall of Fame.

Dr. John E. Alex – Medical Director, Riverside Simulation Training Lab

How Multimodal Learning Could Help Health Care

Dr. John E. Alex is an Emergency Physician, Healthcare Simulation Educator, and Medical Director for the Riverside Simulation Training Lab at Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, VA.

Prior to joining Riverside, Dr. Alex retired from the U.S. Navy after 20 years of military service. His military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2 awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. He is also a designated Naval Flight Surgeon and a qualified Fleet Marine Force Warfare Officer.

In 2015, Dr. Alex was selected to be the first Deputy Director of the Healthcare Simulation and Bioskills Training Center at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth where he led a staff of simulation specialists in efforts to provide essential medical training to hospital personnel, trainees, and local operational forces.

Paul Heideman Ph.D. – Professor of Biology, Emeritus, William & Mary

How Multimodal Learning Could Help Universities

Dr. Paul Heideman holds a B.S. in Biology, M.S. in Zoology, Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and post-doctoral research in Evolutionary Physiology. He has published more than 70 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters. Professor Heideman has been a Biology faculty member at William & Mary (W&M, 1994-2024). He has taught biology courses including Introductory Biology (both semesters), sophomore Integrative Biology: Animals, sophomore Human Physiology, upper-level Animal Physiology with laboratory, and Writing from the Reader’s Perspective.

His first research interest, the evolutionary neuroendocrinology of fertility, has been supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF), producing publications on how fertility, appetite, and body mass are affected by heritable variation in the brain and hormonal systems. Professor Heideman’s 2nd and current research interest is improving STEM education. Professor Heideman has collaborated with the W&M School of Education as Principal Investigator (PI) of three 5-year NSF Noyce grants and supplements (2008-2024) to recruit and prepare new STEM teachers for grades 6-12. As part of these grants and his research, he has taught (1) courses on the practical elements of learning intended for first-year college students, and (2) a course for graduate students that applies our current understanding of memory and learning to STEM teaching. He has papers published and in progress on improving learning skills. Professor Heideman became Professor of Biology, Emeritus, W&M, in summer 2024. He is continuing his efforts on improving STEM teaching as a Co-PI on a new NSF Robert Noyce grant (2024-2029) to W&M as well as continuing his research on student learning skills.

PANELISTS

Bryan Shackelford – Innovation Representative, Eastman Chemical Company

Bryan Shackelford is a full time member of the research community in Eastman Chemical Company and a sometime member of the Eastman Innovation Lab. Eastman Chemical is a top ranked material manufacturer based in East Tennessee which has been serving B2B needs since 1920 when it was founded by George Eastman. Bryan currently focuses on material color/surface issues from both a science and design background leveraging 15+ years combined Fine Arts and Chemistry perspective in order to provide material insight. Prior to joining Eastman, Bryan enjoyed a wide variety of experiences including gallery manager, restaurant owner, and military leadership. Bryan holds up to eighteen U.S. patents but is most proud of his first patent, US 6136869, a “Depolymerization Process for Recycling Polyesters” which he believes contributes greatly to sustainability.

Kara Sappington – Sr. Training Development Analyst, PacifiCorp

Kara Sappington is a Senior Training Development Analyst at PacifiCorp. She has a diverse background in education spanning from community non-profits, higher education and currently, corporate workplace learning and development. She holds a Doctor of Education with a research focus on Adult Multimodal Learning in Apprentice Training, focusing on a program beginning to implement eBooks/apps.

John J. Simmins, Ph.D. – Director, GE Vernova Advanced Power Grid Laboratory, Alfred University

Dr. John J. Simmins is Director of the GE Vernova Advanced Power Grid Laboratory, at Alfred University where his research spans ceramics and distribution utility systems.

Prior to coming to Alfred, Simmins was Technical Executive at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) for 10 years. He has expertise in the intersection of augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and geospatial information systems. His responsibilities focused on developing robust system architecture to the smart grid and bringing thought leadership in integrating diverse applications such as Advanced Metering Infrastructure, Meter Data Management Systems, Advanced Distribution Management Systems, Customer Information Systems, Geospatial Information Systems and Outage Management Systems. Simmins received his B.S. and Ph.D. in Ceramic Science at Alfred University. He also has held certifications in cyber security, quality control, and enterprise resource planning and supply chain. Simmins also holds several graduate certificates in artificial intelligence. He is the author of over 300 publications and presentations.

Francine Leal – Senior Instructional Designer, Eversource Energy

Francine Leal is a Senior Instructional Designer at Eversource Energy. She has a proven track record of creating engaging, effective learning experiences tailored to diverse audiences. With over 15 years of experience in instructional design, Francine specializes in leveraging instructional technology, adult learning principles and creative strategies to develop impactful blended learning solutions.

Scott Sommers – Senior Vice President, Index AR Solutions

Scott Sommers is Senior Vice President at Index AR Solutions, responsible for the company’s Marketing initiatives, as well as Client and Corporate Development. Prior to Index AR Solutions, Scott Sommers was SVP, Finance and Corporate Development at SureWest Communications. He was instrumental in setting the Company’s strategic direction, leading the sale of the directories, wireless and tower assets as well as the acquisition of the Kansas City properties. He also lead the restructuring of the corporate compensation plans, freezing the defined benefit plan and outsourcing of non-core functions.

Benjamin Franklin – Founding Father

Benjamin Franklin will join us at Monday evening’s dinner to speak on a variety of interesting subjects such as his childhood, youth, education; his experiments with electricity and that famous kite; the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution, the Constitutional Convention; and his life in London and Paris. The good doctor is happy to chat and answer all questions about his life and times.

AGENDA

LOCATION

Located near the heart of Colonial Williamsburg in southeastern Virginia, Kingsmill Resort is a top golf and spa destination nestled within a gated community. Kingsmill features an unparalleled range of accommodations, a stunning James River setting, two must-play championship golf courses and a boundless range of recreational activities and leisure pursuits right on the grounds.

Kingsmill is a 45-minute drive from Richmond International Airport (RIC) and Norfolk International Airport (ORF) and a 20-minute drive from Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF).

Learn more about Kingsmill Resort, its accommodations and amenities at kingsmill.com.

REGISTRATION AND FEES

There are three elements to the Index Fall 2024 Conference fees: 1) the Retreat registration, 2) the optional Monday evening dinner and reception, and 3) Kingsmill accommodations. Please be sure to purchase Conference registration and Kingsmill accommodations if staying for both days. When purchasing the Conference registration, you will also have the option to purchase a ticket to the Monday evening dinner and reception. If you are not staying at Kingsmill Resort and arriving Tuesday for the retreat only, you only need to purchase Conference registration.

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION AND OPTIONAL MONDAY EVENING DINNER

The $150 Conference registration fee includes breakfast Tuesday, October 22, beverages and snacks throughout the day, and a lunch buffet. Tickets to the Monday evening dinner and reception are $65 and sold separately.

CLICK HERE FOR RETREAT REGISTRATION AND OPTIONAL MONDAY DINNER TICKETS

ACCOMMODATIONS

Kingsmill Resort has reserved resort guestrooms for retreat attendees at a rate of $179 (plus taxes and fees) for one night of accommodations. A credit card will be required to make a reservation. If booking by phone, please identify yourself with the Index AR Solutions Conference.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ROOM ONLINE

CONTACT INDEX AR SOLUTIONS

For more information about the Index AR Solutions Fall 2024 Conference, please contact:

Scott Sommers
Senior Vice President
Scott.Sommers@IndexARSolutions.com
916-223-7273