Mar 23, 2022, 00:00 AM
by
Christine Kowalski
Update on INCOSE Travel from Marilee Wheaton, INCOSE President.
Dear INCOSE Members,
Just an update regarding INCOSE travel for operations under the changing constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic. While constraints in many locales have lessened overall, we are all still experiencing the impacts of the pandemic and subsequent adjustments to our lives, whether at home, at work, or at school.
Over the coming months there are many INCOSE events that have been planned to be held physically, including the first hybrid INCOSE IS to be held in Detroit, Michigan June 26 – 30th, 2022.
To all INCOSE members, please continue to follow the guidance provided by your local and national authorities, and the World Health Organization (WHO). The selection of a format (physical, hybrid, or virtual) for events or meetings is at the sole discretion of the INCOSE organizer(s).
Travel funded for INCOSE operations is currently allowed, however, it must be in accordance with the approved budget and with the approval of the cognizant Director. No travel is required, and we respect individual member decisions based on their comfort level for attending in-person events. We will not ask any INCOSE member or business associate to travel on INCOSE business and events that would be in contradiction to, or in violation of, guidance from recognized authorities.
We recognize the ongoing restrictions for in-person events have been difficult and we truly look forward to more face-to-face opportunities this coming year. I was personally very glad to greet and network with many members at the January IW in Torrance. Nonetheless, we must continue to care for all our members, friends, associates, and partners. Participation in events and meetings that are virtual/hybrid provides advantages for global outreach and collaboration opportunities, and we are glad to have these options for continuing engagement for our members.
Lastly, I would like to sincerely thank all our INCOSE volunteers and members for their outstanding dedication and support throughout the past year. Without a doubt, INCOSE and our contributions to the global systems engineering community, especially the recent release of the Systems Engineering Vision 2035, would not exist without you.
As always, keep well and keep safe.
Marilee Wheaton
Marilee Wheaton
INCOSE President