Frequently Asked Questions

What is INCOSE?
INCOSE is the International Council on Systems Engineering. Information about the history of the organization, its mission and objectives can be found on the website at www.incose.org.

What is the INCOSE workshop?
INCOSE's International Workshop is the event of the year for systems engineers to contribute to the state of the art. Unlike INCOSE's annual International Symposium and other conferences, there are no paper, panel or tutorial presentations. Instead, attendees spend 4 days working alongside fellow systems engineers who are there to make a difference. Systems Engineers at all levels and from all backgrounds are encouraged to engage in working sessions, and contribute their knowledge and experience to take the discipline forward.

When and where is the workshop this year?
IW2018 is taking place in Jacksonville, Florida, USA from January 20 to January 23. The Jacksonville venue provides a cost-effective and accessible location. Observe the published deadlines to benefit from reduced room rates in the conference hotel.

Who can attend the workshop?
The workshop is open to members, and non-members are encouraged to join INCOSE prior to the IW.
Attendance includes food and beverage for lunch, breaks, closing reception and registration materials. Access to some special events will require special registration.
Although early registration is encouraged, it is possible to register on-site, but some limited-availability options may be closed. Extra guest tickets are available for some sessions on a first-come, first-served basis.

How much does workshop registration cost?
Registration options for the workshop include a full registration, which covers all four days, unlimited access to plenary and to open meetings (for more information, please refer to What is the difference between an open and closed meeting at the IW and IS?), food and beverage for lunch, breaks, closing reception and registration materials. Guest tickets are available for sale when you register.br/> Registration for a single day or a two-day entrance are also provided with the same provisions for the days specified. Attendance for three days will be treated as a full registration.
INCOSE members are eligible for discounts on the basic workshop registration fees.
For the exact registration prices, please check registration page.

When can I register?
Online registration will open in November.
Online registration is closed 3 working days prior to the start of the event. On-site registration is also accepted.
Additional questions about the registration process should be directed to [email protected].

Where can I stay?
INCOSE encourages participants who will require overnight accommodations to stay at the conference hotel.

What is the difference between an open and closed meeting at the IW and IS?
INCOSE values transparency in all its actions and activities. An open meeting is one in which you can just drop in and start contributing to the work of the participants - in true workshop style. Closed meetings are those with a focused agenda and an audience qualified to address the agenda. In many cases, you can reach out to the chair of a meeting in advance - either to join the group or to observe. In some cases, it may be inappropriate; for example, the CAB is for corporate members; the CAG is the advisory group for Certification discussing sensitive topics where the meeting must be closed to protect the integrity of the process and the certification.

Travel to the U.S.
Passport & Visa
Most travelers to the United States must hold a valid visa and a passport that is valid six months longer than the intended visit. Visitors planning to visit or attend a meeting will most likely apply for a B-1 visa. Visa applicants are advised to apply as soon as they decide to travel to the United States and at least 3 to 4 months in advance. All Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers will be required to have a machine-readable passport (MRP) in order to enter the United States without a visa. As a standard part of the visa process, the State Department now requires that consular officers interview almost every applicant. Some consulates may have a long wait for an interview so applicants should contact the consulate to schedule an interview as early as possible. Contact the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy for details on visa application procedures at that location.

ESTA - Latest information for VWP travelers
ESTA is a fully automated, internet-based electronic system for screening Visa Waiver Program VWP passengers before they begin travel to the United States.
Effective since January 12, 2009, ESTA is mandatory and all VWP travelers are required to obtain an electronic travel authorization prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the U.S. under the VWP.
International travelers who are seeking to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are now subject to enhanced security requirements and will be required to pay an administrative fee.

More information can be found at:
www.cbp.gov/travel/
www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/esta

Disclaimer
The information is provided as a courtesy but is subject to change. If you are uncertain of your personal status, please contact the US Bureau of Consular Affairs.