I am seeking feedback on these ideas (and suggested frequency) for these ESA events.

1. Presentation and Networking event. (As required – quarterly in each state?)

The purpose of this event is to facilitate networking, project collaboration, sharing of experience and lessons learned and to hear from experts in certain areas of embedded systems development and deployment. ESA steering committee (SC) identifies speaker(s), sponsors and SC MC for event. If sponsored, Event sponsor provides venue, AV facilities, refreshments etc. MC opens event with welcome and outlines ESA, upcoming events, achievements etc. If event sponsored, event sponsor gives welcome and introduces their company, products and services. Introduces speaker(s) who speaks for 20 mins, followed by networking. If not sponsored, Steering Committee organises venue etc and ESA funds used to pay costs for event.

2. Business Opportunities Event (As required – quarterly in each state?)

The purpose of this event is to grow awareness of the products and services of ESA members with targeted audiences and potential customers. This is a new business and lead generation event. The ESA web site is used by ESA members to identify potential customers and companies that they would like SC to invite to event. SC works with state government and ESA network to organise customer invitation and attendance. If sponsored, Event sponsor is responsible for venue, AV facilities, refreshments and tables – otherwise, steering committee organises at some cost. Tables are available at a fee to ESA members and sponsors (with sponsors getting preferential access to tables at reduced rates).

3. ESA project workshop

Workshop to discuss collaboration opportunities between ESA members. These could be derived from tenders, market opportunities, and/or activities that combine capabilities. Typically, these workshops would be hosted by one of the sponsor organisations. Existing projects can attract new members via these workshops.

4. Research – Industry Forum (annual – maybe connected to another conference – rotate locations around states)

The purpose of this event is to share knowledge between companies and research groups. To identify research results that might be applicable to industry and to outline problems that might be relevant to research projects. It is expected that tertiary students would attend – creating recruitment opportunities for companies. This event is like a mini conference. With invited presentations by both industry (SMEs and MNCs) and research groups (Universities, CSIRO, NICTA, CRCs etc).

5. ESA Careers Day (annual – rotate locations around states - with growing attendance each year)

The purpose of this event is to introduce the embedded systems sector (industry and research) to high school students and to outline career opportunities. This might be an annual event – with a major speaker as a draw card (like Rodney Brooks event in 2009). It would be accompanied by tables where companies can showcase their technologies and projects. Universities can showcase their related courses. ESA can showcase outreach activities (like NCSS and Artemis Orchestra).