I suspect that for those pushing for a virtual PDI has more to do with the fact that you were not one of "the selected dozen or so" chosen to attend than it does with trying to save command travel funds or allowing for more folks to participate.
Since this pandemic is a very unique circumstance, I believe that a decision by ASMC to postpone, or cancel, this years PDI should solely be based on the health and safety of the participants.
ASMC has been hosting PDIs for many years and I do not ever recall anyone in the past lobbying that this great networking experience be turned into a virtual experience.
Members and non-members have always had the opportunity to obtain the Virtual PDI from the Online Learning Center at ASMC's website after the actual event has occurred. This is a great resource for those who could not attend in person to still be able to earn CPEs. A majority of the content will allow you to earn up to 1.50 CPEs. And if you do not want to purchase the Virtual PDI using your own funds, you could request that your local ASMC chapter purchase it so that all of the chapter members can benefit.
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David Mann CDFM
Defense Logistics Agency
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-01-2020 17:46
From: Walter Koepp
Subject: PDI as a Virtual training and development event
I understand the advantages of a virtual PDI... reduced travel costs, easier for more people to participate, etc. If I were to have one concern, it would be that if you do it once and it is even moderately successful, the question will be why can't it be virtual all the time to reduce costs every year. If that that were to happen, everyone would lose the benefit of personal interaction and networking that goes with an in-person event.
I know that coming out and canceling is not popular due to those lucky few that can attend losing CPEs, but be careful what you ask for. You might just be (un)lucky get it.
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Walter Koepp
Stafford VA
Original Message:
Sent: 03-31-2020 09:01
From: Alita Kay
Subject: PDI as a Virtual training and development event
I recommend that ASMC seriously consider planning THIS year's PDI as a virtual training and development event. It will be more work and recovery if this event has to be cancelled at the last minute, when ASMC could choose to tailor it, in advance, to meet the needs of ASMC members. The ASMC virtual PDI has been available for a number of years. Speakers and course presenters can utilize an interactive environment. The presentations can be taped ahead of time and placed out on the ASMC PDI 2020 website. Individuals could still be on approved training status, and attend from their homes, via on-line. Members and non-members could pay a fee to obtain a uniquely assigned password to access the courses.
A virtual event would additionally provide significant relief to each agency's travel budget (that's assuming the travel ban is even lifted), as well as provide an opportunity for many more of their ASMC members to take advantage of this training and development opportunity, rather than a selected dozen or so.
Respectfully,
Alita Kay, CDFM-A, DFMCP2
Defense Logistics Agency