Market Connections Federal Media & Marketing Study

By Caitlyn Van Orden

Last week, the FedBizBeat team attended Market Connections’ 5th Annual Federal Media and Marketing Study Breakfast. During the event, Market Connections President and CEO Lisa Dezzutti shared the results of the company’s annual survey, which examines media usage by mid- to senior-level decision makers at civilian and defense agencies. By gaining insight into the ways federal decision makers consume information through websites, mobile devices, social media, TV and radio, we can improve the ways we market to them. You can download an overview of the study results here.

A few things that stood out to us during the presentation:

• There has been a big jump in mobility in the federal space over the last year. Smartphone users jumped from 58 percent of respondents in 2012 to 67 percent this year. Tablet usage has almost doubled, leaping from 31 percent in 2012 to 60 percent this year. 

• Decision makers in the federal space get their information from multiple sources. The majority of respondents said they get their work-related news and information from a combination of print and websites or e-newsletters as opposed to just one of these platforms.

• This year’s top online social sites are the same as last year: Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn. Also significant: Google+, a tool used by 33 percent of respondents. 

The biggest takeaway from the study is that it is increasingly important for companies and organizations to be visible across multiple platforms when marketing to the government. We encourage you to review the results of the study and then let us know: How can this information help your company or organization?

Just-for-Fun Fridays: Swarmageddon

By Caitlyn Van Orden

Every 17 years, our area is swarmed by billions of Brood II cicadas, emerging out of the ground ready to sing loudly, make babies, and die, all within a dramatic 4-6 weeks. This year’s cicada invasion has been dubbed Swarmageddon, and there have already been a few sightings. It has begun!

It looks like the swarm will be heaviest in the Northern Virginia area, with significantly fewer cicadas popping up in DC and Maryland. Brood II cicadas typically show up in April or May and die out by July.

Though not exactly cuddly, cicadas are harmless. You can even eat them if you are so inclined (check out this cicada recipe guide, courtesy of the University of Maryland). They’re high-protein, low-fat, low-carb, and gluten-free. Delicious.

Whether you’re ready to get the cicada party started, praying the bugs don’t ruin your summer wedding, or wondering how you’ll manage to survive the swarm, we want to hear about it!

Congratulations to this Year’s AFFIRM Leadership Award Winners!

The Association for Federal Information Resources Management (AFFIRM) recently announced the winners of this year’s leadership awards. According to their website, AFFIRM annually recognizes individuals and groups in the Federal information technology community for leading innovation in government.

FedBizBeat would like to congratulate this year’s winners.

Executive Leadership in Information Resources Management (Civilian): Simon Szykman, CIO, Department of Commerce

Executive Leadership in Information Resources Management (DOD): LTG Susan Lawrence, CIO, US Army 

Executive Leadership Award for Industry: Doug Bourgeois, VP and Chief Cloud Executive, US Public Sector, VMware 

Leadership Award in Acquisition and Procurement: Robert Coen, Acting Director, NITAAC, National Institute of Health, Health and Human Services

Leadership in Service Excellence: Jonathan Rubin, First Fridays Usability Testing Program Manager, OCSIT, General Services Administration

Leadership Award for Service to the Citizen: Terence Milholland, CTO, Internal Revenue Service, Department of Treasury 

Leadership Award for Service to the Country: Vincent Capezzuto, Director, Air Traffic Systems, Program Management Organization, Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation 

Leadership Award for Innovative Applications: Mary Snavely-Dixon, Director, Defense Manpower Data Center, Department of Defense

Leadership in Technology Innovation: Mark Day, Director, Office of Strategic Programs, Federal Acquisition Service, General Services Administration

Leadership in Service to the Government IT Community: Rick Holgate, Assistant Director for Science and Technology, CIO, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Department of Justice

Leadership in Health Information Technology: Tony Trenkle, CIO, Director of the Office of Information Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Health and Human Services

Leadership in Cyber Security: Mike Robertson, Director, OCIO Cyber Support Division, Energy Information Technology Services, Department of Energy

Special Recognition Award: Zach Baldwin, Director, Federal Data Center Consolidation Initiative, General Services Administration




The awardees will be honored on Thursday, June 13, 2013 at the AFFIRM Leadership Awards Luncheon at the Capital Hilton, 1001 16th Street NW, Washington, DC.

GovCon Industry Event Lineup

By Tara Kossari

This week is jam-packed with industry events. We thought we’d let you know some of our local picks.

5/13 – 5/14: Excellence in Government at Ronald Reagan Building in DC

5/13 – 5/15: GovSec at DC Convention Center

5/14 – 5/16: FOSE at DC Convention Center

5/16: Market Connections’ Federal Media Study Breakfast in McLean, VA 

Industry has plenty of opportunities for conferences, workshops, panels and networking and this week is no exception. For a full list, we recommend GovEvents.com – they have great search tools to help you find exactly what you need!

Where will you be this week? You’ll know where to find us!

Just-for-Fun Fridays: Mother's Day Events in DC

By Caitlyn Van Orden

Sunday is Mother’s Day, but if you haven’t made plans yet, there’s still time! Here are some ideas.

Take her out: InTheCapital has a comprehensive guide on where to brunch with Mom on Sunday.

No really, take her out: Check out Zagat’s list of DC restaurants worthy of your Mother’s Day reservation.

Get crafty: The Bethesda Fine Arts Festival takes place Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. If Mom is into arts and crafts, this could be a fun event to enjoy together (plus, it’s free).

Stop and smell the roses: What’s better than buying her flowers? Taking her to see lots of them. The 85th Annual Georgetown Garden Tour will be held Saturday 10 a.m - 5 p.m. Tickets are $35, which includes tea and light refreshments.

Bonus: Here are 5 fast facts about moms, courtesy of Pew Research Center. 

Have a great weekend, and Happy Mother’s Day!