BEYA Metaquake Symposium Brochure

ABSTRACT

In the early 1990s, the world was awakened to a new disruptive technology called the internet, and we have experienced its impact in every facet of our society. The internet provided the infrastructure and connectivity for new digital services and products.

The BEYA Metaquake Symposium is created to inform, educate, and share the knowledge and opportunities this innovative technology will introduce to all markets and industries worldwide. Like the internet, we will find it difficult to remember how life was before the metaverse became available.

Metaquake is a technology term created by the founder of Career Communications Group to define the disruptive nature of the metaverse and its potential impact in government, corporate enterprises, education, and entertainment markets to name a few.

To better understand the potential of the metaverse and the rationale for the term Metaquake, let’s take a page from the history books and remember that the internet forged new markets, industries, and business practices into the global economy within five years of its implementation. The internet also disrupted traditional markets that were deemed indestructible, like bookstores, cable television, music, communications, and retailing. These are just a few examples of the disruption powered by the internet.

Metaquake is a “metaverse ecosystem” of educators, researchers, business professionals, artists, gamers, novelists, etc. with the intent to highlight innovative contributions and progress in developing inclusive metaverse offerings in armed forces, academia, business, and governments.

Discovery and education represent two important outcomes of the BEYA Metaquake Symposium. The BEYA Metaquake Symposium will provide dedicated space for novices and veterans alike to learn from seasoned experts and foster connections within the worlds of technology, business, education, and government.

The BEYA Metaquake Symposium will provide a deeper understanding of the technologies that are the foundation of the metaverse, including cryptocurrency, blockchain, NFTs, gaming, VR/ AR, Web3, education, and beyond. We believe that sharing knowledge is the most sustainable way to ensure that every person will participate in metaverse opportunities and experiences.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2023

Today’s Theme: The Metaverse Unboxed

Understanding how the metaverse can enable wealth, wellness, insights, information, and alternate reality experiences is a critical path to travel sooner rather than later to take full advantage of this emerging phenomenon. “First market movers” are generally early adopters of innovation that observe the benefits of learning new technology with the intent to leverage their knowledge for many positive purposes.

Various speakers will discuss the metaverse in a Leading Voice-type setting. Doc T, Mark Dean, Chris Jones.

12:00 – 4:00 p.m. Registration

1:00 – 3:30 p.m. A Marriage Made in Heaven: The Metaverse and Digital Twin

Learning objective: Examine how digital twins and the metaverse connect for a better customer user experience.

Many changes have taken place in business models since the creation of the internet. New technologies have been developed, work styles have changed, and the make-up of the workforce has been revolutionized. The metaverse is no different, and while it may be difficult to wrap your head around, taking the time to learn about digital twins and how they fit into virtual reality can be very beneficial. A digital twin is a digital representation of a real-world entity or system. The implementation of a digital twin is an encapsulated software model that mirrors unique physical objects or persons. Data can be aggregated for a composite view across several real-world entities. A complete or holistic view of machines helps companies save time on maintenance with fewer reworks and efficient resolutions to machine failures. In the metaverse, it may be as simple as an avatar of a customer visiting your virtual headquarters and sitting down in your virtual conference room—taking away the need to travel while also giving people a more face-to-face experience. Data is essential in a virtual meeting, giving you a holistic view of your clients.

At the end of this session, participants will:

1. Understand what a digital twin is and how it relates to the metaverse.

2. Explore the digital twin and the industrial internet as a method for increasing business models.

3. Understand how the Internet of Things (IoT) can increase work efficiency.

4:00 – 5:00 p.m. What is the Metaverse and How Will It Change Digital and Social Connections?

Learning objective: Explore the metaverse and what effects it will have on social media

The metaverse is a virtual open space that combines digital and physical realities for the enjoyment and education of users. It permits users to work or play alone or in groups to accomplish work tasks or engage in social interactions. Users can build towns, attend concerts, and shop using non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Social media is the current dominant method for communicating among internet users,

but the metaverse will force people to rethink their methods for engaging with others. By adding new experiences for users, the metaverse will bring together consumers to interact, collaborate, and socialize in a trusted environment.

At the end of this session, participants will:

1. Understand what the metaverse is.

2. Know how the metaverse will change social media.

3. Be aware of the methods used to create communities in the metaverse.

4. Understand how to increase collaboration in the metaverse.

5:15 – 6:15 p.m. Why the Metaverse Cannot Exist Without a Blockchain

Learning objective: Explore the metaverse and what effects it will have on social media

The metaverse is a virtual realm with limitless possibilities, created because of combined virtual, physical, and digital realities. This self-contained virtual economy is made possible by the support of digital currency, such as those supported by blockchain. Blockchain technology supports decentralized and visible, digital evidence of value transfer, management, and compatibility. Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin permit people to exchange value while working and socializing in the digital environment. Soon, crypto could be the driving force behind encouraging individuals to work in the metaverse.

At the end of this session, participants will:

1. Understand how blockchain is the building block for the metaverse.

2. Know what digital assets are.

3. Understand the difference between open and closed metaverses.

6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Welcome Reception

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2023

Today’s Theme: Metaquake—The Metaverse ‘Ecosystem’ of Career and Business Opportunities

The metaverse, upon initial thought, may appear to be confined to virtual reality and augmented reality gaming. However, the adoption of the metaverse as a pervasive technology means industries and markets will rely on the metaverse to accelerate their core market execution strategies.

The day begins with a discussion of how decentralization and Web3 will disrupt society overall. Then we drill down to how it will impact organizations and individuals.

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registration

9:00 – 10:15 a.m. Making Money in the Metaverse

Learning objective: Examine methods for increasing profitability in the metaverse

The metaverse is a virtual reality environment that connects people from various facets of life. It’s a cyberspace that combines digital spaces into one place where users can gain online ease of access

and conduct everyday activities. One of the significant benefits that is possible in the metaverse is the capability to facilitate various activities that can earn money. Since this digital environment is different than others, it lends itself to opening more opportunities to acquire income.

At the end of this session, participants will:

1. Understand the concepts behind the blockchain economy.

2. Examine how NFT digital assets work.

3. Explore the processes of digital wallets interacting with cryptocurrency.

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The Beginner’s Guide to Blockchain

Learning objective: Examine blockchain technology and its uses in society

Developing technologies, like blockchain, are shepherding in newer internet applications that surpass our current ideologies and allow for a more inclusive society where everyone benefits. We are at the forefront of a major transformation from centralized to decentralized applications, disrupting the way people, businesses, countries, and many other entities operate. With its complex, theoretical foundation, blockchain is anticipated to shift paradigms in data structures and application design. In simple terms, a blockchain is a distributed ledger that facilitates the transfer of assets among participating peer-entities.

At the end of this session, participants will:

1. Understand how blockchain evolved.

2. Be able to explain what digital assets are.

3. Understand how blockchain impacts our major structures.

4. Know the difference between centralization and decentralization.

5. Understand the future of money in the metaverse.

12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Break

2:00 – 3:45 p.m. Building Your Brand in the Metaverse

Learning objective: Examine the digital branding benefits of user connections

Every organization should be looking for new ways to connect with users. The metaverse is the perfect opportunity to create an opportunity for connection, but also a place to express your creativity, build new customer experiences, and develop new methods for interacting with your audience. Although challenging, it can be hugely successful and profitable if done correctly. Brands must think about how they will engage with customers in this new environment and should consider their needs, touchpoints, limitations, and campaigns, to begin.

At the end of this session, participants will:

1. Know what a digital brand is.

2. Understand digital agencies (individual, community, and organization) and why they are important in the metaverse.

3. Know which platform is best for their organization.

4. Understand the Internet of Me (IoM).

4:00 – 5:00 p.m. How VR Schooling Could Actually Increase the Digital Divide

Learning objective: Examine the limits of virtual reality in college classrooms

Technology is improving our processes and changing the ways we live, work, and play. This can be seen on college campuses as students will soon be able to attend classes in the metaverse. Because we do not live in a perfect world, this move will be advantageous to some students and harmful to others. The concept of a metacampus allows students and teachers to gather in a virtual realty classroom, which offers many advantages over current classrooms to increase student engagement and performance. Some governments are using the metaverse as an alternative, lower-cost educational and training platform. The challenge is to distribute the hardware needed to access the platform.

At the end of this session, participants will:

1. Understand why we currently have a digital divide.

2. Know why VR, AR, and XR are not the metaverse.

3. Be aware of the resources needed to create VR schooling.

7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Alumni Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony

PRE-COLLEGE SCHEDULE (details on page 12)

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022

9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Pre-College Program & Hackathon (includes esports)

10:00 – 10:45 a.m. Rotation 1 workshops & esports Showcase

11:00 – 11:45a.m. Rotation 2 workshops & esports Showcase

12:00 – 12:45 p.m. Lunch

12:00 – 1:15 p.m. Hackathon Showcase & Presentation (Career Day Team)

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2023

Today’s Theme: How to Develop a Metaverse Strategy

Understanding how to formulate and plan a metaverse strategy is critical to unlocking the full potential of the metaverse. Strategic planning of metaverse offerings requires a good understanding of the core components of the metaverse, followed by knowledge of how the metaverse will influence and impact markets, industries, and humanity.

Building on the previous symposium themes is necessary to formulate the correct metaverse journey for professional and organizational growth and prosperity. A key outcome of these sessions will answer the question, “Where do I begin my metaverse journey?”

8:00 – 5:00 p.m. Registration

9:00 – 10:15 a.m. How to Build a Metaverse Implementation Strategy?

Learning objective: Explore methods for developing your metaverse strategy

The metaverse will revolutionize most aspects of our business and personal lives in the next decade. It will allow collaboration in virtual and augmented spaces as well as create new businesses that will transform our daily interactions. Very soon, companies will find themselves facing a new challenge: how to build or use the metaverse to meet the company goals. To grow and thrive in our ever-changing world, companies must think outside the box and in another universe…the metaverse.

At the end of this session, participants will:

1. Understand BYOC: Bring Your Own Community.

2. Know the core characteristics of a metaverse project.

3. Understand which platform may be right for their organization.

10:30 – 11:45 a.m. Using the Metaverse for Distributed Social Services

Learning objective: Explore methods for using the metaverse for distributed services

A distributed social network is an internet social networking service that is decentralized and distributed across distinct service providers. It consists of multiple social websites, where users of each site communicate with users of any of the involved sites. From a societal perspective, one may compare this concept to that of social media being a public utility. This makes the metaverse the perfect environment for assisting corporations in finding and recruiting the next great employee or helping managers train remote employees who are in another state. Join us as we address the topics that most companies can’t answer.

At the end of this session, participants will:

1. Understand how to distribute services on the metaverse.

2. Know methods for recruiting new and existing employees on the metaverse.

3. Be able to explain techniques for building effective training and coaching programs.

12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Break

2:00 – 3:15 p.m. Understanding the Web3 and Metaverse Workforce Needs

Learning objective: Explore Web3 technologies for increasing job search in the metaverse

The metaverse is the next big place to locate your next job or find your next employee with firms like Meta, Roblox, Microsoft, and many others. If you are looking for a new job in the metaverse, you will need to know what your role will look like and that you will need to have knowledge of blockchain, AI, 5G gaming, and other Web3 technologies. To be effective in your job search, you will need to create and build your brand in the metaverse, network on meetups, join communities, and take advantage of everything that the metaverse has to offer.

At the end of this session, participants will:

1. 32. Understand what Web3 technologies are and how they can assist you in the metaverse.

2. Be aware of the STEM career opportunities in the metaverse.

3. Know about the opportunities for non-STEM workers in the metaverse.

4. Understand how to develop continuous learning programs.

3:30 – 6:00 p.m. How to Build a Curriculum on the Metaverse

Learning objective: Examine methods for creating effective and engaging curriculum in the metaverse

With the inception of the metaverse, learning will change, and so will the tools that students need to be successful after they leave the classroom. School curriculums are now emphasizing project-based learning and STEM to prepare students for their careers and 21st century jobs. Educators are looking at the metaverse and virtual reality to take kids beyond the classroom. What’s the hype about the metaverse? Why is it relevant in education? Since millions of students are logging onto the metaverse daily, this is creating a challenge to make virtual connections in various ways. We are ushering kids, students, and educators into the future of education, allowing students to access a new world where virtual reality meets a digital world. Here students can immerse themselves in previously inaccessible learning environments at the touch of a button.

At the end of this session, participants will:

1. Understand how STEM organizations are using the metaverse to increase learning.

2. Know the types of learning programs that work on the metaverse platform.

3. Be aware of the tools needed to create an effective metaverse learning platform.

4. Understand methods for involving students in metaverse skill building.

6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Closing Reception

INDIVIDUAL

PRE-COLLEGE

MIDDLE SCHOOL WORKSHOPS

Huntington Ingalls Industries: Putting a Spin on STEM: The Importance of Soft Skills

Objectives:

• Find creative ways to collaborate and solve problems.

• Understand what healthy and productive competition is.

• Increase and improve communication.

• Understand how to respond to last-minute changes.

• Understanding diversity of thought and talent.

Expected Outcomes: The expected outcome of this activity is for participants to work in teams to plan, problem solve, and assemble a LEGO® Top Spinner in a pre-determined time.

E-sports Gaming—Do You Have Game? Bring It - Patriots Training Center

Objectives: Students will receive an introduction to electronic sports (esports) tournaments/STEM careers. Esports is currently earning over $138 billion as it becomes one of the most prominent forms of global entertainment and is considered a sport nationwide with players becoming superstars.

Expected Outcomes: Students will learn about the different STEM careers in the esports industry and will be challenged to know the different jobs associated with the industry in an interactive Kahoot! game.

Biomedical Careers—Is There a Doctor in the House? Patriots Training Center

Objectives: Students will receive an overview of the different types of careers in the medical field. Expected Outcomes: Students will learn about STEM careers in the medical field and will be challenged to know the different careers associated with the industry in an interactive Kahoot! game.

How To Build a Ship! American Society of Naval Engineers

Objectives: Students will receive information and instructions on how to architect and build ships.

Expected Outcomes: Participants will design, test, evaluate, and redesign their own naval ships for a search and rescue mission.

HIGH SCHOOL WORKSHOPS

The Boeing Company: Project Whirly Bird

The workshop will provide students with the fundamental concepts that allow helicopters to take flight. Students will then break up into teams of four to apply their lessons in flight to create working prototypes.

Financial Aid 101: How to Afford College and Achieve Your Dreams—CCG

What do you want to be when you grow up? We have heard this question many times throughout elementary and secondary education. Yet, achieving your career dream can be expensive. Don’t give up yet; there are many resources for financial aid available to help you afford your post-secondary education. Join us for this seminar as we learn about the opportunities to help you achieve your dreams.

At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to:

• Define “what is financial aid.”

• Explain various sources of financial aid that are available for college education.

• Discuss how colleges and other sources determine eligibility for aid.

• Examine when, where, and how to apply for financial aid.

• Explore other financial aid options such as work-study or student loans.

Cyber Security: Safeguarding Democracy and Securing Employment—CCG

Cyber security has become as important as locking your front door. We must protect and secure our information. As our reliance on technology increases, the need to build innovative approaches to cyber security efforts becomes critical. The opportunities in this field are great. Cyber security is a national priority. Join our panel of experts as we talk about managing cyber threats and ways to gain access to cyber security opportunities.

At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to:

Identify the required skills and different types of cyber security careers.

Explore opportunities and challenges in cyber security.

Examine critical success factors.

Connect with other successful cyber security professionals.

Explore trends and best practices for cyberspace.

SAT Prep: Winning Test-taking Strategies—CCG

The SAT is designed to assess a student’s aptitude and knowledge in reading, writing, and math. Colleges and universities use the SAT to evaluate every applicant’s eligibility for admission. Higher scores on the SAT mean better chances of getting accepted to the college or university you wish to attend. Join us as we discuss proven tips, techniques, and strategies for improving your overall performance on the SATs.

At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to:

List the various sections of the SAT test.

PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAM

• Explain strategies for staying focused and finishing on time.

• Discuss techniques for selecting the correct answers and eliminating incorrect answers.

• Describe techniques to reduce test anxiety.

Getting Accepted: Mastering the College Admission Process—CCG

Getting into the college or university of your choice is competitive. Applying to college can feel like a full-time job, especially if you are applying to multiple places with differing requirements. There’s a lot of information to collect and process, so make sure that you take care of the details. This seminar will discuss techniques for pre-planning, gathering info, and completing the college admission process.

At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to:

• Discuss strategies for managing anxiety during the college testing and interview process.

• Recognize how stress can affect their sleep, diet, and exercise.

• Cope with peers, schoolwork, and home life during the application process.

• Apply their own interests, values, and goals to the college decision-making process.

Roundtable/Mentoring Session—CCG

College should be a time for exploration, learning, and self-discovery. Many college students will be affected by a number of issues during their college experience. These roundtable sessions are designed to help students avoid the negative effects of these issues.

What you should be doing now to get into college – Getting into college can be a daunting task, and with fewer students getting accepted each year, the pressure on high school students increases. But with the right planning, you can reduce the stress while working to make sure that you do all that you can to get accepted.

Coping with college life – Going to college is a big step and a major transition in your life. Now you are responsible for everything, and there’s no one to look over your shoulder. This can make some students feel alone and like they have too much to handle. Fortunately, you don’t have to learn it all at once, and there is help available. Join us as we discuss resources and methods for learning to navigate college.

Adjusting to life away from home – Moving away from home to college takes a lot of preparation and planning. But even with all your planning, you may not have prepared for how to deal with homesickness. While being homesick can be a challenge, getting through it can be easier than you think–and here’s how.

Coping with cultural differences in college – Leaving home and moving to college can be terrifying for new students, especially if you are far from the place where you grew up. You don’t have to live in fear, though; your college experience can be exciting and life-changing. This session will give you advice on how to acclimate yourself to your new environment.

Dressing appropriately for college and not high school – Packing and dressing for college means leaving the high school look behind. You want to look like an adult without conveying the high school image. So, join this panel as we discuss what the well-dressed collegiate is wearing. Making friends: Dealing with social anxiety – It’s a good bet that not all of your high school friends are

going to attend the same college and take the same classes as you. College life is about learning about yourself and making new friends. Join us as we discuss techniques for making friends in college.

Alone on the range: Developing self-motivation skills – To succeed in college, you consistently need to do your best. Staying motivated isn’t always easy when you have a lot of pressure on you. For anyone who has struggled with staying motivated, this session will give you advice on finding the right balance between school, work, and other activities.

Time and stress management in post-secondary education – College is full of new experiences and possibilities, which can also take up your free time and increase stress levels. With so much happening on campus, it’s no wonder that students feel overwhelmed with commitments to class, work, and extracurricular activities. How can you balance time when there does not seem to be enough? This session will discuss how to accomplish that without losing ground in your other responsibilities.

The Skilled Technical Workforce: America’s Blue Collar STEM Workforce—University of DC

This workforce is vital to the well-being of our society and to the economic competitiveness of our nation. Coast to coast, businesses large and small need adaptable, STEM-capable workers at every level of education and from all demographic backgrounds. While some careers in STEM require a four-year or graduate degree, many are available to applicants without a traditional four-year college degree. Bluecollar STEM careers are those requiring technical skills, problem-solving, and specialized training that is more than a high school diploma but less than a traditional four-year degree. These types of jobs cut across industries, such as IT, computer science, engineering, energy, and many more. This panel discussion will share insights, opportunities, and barriers in regard to the future of America’s blue-collar STEM workforce.

Intro to Patents: Intellectual Property for Students—Summit Scholars

In this workshop, students will learn the definition of intellectual property and explore the differences between real property and intellectual property. They will also explore the process of how to get a patent and the realities of having a valuable patent. See how everyday people are making a difference with patents.

A Conversation with the Future—General Motors

Join us for this engaging conversation about the future of innovation and science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). During the session, panelists will discuss the importance of diversity in STEAM as well as the endless opportunities found in the field. Panelists are prepared to answer questions you may have on traversing a STEAM career path, so bring your curiosity and imagination. The future runs on STEAM... are you IN?

Are You LinkedIn or Linked Out?—General Dynamics

Participants will learn what LinkedIn is and why it matters, as well as what makes a good LinkedIn profile. This interactive presentation will give participants the opportunity to create a LinkedIn profile or update their current profile.