Team Orlando representatives bring MS&T advocacy to the nation’s capital at 2026 Capitol Connection event

By Cassidy Mills, Staff Writer

April 1, 2026

Leaders from the Team Orlando partnership joined the National Center for Simulation (NCS) for its annual Capitol Connection advocacy mission in Washington, D.C., on February 23-25.

The multiday flyin brought representatives from across the modeling, simulation and training (MS&T) community directly into meetings with members of the U.S. Congress and their staff.

Capitol Connection is one of NCS’s signature events, providing an opportunity for industry, government and academic leaders to engage with federal policymakers about pressing issues affecting the defense and national security sectors and the broader MS&T ecosystem.

The itinerary included multiple Capitol Hill visits and strategy briefings designed to deepen lawmakers’ understanding of how simulation technologies support readiness, innovation and economic growth.

George E. Cheros, president and chief executive officer of NCS, said the Capitol Connection event provided a unique forum to engage directly with lawmakers and showcase the impact of the MS&T community.

“The opportunity to sit down with members of Congress and their staffs was both impactful and energizing,” Cheros said. “These conversations allow us to advocate directly for our MS&T community, share our priorities and strengthen the partnerships that advance our mission.”

The Capitol Connection discussions covered a wide range of priorities for Team Orlando — a collaborative partnership that includes leading MS&T organizations, military simulation commands and academic institutions — and focused on how federal support can sustain innovation and workforce development across the industry.

Neal Finkelstein, chief operating officer of NCS, said these engagements play a key role in connecting policymakers with the real-world impact of simulation technologies and in highlighting the broader benefits to both national security and civilian industries.

“By bringing lawmakers face-to-face with the people and projects driving innovation in MS&T, we can demonstrate the tangible value of these technologies and build support for programs that strengthen readiness and economic growth,” Finkelstein said.

As the MS&T community continues to advance emerging technologies such as digital twins, artificial intelligence and synthetic training environments, legislative outreach remains a cornerstone of Team Orlando’s strategy to build sustained support for research, procurement and talent development at the federal level.