FAIRFAX, Va./EWORLDWIRE/Jan. 22, 2009 --- The largest state-of-the-art warfare and technologies conference and exposition on the West Coast returns to the San Diego Convention Center, February 11-13, 2009. At West 2009, senior military leaders and defense industry experts will address the theme, "Defense: Reset, Redesign or Reinvent?" The 18th annual conference, which is expected to draw over 10,000 people, covers hot issues facing the military including cyber challenges, leadership and shipbuilding. Attendees can see, touch and try out the latest communications, homeland security, biometrics and defense technologies from 400 exhibitors. West 2009 is open to the public and admission is free. Tickets are required for meals.
The conference theme and panel session topics are based on input from operating forces. Speakers and panel participants will voice their different points of view and experiences with these issues, allowing attendees to benefit from their knowledge and candid discussion. Vice Chief of Naval Operations, ADM Patrick M. Walsh, USN kicks off the conference as the Wednesday morning keynote speaker. Additional featured speakers include:
- SgtMaj Randall Carter, USMC, 1st Marine Division Sergeant Major
- ADM Jonathan W. Greenert, USN, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command
- Gen James N. Mattis, USMC, Commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command and NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation
- LTG Thomas F. Metz, USA, Director, Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization
- Linda A. Mills, Corporate Vice President and President, Northrop Grumman Information Systems Sector
The Thursday morning breakfast features a dialogue on "China: Friend or Foe?" moderated by Mr. David Hartman, former Host of Good Morning America. The two panel participants, RADM Michael McDevitt, USN (Ret.), Director, Center for Naval Analyses Strategic Studies and Dr. Jacqueline Newmyer, President and Chief Executive Officer, Long Term Strategy Group, LLC, are renowned experts on China.
Six panel sessions will provide attendees the opportunity to dialogue with experts about the latest policy and technology issues. Topics include: Force Structure: What's the Right Balance?,
Cyber Challenges: What Keeps You Up at Night?, Straight Talk from Warfare Commanders,
What Do You Need to Stay in Uniform?, Leaders: How Do We Find, Develop and Promote People with the Right Stuff?, and How Can We Fix Navy Shipbuilding?
West 2009 also features a parallel conference track presented by the Chief Information Officer of the Department of the Navy. The conference features technical sessions on specific information management and information technology programs within the Navy and Marine Corps. In addition, West includes Military Officers Association of America career and financial seminars, a small business training forum, and a job fair.
On-site registration is available beginning Tuesday, Feb. 10. For details and a complete schedule of events please visit 'http://www.west2009.org'.
AFCEA International, established in 1946, is a non-profit membership association serving the military, government, industry, and academia as an ethical forum for advancing professional knowledge and relationships in the fields of communications, IT, intelligence, and global security. For more information, please visit 'http://www.afcea.org'.
Since 1873, the non-profit U. S. Naval Institute has promoted independent ideas in its respected journals Proceedings and Naval History, and in the 80 books it publishes each year. A professional military association, it advocates a strong national defense and supports the men and women who provide it. Its publications, conferences and Web offerings establish USNI as the Nation's premier independent forum for critical thinking on maritime strategy and national security issues. For more information, visit 'http://www.usni.org'.
West 2009 Media Contacts:
Tobey Jackson
(703) 631-6189
tjackson@afcea.org
Rachel DeAngelo
(703) 631-6180
rdeangelo@afcea.org
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