FAIRFAX, Va./EWORLDWIRE/April 23, 2009 --- The largest defense conference and exposition in the Hampton Roads region returns to the Virginia Beach Convention Center, May 12 - 14, 2009. The Joint Warfighting Conference 2009 is co-sponsored by AFCEA International and the U.S. Naval Institute, in coordination with the U.S. Joint Forces Command and with support of the NDIA Greater Hampton Roads Chapter and the AFCEA Hampton Roads and Tidewater Chapters. The event is open to the public and admission is free. Tickets are required for luncheons and Sunset Buffet on the Bay.
At the Joint Warfighting Conference, senior military leaders and defense industry experts will address the theme, "Building a Balanced Joint Force: How Best to Meet Demands of the Future Security Environment?" and focus on two recently released military documents - the Joint Operating Environment (JOE) and the Capstone Concept for Joint Operations (CCJO). The conference, which is expected to draw over 6000 attendees, will cover important issues facing the military. In addition, attendees can see, touch and try out the latest communications, homeland security, information systems, biometrics and defense technologies from over 150 exhibitors.
The conference theme and panel session topics are based on input from operating forces. Speakers and panel participants will voice their points of view and experiences with these issues, allowing attendees to benefit from their knowledge and candid discussion. Featured speakers include:
. The Honorable William J. Lynn, Deputy Secretary of Defense
. Gen. James N. Mattis, USMC, Commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command, and NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation
. ADM Eric T. Olson, USN, Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command
. GEN Martin E. Dempsey, USA, Commanding General, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command
. Mr. Stephen Carmel, Senior Vice President, Maritime Services, Maersk Line, Limited
. Dr. Thomas P.M. Barnett, New York Times Bestselling Author, The Pentagon's New Map
Seven panel sessions will provide attendees with opportunities to question experts one-on-one about the latest policy and technology issues. Panel topics include:
. What Will the World Look Like for Future Joint Force Commanders?
. Hybrid Warfare: What Are the Implications for Future Joint Force Commanders?
. The Cyber Factor: What Is the Impact on Future Joint Operations?
. Beyond the Military: How Do We Foster and Employ a More Comprehensive Approach in the Future Security Environment?
. The Human Dimension: How Do We Develop Our People?
. Building a Balanced Joint Force: How Does the U.S. Military Adapt
. Innovative Acquisition: What Will It Take?
The Joint Warfighting Conference will also host the Department of the Navy CIO IM and IT Conference, May 11-14; Third annual Navy Blue Coast Small Business Conference, May 12-14 (separate registration required); and the AFCEA Education Summit at the 2009 Joint Warfighting Conference, May 11 (separate registration required).
The Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer (DON CIO) will present four days of information management and information technology sessions. This conference of IT-related addresses and panels is open to attendees of the Joint Warfighting Conference.
The third annual Navy Blue Coast Small Business Training and Opportunities Conference, "Aligning your Business with Tomorrow's Navy," provides educational content to small businesses and offers an outreach opportunity for the Department of the Navy, AFCEA, and its member companies. The purpose of this conference is to provide a forum to educate, guide and assist small businesses in working with the federal government on the East Coast. This unique, inclusive format allows small businesses the opportunity to maximize their time by attending small business training sessions and participating in a larger conference and exhibition as well. Separate registration is required.
The third annual Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Military Spouse Symposium will be held on Thursday, May 14. This event provides an open forum for military spouses and those working military spouse and family issues by presenting recognized experts addressing thought-provoking topics. This year's topics include a presentation entitled, "I Love You, but You're Driving Me Crazy," and a panel entitled, "Culture Clash: Military Spouses and the Media." Panelists include:
. Tanya Biank, Author, Army Wives
. Sarah Smiley, Author, Going Overboard and I'm Just Saying
. Laura Dempsey, Co-Founder, Blue Star Families
Panel discussions will include, "Building a Strong Military Marriage," and "Military Benefits Update." Separate registration is required.
The Joint Warfighting Conference is open to the public and admission is free. Tickets are required for meals and separate registration is required for the Small Business conference and the Military Spouse Symposium. On-site registration is available beginning Monday, May 11. For details and a complete schedule of events please visit JointWarfighting.org ('http://www.jointwarfighting.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 AFCEA.org ('http://www.afcea.org').
The U.S. Naval Institute publishes the highly respected Proceedings and Naval History magazines as well as more than 900 professional books each year. Established in 1873, the professional membership association serves as the only independent forum that advances the understanding of sea power and other issues critical to national defense. For more information, please visit USNI.org ('http://www.usni.org').
AFCEA Media Contacts:
Tobey Jackson
(703) 631-6189
tjackson@afcea.org
Rachel DeAngelo
(703) 631-6180
rdeangelo@afcea.org
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