The Charleston Defense Contractors Association (CDCA) has officially opened registration for it’s 13th Annual Defense Summit in Charleston, SC Dec. 11-12, 2019
CHARLESTON, SC – Aug. 20, 2019 – The Charleston Defense Contractors Association (CDCA)—a non-profit advocacy group focused on the growth of defense and technology-related industries in Charleston and Lowcountry Region—today announced the opening of registration for the 13th Annual Defense Summit held Dec. 11-12 at the Charleston Convention Center. With more than 1,200 anticipated attendees, the “Accelerate to Dominate” theme will focus discussions about technologies that increase the speed of warfighting innovation.
Last year’s speaker highlights, included:
Marianne Bailey, Deputy National Manager for National Security Systems, National Security Agency
Kevin M. Fahey, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Acquisition
Francis “Frank” L. Kelley, Jr., Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Unmanned Systems
Ruth Youngs Lew, Navy Program Executive Officer for Enterprise Information Systems
Last year’s hot topics included the modernization of our Naval Ports, AI in arming warfighters and industry acquisition. Leading sponsor companies from both the private and public sector such as: Accelera Solutions, AT&T, CACI, Dell, ISHPI, KBRWyle, ManTech, Microsoft, McAfee, NSSPlus, Parsons, Red Hat, Red River Technology, Scientific Research Corporation, VMWare and more.
“Each year we see our numbers increase and we take on more pressing and difficult topics. This year is lining up to be our best event yet. We will be pursuing new topics, such as the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification framework, workforce development and digital transformation in defense,” shared Heather Walker, CDCA President. “We work to bring together top influencers in the space and remove the awkwardnesss of introductions with real tangible connetions like a ‘speed networking’ type of event. Last year we also unveiled an innovation spotlight award to ensure recognition is paid to those leading the charge in reshaping the landscape of defense.”
Along with registration opening, CDCA members and Defense Summit Sponsors are encouraged to submit an abstract to participate in the 2nd annual Innovation Spotlight. The competition is an opportunity for companies to pitch their innovative product during a fast-paced “TED Talk” style presentation during the conference. “Best in Show” will be chosen by audience vote with the winner announced at the Defense Summit.
WHAT & WHEN:
CDCA’s 13th Annual Defense Summit Registration
Early-bird registration is open now for members, non-members, government, and media at https://www.charlestondca.org/summit
2nd Innovation Spotlight competition now accepting abstract submissions from CDCA members and Defense Summit sponsors.
Interested companies should submit an abstract that outlines what product they are putting forth, how it’s unique, what problem it solves and any other differentiators.
Dec 12, 2019: Winners chosen by audience vote and announced at the CDCA Defense Summit
WHERE:
For more information about the Defense Summit or to submit an abstract for the Innovation Spotlight email: summit@charlestondca.org
About Charleston Defense Contractors Association
Charleston Defense Contractors Association (CDCA) is an association of organizations and individual professionals dedicated to preserving, strengthening and continuing to grow the defense industry and its affiliated-organizations in Charleston, South Carolina, and its immediate surrounding region. Since its inception in December 2002, the CDCA has worked to address issues facing the continually changing landscape that is Charleston’s defense industry presence and ensure that it continues to be a thriving, sustained business opportunity in Charleston, South Carolina. For further information, visit us at http://www.charlestondca.org/.
Media Contact:
Michelle Van Jura, Intersect Communications
310.420.4062, michelle@intersectcom.com
Joy Capps, Intersect Communications
843.730.3857, joy@intersectcom.com
