AFCEA/U.S. Naval Institute Defense and IT Conference and Exposition Returns to San Diego

Focusing on the Future of Defense After the 'Long War'

FAIRFAX, Va., Jan. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The largest defense and IT conference and exposition on the West Coast returns to the San Diego Convention Center, January 25-27, 2011. At West 2011, senior military leaders and defense industry experts will address the theme "After the Long War: What's Next?"  The 20th annual conference, which is expected to draw more than 12,000 people, covers hot issues facing the military including defense budgets, unmanned systems, cyber warfare, China, and much more. Attendees can see, touch and try out the latest communications, homeland security, biometrics and defense technologies from 400 exhibitors. The event 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, allowing attendees to benefit from their knowledge and candid discussion. Featured speakers include:

• RADM Joseph R. Castillo, USCG, Commander, Eleventh Coast Guard District
• Mr. Stephen Coonts, Author, Flight of the Intruder
• VADM Richard W. Hunt, USN, Commander, U.S. Third Fleet
• Mr. Mike Petters, Corporate Vice President and President, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding
• MajGen Melvin G. Spiese, USMC, Deputy Commanding General, I Marine Expeditionary Force
• The Honorable Robert O. Work, Under Secretary of the Navy

In addition to these addresses, West 2011 will feature three strategic dialogues on key defense and IT topics:

• Where and How Will China Be a Factor?
  • Moderator: Mr. David Hartman, Author and former Host, Good Morning America
  • ADM Timothy J. Keating, USN (Ret.), former Commander, U.S. Pacific Command
  • Dr. Xinjun Zhang, Associate Professor of Public International Law, Tsinghua University, Beijing
• How Do We Enhance the Adaptability of the Military Forces We Have?
  • Facilitator: RADM Daniel R. Bowler, USN (Ret.), President, The Whitehall Group, LLC, former Director, Warfare Integration and Assessment, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
  • Mr. Alfred Grasso, President and Chief Executive Officer, The MITRE Corporation
  • Dr. William A. LaPlante, Head, Global Engagement Department, The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
• What are the Trends in Communications and IT for the Federal Government?
  • Facilitator: Mr. James Flyzik, President, The Flyzik Group, Chairman, AFCEA Homeland Security Committee, Former Chief Information Officer, Department of the Treasury
  • Mr. Richard Spires, Chief Information Officer, Department of Homeland Security (invited)
  • Ms. Teri Takai, Chief Information Officer, Department of Defense (invited)

Attendees will also have the opportunity to dialogue with the experts in four panel sessions, focusing on defense budgets, unmanned systems, the air-sea battle, and cyberwarfare.

West 2011 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 veterans' retraining initiative, and a small business training forum.

West 2011 is open to the public and admission is free. Tickets are required for meals. On-site registration is available beginning Monday, January 24. For online registration and a complete schedule of events please visit http://www.westconfexpo.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, visit www.afcea.org .

The U.S. Naval Institute is a non-profit, independent forum advocating the necessity of global sea power for national security and economic prosperity. Its publications, conferences and heritage resources help military and civilians understand the role each plays in safeguarding national security – and our obligation to the all-volunteer force who provide it. For more information, visit www.usni.org.

SOURCE AFCEA International