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

Focusing on the Future of America's Military

FAIRFAX, Va., Jan. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --The largest defense and IT conference and exposition on the West Coast returns to the San Diego Convention Center, January 24-26, 2012. At West 2012, senior military leaders and defense industry experts will address the theme "America's Military at the Crossroads: What's Out and What's In for 2012 and Beyond?"  The 21st annual conference, which is expected to draw more than 12,000 people, covers hot issues facing the military including defense budgets, 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:

• LtGen George J. Flynn, USMC, Director for Joint Force Development, J-7, The Joint Staff
• ADM Jonathan W. Greenert, USN, Chief of Naval Operations
• ADM Mike Mullen, USN (Ret.), former Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
• SFC Leroy Petry, USA, Medal of Honor recipient
• The Honorable Robert O. Work, Undersecretary of the Navy 

Attendees will also have the opportunity to dialogue with the experts in seven panel sessions:

• The Navy and the Marine Corps: Hang Together or Hang Separately?
• The Future of Shipbuilding: What Can the Nation Afford?
• Warfighters vs. Support: Do We Have the Equation Right?
• Info at Sea: What Do the Warfighters Need?
• Info at Sea: How Much Security Can the Sea Services Afford?
• Junior Warfighters: What Issues Keep Them Awake at Night?
• China: How Big a Factor Should It Be In DoD Planning?

West 2012 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 (MOAA) financial seminars, a veterans' retraining initiative, and a small business training forum.

New at West 2012 are the TECHEXPO Career Fair and the MOAA Military Spouse Career Conference. The TECHEXPO Career fair on January 24 will feature hiring opportunities in Cyber Security, Engineering, Aerospace, Telecom, Project Management, Intelligence, Operations, Homeland Security, Research and more. On January 26, the Military Spouse Career Conference, "Keeping a Career on the Move," will connect spouses, Service members and veterans with workshops, experts and employers. Both events are free but require separate registration.

West 2012 is open to the public and admission is free. Tickets are required for meals. On-site registration is available beginning Monday, January 23. 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, founded in 1873, is the only non-profit, professional military association offering an independent, nonpartisan forum on sea power and national security issues.  Its publications, conferences and heritage resources help military and civilians understand the role each plays in safeguarding national security – and our obligation to the men and women of the all-volunteer force who provide it.

SOURCE AFCEA International