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

Chief of Naval Operations, Marine Corps Commandant and Coast Guard Commandant Among Featured Speakers

FAIRFAX, Va., Dec. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The largest defense and IT conference and exposition on the West Coast returns to the San Diego Convention Center, January 29-31, 2013. At West 201e, senior military leaders and defense industry experts will address the theme "Pivot to the Pacific: What are the Practical and Global Implications?"  The 22^nd annual conference, which is expected to draw more than 12,000 people, covers key issues facing the military including defense budgets, fiscal cliff, cybersecurity, innovation, and retention. 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. Confirmed featured speakers include:

• ADM Cecil D. Haney, USN, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet   
• ADM Jonathan W. Greenert, USN, Chief of Naval Operations   
• ADM James A. Winnefeld, Jr., USN, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff   

Special town hall session addressing the new defense strategy from the Sea Service Chiefs:

• ADM Jonathan W. Greenert, USN, Chief of Naval Operations   
• Gen James F. Amos, USMC, Commandant, United States Marine Corps
• ADM Robert J. Papp, Jr., USCG, Commandant, United States Coast Guard   

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

• The Budget Clock is Ticking: What Does It Mean?
• The Fiscal Cliff: How Do You Make It Add Up?
• Innovation: How Do We Get It In A Military Bureaucracy? 
• Best of the Best: What Will It Take to Keep Them?
• Cyber Security: How Do We Balance the Cost with the Risk?
• Chinese Navy: Operational Challenge or Potential Partner?

West 2013 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) career and benefits seminars, a veterans' retraining initiative, and a small business training forum.

The exhibits are open to the public (on-site registration required); there is a registration fee to attend the speakers and panel sessions. On-site registration is available beginning Monday, January 28. For online registration and a complete schedule of events please visit http://www.westconfexpo.org.

AFCEA International, established in 1946, is a non-profit organization serving its members by providing a forum for the ethical exchange of information, and dedicated to increasing knowledge through the exploration of issues relevant to its members in information technology, communications and electronics for the defense, homeland security and intelligence communities. 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. For more information, visit www.usni.org.

SOURCE AFCEA International