Aerospace Defense Forum

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Launchpad to Relevance: Five Technology Trends Reshaping A&D

“Launchpad to Relevance: Five Technology Trends Reshaping A&D”

DFW Chapter meeting in Irving on July 10

Location: Accenture
Address: 5221 N O’Connor Blvd #1400
Date: Tuesday, July 10, 2018 (THIS IS A CHANGE FROM NORMAL MEETING DATE)
Time: Registration, Breakfast & Networking: 7:00-7:30 a.m.
Meeting: 7:30-9:00 a.m.

The aerospace and defense industry is grappling with disruptive forces-from market developments (aggressive production ramp-up rates) to technology innovations (autonomous aircraft) to geopolitical upheaval (Brexit). In response, companies are reshaping their portfolios through consolidation and new revenue streams, particularly in the aftermarket and sustainment segments. They also are embracing digital business models to improve revenue generation, drive efficiency, and improve supply chain performance. According to our research, 97% of aerospace and defense executives say they are willing to digitally reinvent their business and industry.

Please join us on Tuesday, July 10, 7:30-9:00am when Jeff Wheless, Global A&D Research Lead, Growth & Strategy, Accenture, will focus on five technology trends reshaping aerospace and defense and how to leverage them to retain or regain traction now, and also ensure readiness to capture future growth.

The meeting will take place at Accenture in Irving, TX.

The meeting is free for A&D Forum members ($30 Early Bird for non-members until July 3, $40 thereafter). For more information and to register to attend the meeting, go to https://adfdfwjul18.eventbrite.com.

Click here for more information about and to join The Aerospace & Defense Forum.

The Dallas-Ft. Worth Chapter is sponsored by Frost Brown Todd.

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“Modern Digital Marketing Strategies for Aerospace Companies”

“Modern Digital Marketing Strategies for Aerospace Companies”

San Fernando Valley Chapter meeting on June 19

Meeting Location: City National Bank
15260 Ventura Blvd., 16th floor, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Meeting Date: June 19
Meeting Time: Doors open at 7am, Meeting 7:30-9:00am

Established in 1952, Air Electro products and services include the manufacturing and distribution of electrical connectors, contacts, and related accessories. Since 1992 they have emerged as a specialist in the manufacturing of custom connectors, contacts, and cable assemblies.

Please join us in Sherman Oaks, CA, on Tuesday, June 19, 7:30–9:00am, when Nemanja Jokanovice, Marketing Director at Air Electro, Inc., will present current digital marketing strategies in the world of electronic component distribution.

In the past 12 months, Air Electro has shifted its marketing focus toward digital expansion in order to maximize the opportunities in h2h (human to human) sales. The presentation will demonstrate which marketing steps need to be taken in order to grow your business and stay ahead of the competitors in a competitive market.

The presentation will include:
1. Shifting From B2B to H2H Sales Approach
2. Marketplace Assessment and Understanding
3. Marketing vs Advertising
4. Digital Strategies Taken to Support Growth and Visibility in the Connector Marketplace – to include:

• Website Assessment and Improvement
• SEO Adaptability and “Google-Friendly” Website Content
• Education vs Selling in the Millennial Era à Content Creation – “Content is King”
• PPC and AdWords – Bidding Strategies
• Social Marketing and Branding
• Email Marketing and Branding
• “Ghost” Inventory Model vs Traditional Inventory

5. The Importance of Analytics in Digital Marketing

• The Benefits of Being a Google Analytics Master
• Search Aggregator Data Discussion

6. What is Next for Air Electro?

• Understanding Why Digital Marketing is a Never-Ending Process

7. Tying it all together = Growth, Success, Better Customer Knowledge and Data

The meeting is free for members and $45 for non-members ($30 Early Bird until June 12). Guests may attend twice for free. For more information and to register to attend the meeting go to http://adfsfvjun18.eventbrite.com.

Information about joining The A&D Forum is at https://aerospacedefenseforum.org.

The San Fernando Valley chapter of The Aerospace & Defense Forum is sponsored by City National Bank and InVista Associates.

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“The STOPfakes seminar & U.S. Commercial Service”

“The STOPfakes seminar & U.S. Commercial Service”

DFW Chapter meeting

Location: University of Texas at Arlington Research Institute (UTARI)
Address: 7300 Jack Newell Blvd S, Fort Worth, TX 76118
Date: June 14, 2018
Time: Registration, Breakfast & Networking: 7:00-7:30 a.m.
Meeting: 7:30-9:00 a.m.

Please join us on Thursday, June 14, 7:30-9:00am when David Royce, Senior International Trade Specialist, U.S. Department of Commerce-U.S. Commercial Service, will present about The U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration and the services it provides, and a description of the STOPfakes seminar.

On August 21st trade and intellectual property (IP) experts will host a complementary, one-day STOPfakes Seminar in Dallas on how companies and individuals can protect and enforce intellectual property. The focus is both on domestic and international protection and enforcement. Two special features of the seminar are the opportunity to meet one-on-one with the IP experts and the ability to record trademarks and copyrights with U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the seminar. Among the IP experts presenting will be a representative from the U.S. Department of Defense Naval Surface Warfare Center. He will present on the growing problem with counterfeit electronic parts, especially in the aerospace and defense industry. He will identify which electronic parts are the most counterfeited and strategies to identify counterfeit

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration collaborates with 19 U.S. Government agencies to help aerospace and defense companies expand their sales overseas. The ITA can help companies navigate the maze of government offices and get answers to questions, provide a single source for tools, assistance, and expert knowledge to expand company’s international sales. The ITA helps U.S. companies plan, develop and execute international sales strategies necessary to succeed in today’s global marketplace. Developed by international trade specialists and economists, the ITA can provide trusted market intelligence, practical advice and business tools to help companies understand how to export, connect with foreign buyers, and expand operations in new markets.

The meeting will take place at UTARI in Ft. Worth, TX.

The meeting is free for A&D Forum members $40 for non-members ($30 Early Bird until June 7). For more information and to register to attend the meeting, go to https://adfdfwjun18.eventbrite.com.

Click here for more information about and to join The Aerospace & Defense Forum.

The Dallas-Ft. Worth Chapter is sponsored by Frost Brown Todd.

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“Helping Aerospace and Defense Suppliers Deliver Products The World Can Trust”

AZ Chapter meeting in Phoenix on June 14

Meeting location: Polsinelli Law Firm, CityScape Building,
12th Floor, One E. Washington, Suite 1200, Phoenix 85004
Click here for a map.
Meeting Date: Thursday, June 14, 2018
Meeting Time:
7:00-7:30am: Registration, Networking, Breakfast
7:30-9:00am: Meeting

Aerospace and Defense are the industries where components, systems, materials, performances and manufacturing processes continue to advance at a rapid pace, with few signs of slowing. Businesses face myriad challenges in testing, validating, verifying and certifying these new products for delivery to prospective clients. This is compounded by the fact that development cycles are shortening, and regulations are constantly changing.

The expanded use of advanced CAD-based simulation, the advent of new materials, additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping and technology fusion are examples that are driving Aerospace and Defense organizations and workflows to put greater emphasis on effective, accurate testing virtually across the entire supply chain today.

As one of the largest American test, inspection, and certification companies, National Test Systems (NTS) offers a vast range of analytical solutions through an ever-expanding network of fully accredited test laboratories and certification houses. NTS is changing the face of test, adapting to industry trends, matching the rapid pace of technology, espousing increasing system complexity, and assimilating changing regulations and requirements.

Please join us on Thursday, June 14, 7:00am – 9:00am when Todd Hosier, General Manager – NTS Arizona Operations, will discuss how NTS is deploying new tools and processes to make testing aerospace and defense systems in real-world settings practical. The presentation will address the innovations now in place at NTS that are helping the Aerospace and Defense industry plan efficient development and qualification processes that fuel timely and accurate developments, slash costs and ultimately shorten time to market products the world can trust.

The meeting is free for A&D Forum and AZTC members ($30 for non-members until June 7, $40 thereafter). For more information and to register to attend the meeting, go to http://adfazjun18.eventbrite.com.

Click here for more information about and to join The Aerospace & Defense Forum.

The Arizona Chapter of The A&D Forum is sponsored by Moss Adams, Polsinelli, National Bank of Arizona, and InVista Associates.

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“Networking and Marketing in the Aerospace Industry”

“Networking and Marketing in the Aerospace Industry”

South Bay Chapter meeting in Torrance on June 13

Networking and Marketing in the Aerospace Industry is critical for the growth and diversification of an aerospace supplier. Making connections throughout the industry can lead to knowing the right contacts for obtaining additional work. Many companies who support the Tier 1 and Tier 2 OEMs have great capabilities, and truly would like to expand their customer base. Their dilemma is finding the time to market their companies or even knowing who to reach out to in order to achieve a greater market share.

Join us in Torrance on Wednesday, June 13, 7:30–9:00am PDT, when Collin Jager, a strategic sourcing, and marketing expert supporting the Aviation, Space, and Defense industries, will talk about best practices for an aerospace supplier to expand on its customer relationships.

Free for A&D Forum members ($40 for non-members, $30 Early Bird until June 6). For more information and to register to attend go to http://adfsbjun18.eventbrite.com.

Click here for more information about and to join The Aerospace & Defense Forum.

The South Bay Chapter of The Aerospace & Defense Forum is sponsored by Moss Adams, California Manufacturing Technology Consulting, and InVista Associates.

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“How To Maximize Your Company Exit Valuation”

“How To Maximize Your Company Exit Valuation”

Los Angeles Chapter meeting on June 15

Business owners and their executive teams work hard every day focused on trying to build company value. But too often when it comes time to sell the business, these same owners and executives look back and realize they weren’t working on the right combination of things to deliver maximum value for themselves and their shareholders.

What inhibits a business owner and executive team from having the right enterprise value building plan that will reward them at exit? What combination of things should be focused on years prior to selling that will increase the confidence that when that special day comes, maximum exit valuation will be achieved?

This session will answer these questions and provide a roadmap for attendees that can be applied to their businesses, including actionable steps that can be taken immediately. Hear from a successful CEO in the A&D community that prepared a business for exit and maximized its value for shareholders.

Join us in Los Angeles on Friday, June 15, 7:30–9:00am, when Larry O’Toole, former CEO Sanders Industries, Inc., will discuss the tangible and effective steps that can be taken to build enterprise value and, most of all, how to capture it through a liquidity event.

The meeting is free for members & $40 for non-members ($30 Early Bird until June 8). For more information and to register to attend the meeting go to http://adflajun18.eventbrite.com.

Information about joining The A&D Forum is at https://aerospacedefenseforum.org.

The Los Angeles chapter of The Aerospace & Defense Forum is sponsored by Moss Adams, Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Mitchell, Chubb, Bolton & Company Insurance Brokers, InVista Associates, and the 62 Mile Club.

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“Farnborough International Airshow 2018 – Understanding the Opportunity”

“Farnborough International Airshow 2018 – Understanding the Opportunity”

Los Angeles Chapter meeting on May 18

The Farnborough International Airshow brings together leading players of the aerospace industry under one roof, with the goal of supporting international trade and facilitating business. With over 1,500 exhibitors and 70,000 visitors, it provides companies with a platform to showcase their products and capabilities at one of the aerospace industry’s largest gatherings. Key areas of focus for this year’s airshow include clean technology, aircraft interiors, manufacturing technology, MRO, space and UAS.

As the UK Government department responsible for securing and promoting international trade & investment, the Department for International Trade (DIT) is uniquely positioned to advise you on how to maximise your time and presence at this year’s airshow. Whether your focus is on civilian, defence, or space, we can facilitate meetings with potential partners across UK government and industry.

Join us in Los Angeles on Friday, May 18, 7:30–9:00am, when Pauline Wood, Vice Consul, Aerospace, Space, Defence & Security, UK Department for International Trade will provide an overview of the airshow – why attend, how to plan for it logistically, and key areas of interest. She will also outline the support DIT can provide to your company to ensure you’re making the most out of your time in the U.K. Even if you don’t plan to attend this year’s airshow, you will still find value in the discussion of the program planned for Farnborough.

The meeting is free for members & $40 for non-members ($30 Early Bird until May 11). For more information and to register to attend the meeting go to http://adflamay18.eventbrite.com.

Information about joining The A&D Forum is at https://aerospacedefenseforum.org.

The Los Angeles chapter of The Aerospace & Defense Forum is sponsored by Moss Adams, Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Mitchell, Chubb, Bolton & Company Insurance Brokers, InVista Associates, and the 62 Mile Club.

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“Protect your Data – or Lose your DoD Contracts”

“Protect your Data – or Lose your DoD Contracts”

San Fernando Valley Chapter meeting on May 15

Meeting Location: City National Bank
15260 Ventura Blvd., 16th floor, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Meeting Date: May 15
Meeting Time: Doors open at 7am, Meeting 7:30-9:00am

Aerospace and Defense suppliers in all tiers are now undeniably under constant barrage of cyber-attacks. Today, attacks are harder to detect, and very highly skilled. With the inevitability of cyber-attacks, there is an increasing emphasis on DoD suppliers improving resiliency.

If you were banking on DoD moving the compliance deadline (Dec 31st, 2017), you now know that did not happen. It is now four months since the DFARS 252.204-7012 deadline has past, and DoD is very serious about Defense data. DoD’s Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) has increased communications to DoD suppliers that the consequences could include the loss of DoD contracts. The biggest Aerospace & Defense prime contractors are even more forceful in their communications, as they are strictly enforcing the flow down of the DFARS regulation on every contract and bid.

You may not sell directly to the DoD, but if what you are supplying is eventually used for a DoD contract, you must be in compliance.

Please join us in Sherman Oaks, CA, on Tuesday, May 15, 7:30–9:00am, when Chris Buthe (Manager of Cyber Physical Security Services, CMTC) and Jim Savitz (Client Advisor, CMTC) will provide an update on DoD’s urgency to protect covered defense information and the role of the Defense Contract Management Agency. In addition, they will describe how a local aerospace supplier recently achieved compliance.

The meeting is free for members and $45 for non-members ($30 Early Bird until May 8). Guests may attend twice for free. For more information and to register to attend the meeting go to http://adfsfvmay18.eventbrite.com.

Information about joining The A&D Forum is at https://aerospacedefenseforum.org.

The San Fernando Valley chapter of The Aerospace & Defense Forum is sponsored by City National Bank and InVista Associates.

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“Winning on all fronts: ESOPs driving San Diego A&D success stories”

“Winning on all fronts: ESOPs driving San Diego A&D success stories”

San Diego Chapter meeting on May 22

Please join our esteemed panel on Tuesday, May 22 (networking: 5:30-6:15pm, meeting: 6:15-7:45pm PST), to discuss two prominent San Diego ESOP success stories – Epsilon Systems and TechFlow.

Bryan Min, founder and CEO of Epsilon Systems Solutions, and Rob Baum, Founder and CEO of TechFlow, will discuss why they embraced the employee ownership model and how ESOP ownership has positively impacted their organizations. Larry Kaplan of CSG Partners, a leading investment bank specializing in ESOPs, will discuss the unique benefits to founders available through ESOP transactions, including those particularly advantageous to companies doing business with the government.

The meeting is free for members & $40 for non-members ($30 Early Bird until May 15). For more information and to register to attend the meeting go to http://adfsdmay18B.eventbrite.com.

Information about joining The A&D Forum is at https://aerospacedefenseforum.org.

The San Diego chapter is sponsored by Moss Adams, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, LevitZacks, BNY Mellon Wealth Management, and Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton.