Aerospace Defense Forum

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Presentations & Tour of University of Texas at Arlington Research Institute (UTARI)

DFW Chapter meeting in Ft. Worth on February 14

Meeting location: University of Texas at Arlington Research Institute (UTARI)
7300 Jack Newell Blvd S, Fort Worth, TX 76118
Meeting Date: Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Meeting Time:
Networking & Refreshments, 4:00-4:30 PM:
Presentations & Tours: 4:30-6:00 p.m.

The UT Arlington Research Institute (UTARI) specializes in applying cutting-edge technologies to real-world engineering problems.

Please join us on Wednesday, February 14, 4:00-6:00pm for this first meeting of the DFW Chapter after the pandemic that will include networking, presentations, and tours by the UTARI staff:

The presentations will start with a brief overview of UTARI in the meeting room for about 15 min, with 5 or 10 minutes for Q&A, including brief presentations by UTARI staff members:
• Eileen Clements, Interim Executive Director
• Nick Gans, Principal Research Scientist and Head of the Automation & Intelligent Systems Division
• Rassel Raihan, Assistant Professor, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering and member of the Institute for Predictive Performance Methodologies
• Vamsee Vadlamudi, Research Scientist and member of the Institute for Predictive Performance Methodologies

After that there will be lab tours for about 30-45 min. The tours will include multiple labs with the following:
• Testing and staging areas for mobile robotic and aerial vehicles
• Tools and systems for fabricating, testing, and inspecting composite structures
• Machining tools and 3D printers for prototype fabrication

Much of the equipment in the facility can be found here: https://utari.uta.edu/collaborate/equipment/

The meeting is free for A&D Forum members ($25 Early Bird for non-members until January 3, $35 thereafter). For more information and to register to attend the meeting go to http://adfdfwjan24.eventbrite.com.

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

The Dallas-Ft. Worth Chapter is hosted by the University of Texas at Arlington Research Institute (UTARI).

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“How to Optimize Industry MARCOMM when working DoD Domain”

San Diego Chapter meeting on January 16, 2024

Meeting location: Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP
12275 El Camino Real, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92130-4092
Meeting Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Meeting Time:
Networking & Refreshments, 4:30-5:30 PM:
Presentation: 5:30-6:30 p.m.

For industry partners who own a major DoD program or are a sub for a program or seeking to be awarded a program, navigating the shoals of MARCOMM with DoD may not always be intuitively obvious. When crafting public communication about a DoD program, taking into account all the unintended audiences can help avoid unintended consequences. An otherwise brilliant comm strategy that fails to consider the complexities of all of DoD’s stakeholders, both at home and abroad, can be counterproductive to the customer, and ultimately fail.

Please join us in San Diego on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 (4:30-5:30 PM: Networking & Refreshments, 5:30-6:30 PM: Presentation) when Rear Adm. Charlie Brown, USN (Ret), former Navy Chief of Information (CHINFO), and now EVP for Strat Comms of Bartlett Maritime Corp. will suggest how to optimize industry MARCOMM.

Admiral Brown was a Navy Public Affairs Officer going back to TOPGUN days at, then, Naval Air Station Miramar. He has been the PAO for Naval Air Forces, Third Fleet, Pacific Fleet, the CNO, and culminating his career as THEE Chief of Information for all of the Department of the Navy (CHINFO). He has observed the goods and others of industry efforts in the MARCOMM domain and observed what happens to companies that get this right…and those who get it wrong.

If you are doing business with DoD or desire to do business with DoD, this is some of the simplest (and most often fumbled) guidance for industry.

The meeting is free for members & $30 for non-members until January 9 ($40 thereafter). For more information and to register to attend the meeting go to http://adfsdjan24.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, and hosted by Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton.

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“Key Aerospace Aircraft Technologies”

AZ Chapter webinar on December 14, 2023

Please join us 9:30-10:30 am Phoenix Time on Thursday, December 14, 2023, when David Anderson, retired Boeing, ConvAirT Group partner, will discuss key aerospace aircraft technologies.

David Anderson is a private pilot experienced with Boeing and competitor’s airplanes. He retired as Boeing Managing Director of Product Development. He now hosts an AIAA Seattle Retirees brunch and aviation technical speaker’s forum at the Museum of Flight.

The meeting is free for A&D Forum Individual Members and Corporate Members, and Americas Aerospace Cluster members, and $25 for Non-members. Register to attend at https://adfazdec23.eventbrite.com/

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

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“Employment Law 2024 Update: What Employers Should Know.”

Santa Clarita Valley Chapter Meeting on January 16, 2024

Every New Year, California employers are greeted with a host of new laws regulating the workplace. 2024 is no exception. In January, several new changes will take effect in California, potentially impacting your organization and creating new compliance obligations.

In this presentation, you will receive a comprehensive review of recent updates to California employment laws and the changing employment landscape. You will hear from a seasoned California employment defense attorney about potential pitfalls and key employment considerations.

Please join us on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, (Networking & Breakfast: 7:15-7:45am Meeting & Presentation: 7:45-9:00am Pacific Time) when Jessica S. Westcott, Esq. of Hackler Flynn & Associates helps us to become familiar with the new laws and learn best practices for avoiding costly employment law issues in the coming year.

The location of the meeting is Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center at College of the Canyons. The meeting is free for members and $35 for non-members until January 9 ($45 thereafter). For more information and to register to attend the meeting go to https://adfscvjan24.eventbrite.com/.

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

The Santa Clarita Valley chapter of The Aerospace & Defense Forum is sponsored by the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation.

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“Ampaire: Decarbonizing Aviation Through Real Action, Today” – OC Chapter

Orange County Chapter meeting in Irvine on December 7, 2023

Ampaire is leading the charge in sustainable aviation, developing electric and hybrid-electric aircraft that can reduce emissions, operating costs, and noise pollution. In this presentation, Ampaire will discuss the need for sustainable aviation, their unique approach to delivering solutions, their roadmap and vision for the future, and their outstanding track record of flights. You’ll have a chance to hear unpublished details from their real-world hybrid-electric airplane deployments across the world, including journeys across the United States and Canada, and island hopping in Hawaii and the UK.

Please join us in Irvine on Thursday, December 7, (Networking and Breakfast: 7:00-7:30am & Meeting: 7:30–9:00am) when Ampaire will discuss the future of sustainable aviation and the path to make it a reality.

The meeting is free for members and $30 for non-members ($40 after November 30). Click here for more information and to register to attend the meeting.

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

The Orange County chapter is hosted by Moss Adams.

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“Enhance Your Organization – Hire A Vet” – NOF

National Online Forum webinar on Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Business owners can gain numerous advantages by attending information and comprehensive training sessions on the benefits of hiring veterans. Veterans, thanks to their rigorous military training and service, bring a wealth of experience and skills to the workplace, including leadership, discipline, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities. Such knowledge enables business owners to make informed hiring decisions and tap into the unique qualities veterans possess.

Furthermore, veterans often exhibit a strong work ethic and the ability to excel in high-pressure situations, characteristics that enhance a company’s productivity and performance. Understanding how to harness these attributes can enable business owners to create a more diverse and productive workforce, driving innovation and success.

Please join us on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, 8:00-9:00 am Pacific Time, when Tim Madden, CEO, Executive Career Upgrades, will describe how embracing a culture of hiring veterans not only reaps immediate benefits but also fosters a sense of inclusivity and social responsibility within the organization. It conveys a clear message that the company values the service and sacrifices made by veterans. This commitment resonates with customers and employees, cultivating a positive work environment and potentially attracting a broader customer base.

In essence, attending these information and training sessions and actively seeking to hire veterans leads to a stronger, more profitable, socially conscious, and respected organization. By recognizing the value of veterans in the civilian job market, employers can foster a more diverse and talented team while benefiting from the unique qualities and experiences these individuals bring to their organizations.

The webinar is free for members and $25 for non-members. The webinar is free for veterans. For more information and to register to attend the meeting go to https://adfnofnov23.eventbrite.com.

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

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“Business Succession Through Master Planning” – San Deigo Chapter

San Diego Chapter meeting on November 14, 2023

Meeting location: Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP
12275 El Camino Real, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92130-4092
Meeting Date: Tuesday, November 14
Meeting Time:
Networking & Refreshments, 4:30-5:30 PM:
Presentation: 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Whether the intention is to transition your business in the future to a next generation family, a trusted management team, your loyal employees, or to an outside third party, always have your company and family prepared for that chosen path.

Please join us in San Diego on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 (4:30-5:30 PM: Networking & Refreshments, 5:30-6:30 PM: Presentation) when Steve Deis, Managing Director, Lazear Capital will cover how to preserve and protect that which you have spent, in many cases, a lifetime building.

The meeting is free for members & $30 for non-members until November 7 ($40 thereafter). For more information and to register to attend the meeting go to http://adfsdnov23.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, and hosted by Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton.

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“Government Contracting and Trends in DCAA Audits” – SB Chapter

South Bay Chapter meeting in El Segundo on Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Please join us in El Segundo, CA, on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, 8:00-10:00 am Pacific Time, when Rich Weber, CPA, Partner, Government Contracting, Moss Adams, will make an informative and engaging presentation on “Trends in DCAA Audits,” where we will delve into the dynamic and evolving landscape of defense contract compliance.

This presentation is designed to equip government contractors, financial professionals, and industry stakeholders with valuable insights into the latest developments and focus areas of the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA).

The DCAA plays a critical role in ensuring that government contracts with defense companies comply with applicable regulations, policies, and contractual requirements. As DCAA’s audit focus shifts and adapts to the ever-changing business environment, it is essential for defense contractors to stay updated and well-prepared for potential audits.

This presentation will explore the most recent trends observed in DCAA audits, providing attendees with actionable knowledge to enhance compliance practices and minimize audit risks.

The meeting is free for A&D Forum Individual Members and Corporate Members, and $30 (until November 1, $40 thereafter) for Non-members. . Click here for more information and to register to attend the meeting.

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

The South Bay Chapter is hosted by Moss Adams.

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“The Presidents Club: A Fireside Chat on Defense, Commercial Aerospace and M&A” – OC Chapter

Orange County Chapter meeting in Irvine on November 2, 2023

The aerospace & defense industries are in the midst of an exciting but dynamic era impacted by multiple forces, including technological change, a robust but uneven commercial market recovery, geopolitical conflicts, resilient M&A and supply chain complexities, among others.

Please join us in Irvine on Thursday, November 2, (Networking and Breakfast: 7:00-7:30am & Meeting: 7:30–9:00am) who our distinguished panel of industry executive leaders: Jeff Johnston (President, DAC Engineered Products), Tony Koblinski (Chief Executive Officer, Karman Space & Defense), Jim Simpkins (CEO, Aero Turbine), and moderator Francis Tran (Co-Head of Aerospace & Defense, Lincoln International), who are at the forefront of navigating privately held A&D enterprises in this changing environment. Join us for a thoughtful discussion on some of the most important topics currently facing aerospace & defense Presidents / CEOs, including but not limited to:

• Outlook for the defense & commercial aerospace industries
• Opportunities for private market suppliers
• Technology change and AI
• Insider views on successful M&A deals
• Addressing the supply chain
• The future convergence of space in the broader supply chain
• Trends in the aftermarket

The meeting is free for members and $30 for non-members ($40 after October 26). Click here for more information and to register to attend the meeting.

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

The Orange County chapter is hosted by Moss Adams.