Meeting Notices - Arizona

“United States Space Force: What does it mean for the Market?”

AZ Chapter meeting in Phoenix on September 28

Meeting location: Spencer Fane LLP
2415 E Camelback Road, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85016-4288
Meeting Date: Friday, September 28, 2018
Meeting Time:
8:00-8:30am: Registration, Networking, Breakfast
8:30-10:00am: Meeting

Please join us on Friday, September 28, 8-10am when Benjamin Hernandez, CoFounder of the Arizona Spaceport Alliance, will explore the real-world complications inherent within the development of a Space Force, and what it could mean for the aerospace market.

America appears to endorse the development of a United States Space Force to complement the existing military branches, but do they know what they are supporting? From the seasoned DOD analyst, to the opinionated pundit, to the grizzled science fiction author, theories on what is realistic vary from the current state of UAVs to the futuristic elite corps of space soldiers.

In this presentation, Benjamin will discuss the Who, What, When, Where, and most importantly the Why, of a Space Force that appears to be more fiction than reality. And, what it may mean for an aerospace market that will have to make decisions and react no matter the ultimate decision.

The meeting is free for members ($30 for non-members until September 21, $40 thereafter). Guests may attend twice for free. For more information and to register to attend the meeting, go to http://adfazsep18.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, National Bank of Arizona, and InVista Associates.

Tour Chromalloy – Phoenix Facility
Robust Value Chain – All from a Single Source

AZ Chapter meeting in Phoenix on July 13

Meeting location: Chromalloy
5157 W Polk St, Phoenix, AZ 85043
Click here for a map showing the geographic location of Chromalloy.
Click here for a photo of the street entrance.
Meeting Date: Friday, July 13, 2018
Meeting Time:
7:00-7:30am: Registration, Networking, Breakfast
7:30-9:00am: Tour

Chromalloy is a $1B+ company with locations in 11 countries around the world. It partners with original equipment manufacturers, commercial airlines, the military, power companies, and business and general aviation customers to deliver innovative solutions that reduce manufacturing and operating expenses and extend the life of gas turbine engines.

Thanks to a robust value chain, Chromalloy is one of the only fully integrated solutions providers in the world that provides coatings, authorized repairs, castings and manufacturing overhauls – all from a single source.

Join the Aerospace and Defense Forum Arizona Chapter on Friday July 13, 2018 as we get a behind-the-scenes tour of the 80,000 sq. ft. Phoenix facility. Accompanied by shop floor supervisors and operators, the tour will highlight the type of work performed at the Phoenix facility, both new part manufacture and repair of turbine hot section components in the aerospace and power generation industry and the lean journey the company has undertaken in the last few years.

Must be US Citizen or Green Card holder. Group size is limited to 20 attendees.

The meeting is free for members ($30 for non-members until July 6, $40 thereafter). For more information and to register to attend the meeting, go to http://adfazjul18.eventbrite.com. Registration closes Sunday, July 8, at 11:30pm.

Visitor Request form, NDA form, and color scan of government issued ID (e.g., driver’s license) must be sent to Benjamin Sommerville (BSommerville@chromalloy.com) by Monday, July 9.

The meeting is free for A&D Forum and AZTC members ($30 for non-members until June 7, $40 thereafter).

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.

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.

Apache Helicopter Tour

AZ Chapter meeting in Mesa on May 10

Meeting location: The Boeing Company, 5000 E McDowell Rd., Mesa, AZ 85215
Meeting Date: Thursday, May 10, 2018
Meeting Time:
7:00-7:30am: Registration, Networking, Breakfast
7:30-9:00am: Meeting & TourThursday, April 12

The desert close to Mesa, AZ frequently pulses with the sound of Apache attack helicopters as the intimidating machines are put through their paces after emerging from the Boeing production line.

On May 10, 7-9am, join the Arizona Chapter of the Aerospace & Defense Forum on a rare tour of the Boeing Mesa facility, located on the edge of Falcon Field Airport where manned and unmanned rotorcraft roll off the assembly lines each day.

Tickets are limited to 15 people. You must be a U.S. citizen or active green card holder to gain entry to the site (proof of a legal right to work in the U.S.).

The meeting is free for A&D Forum and AZTC members (exclusive access until April 25) & $40 for non-members ($30 Early Bird until May 2). For more information and to register to attend the meeting, go to http://adfazmay18.eventbrite.com.  Registration closes Wednesday, May 9, at 7 PM.

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 and National Bank of Arizona.

Aerospace Industry Luncheon & Panel

A Unique Aerospace & Defense Event

AZ Chapter meeting in Phoenix on April 12

Meeting location: Flinn Foundation,
1802 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004
Meeting Date: Thursday, April 12
Meeting Time: 11:30am-1:00pm

Please join us on Thursday, April 12, at the Flinn Foundation for a panel discussion on recent, promising and unique aerospace industry activities in Arizona. Topics will include the Spaceport project, UAS Innovation Center, industry & academic collaboration, and growing drone service operations.

Panelists are Arnaldo Soto, Benjamin Hernandez, Lynn Spencer, and Paul Brierley.

The meeting time is 11:30am-1:00pm and includes networking and lunch. The meeting costs $25 for members of the A&D Forum, Arizona Technology Council, and Aerospace Arizona. The meeting is $50 for non-members. For more information and to register to attend the meeting, go to http://adfazapr18.eventbrite.com.  Registration closes Monday, April 9, at 12 noon.

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 and National Bank of Arizona.

“IRIDIUM: PAST – PRESENT and NEXT: The Future of Global Communications”

AZ Chapter meeting in Phoenix on March 23

In a world where global communications on land, at sea and in the skies are increasingly critical, Iridium operates the world’s largest commercial constellation, with a mesh architecture of 66 cross-linked Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites plus spares. The Iridium NEXT project augments the original system capability.

Despite overwhelming odds the Iridium team threw away virtually every standard practice in the space industry, created new models for manufacturing and mega-project management, produced a satellite a week, put 72 satellites in orbit in 13 months and completed the $5B system on schedule and on budget.

Please join us on March 23 (a change from our normal meeting date), 7:30-9:00am, when Durrell Hillis, (Ret) Senior Vice President and General Manager, Motorola’s Systems Solutions Group (SSG), and author of “The Creation of Iridium” will share his thoughts and passion documenting the creativity, hard work, and dogged determination by a talented team of Motorola employees working in the Arizona desert to launch the world’s first global satellite phone system resulting in one of the great technological achievements of our time.

In addition, David Cubbage, Senior Member of the Technical Staff, Iridium NEXT Satellite Production, will provide insight into the Iridium Next program that is replacing the original Iridium constellation after a system lifetime lasting more than10 years beyond the expected. This larger Iridium® ecosystem includes over 300 value-added partners who leverage the company’s unique network to manufacture, develop, market and support innovative applications for a variety of different markets and industries.

Join us and learn how you can be part of and contribute towards enhancing the global communications network.

The meeting is free for members ($30 for non-members until March 16, $40 thereafter). For more information and to register to attend the meeting, go to http://adfazmar18.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 and National Bank of Arizona.

“A&D Family-Owned Businesses: Surviving the Test of Time”

AZ Chapter meeting in Phoenix on February 9

In the Aerospace and Defense world, the words “Family-owned business” often conjure up an image of mom-and-pop, small-scale operations. While it is true that most family businesses are small businesses, about a third of the Fortune Global 500 companies are founder or family controlled.

Over 80% of private companies in Arizona grossing over $5 million in annual revenue are family-owned. Family-owned businesses are a very important part of the A&D activity hence the economy and they face some critical hurdles in the years ahead, especially in the area of owner succession. Two thirds of all private businesses are owned by “baby boomers,” the oldest of whom are now reaching their mid-seventies and with retirement, are pushing Arizona into what could be characterized as a “transition crisis.”

Please join us on February 9 (one day later than our normal meeting date), 7:30-9:00am, when Mr. Randal Breaux, President, Family Business Tycoon, will drill down on the special challenges that family-owned business owners face and what they can do to beat the odds – build enduring companies that provide the foundation for some of tomorrow’s greatest American families. It will include case studies with specifics on avoiding liquidation, driving business value, and creating wealth.

The meeting is free for members ($30 for non-members until February 2, $40 thereafter). For more information and to register to attend the meeting, go to http://adfazfeb18.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 and National Bank of Arizona.

Aerospace & Defense M&A Outlook for 2018

AZ Chapter meeting in Phoenix on January 11

Industry 4.0, automation, additive manufacturing, cyber-physical systems, the Internet of things, cloud computing, artificial intelligence and cyber-security are firmly at center stage for the Aerospace and Defense industry. What is the outlook in an era where innovation, increased efficiencies and cost reduction remain paramount?

Join us on January 11, 7:30-9:00am, when John Farr, Managing Director & Partner at Columbia West Capital, will discuss the latest forecasts and engage on projected trends to deliver the latest market intelligence on transformations within the A&D sector. John brings an array of experience and depth of knowledge in many disciplines and multiple industries from extensive deals with large Wall Street firms to hands-on senior management experience with successful mid-sized companies and Fortune 500 Corporations.

A must-attend event for C-Suite Executives, Strategic Planners, Business Development and other management professionals to take a hard look at what 2018 has in store for the industry.

The meeting is free for members ($30 for non-members). Register at adfazjan18.eventbrite.com.

The meeting is free for members and guests ($30 for non-members). For more information and to register to attend the meeting, go to http://adfazjan18.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 and National Bank of Arizona.

A Tour of Universal Laser Systems
A Laser Focus to Material Processing in A&D

AZ Chapter meeting and tour in Scottsdale on November 9

The past two years have seen industrial lasers outperform the machine tool sector, with solid single-digit growth in annual revenues. A surge in excimer laser processing of new model smartphone displays, expanding laser additive manufacturing of aircraft engine components, and significant rises in micro processing using ultrafast-pulse are major examples of growth segments. Industrial lasers are key components in automated material processing systems. As the manufacturing sector turns more toward Industry 4.0 and the IoT, shifting from centralized to decentralized manufacturing, production methods need to automatically adjust to fluctuating supply chain demands. State-of-the-art processing equipment, controlled by sensors and computers on the Internet, are now being implemented, and lasers, by their very nature, will likely be the adaptable energy source of choice.

Join us in Scottsdale on Thursday November 9 for a presentation and tour of Universal Laser Systems, Inc. who is leading the charge with a solely owned, custom-built, state-of-the-art engineering and manufacturing facility in Scottsdale where they manufacture both lasers and laser systems. Following the presentation, Universal will provide a tour of their laser system manufacturing floor as well as a series of laser material processing demonstrations.

The meeting is free for members and guests ($30 Early Bird for non-members, $40 after November 2). For more information and to register to attend the meeting, go to http://adfaznov17.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 and National Bank of Arizona.