Meeting Notices - San Diego

San Diego Chapter meeting on April 15, 2025

Meeting location: Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP
12275 El Camino Real, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92130-4092
Meeting Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Meeting Time:
Networking & Refreshments, 4:30-5:30 PM:
Presentation: 5:30-7:00 p.m.

As geopolitical tensions rise and technological advancements accelerate, investment in space and defense tech has surged. Venture capital and venture debt are playing an increasingly vital role alongside investment banking. In 2024, venture capital funding for space startups resumed its growth trajectory, while defense technology saw record investment as governments and private sector players prioritized security and resilience.

Please join us in San Diego on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, (4:30-7:00pm Networking and Panel Discussion) to hear three experts at the forefront of this dynamic market: Everardo Gomez (Director, Technology Banking Group, Bridge Bank, a division of Western Alliance Bank), a bank debt lender providing capital and full banking services to venture start-up companies, Arthur Karell (General Partner, First In), a venture capital investor identifying and backing disruptive innovators in defense, and Paul Weisbrich (Managing Director, KAL Capital), an investment banker structuring complex deals to fuel expansion in the aerospace, defense, and space industry. Together, they’ll offer insights into the current funding environment, approach to valuations and other trends shaping the future of space and defense technology.

The meeting is free for members & $30 for non-members until April 8 ($40 thereafter). For more information and to register to attend the meeting go to http://adfsdapr25.eventbrite.com.

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

The San Diego chapter is sponsored by Moss Adams and LevitZacks, and hosted by Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton.

San Diego Chapter meeting on January 27, 2025

Meeting location: Navy SEAL Museum San Deigo
1001 Kettner Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
Meeting Date: Monday, January 27, 2025
Meeting Time:
Presentation and Tour: 9:30-10:30 AM

A Navy SEAL is a member of the United States Navy’s primary Special Operations Force renowned for their exceptional skill, versatility, and tenacity. The acronym SEAL stands for Sea, Air, and Land, highlighting the diverse environments in which these elite warriors operate. SEALs are trained to execute high-risk, high-impact missions.

Please join us in San Diego on Monday, January 27, 2025, (9:30-10:30 am Presentation and Tour) when Capt. Brian “Beef” Drechsler, Retired Navy SEAL and Executive Director of the Navy SEAL Museum in San Diego will describe and tour the educational and emotional content of the Museum designed to light a fire of contagious patriotism, ignite excitement in a new generation of Americans, and expand career opportunities for young people seeking a higher purpose.

The event is limited to 25 attendees. The meeting is free for members & $30 for non-members until January 20 ($40 thereafter). For more information and to register to attend the meeting go to http://adfsdjan25.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.

San Diego Chapter meeting on November 19, 2024

Meeting location: Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP
12275 El Camino Real, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92130-4092
Meeting Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Meeting Time:
Networking & Refreshments, 4:30-5:30 PM:
Presentation: 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Freedom Flight Works, Inc. (FFW) is an aerospace defense-tech company with a focus on powered parafoil aircraft. Its products include the Long Range Precision Aerial Delivery (LRPADS) family of platforms ranging from 500 to 10,000 lbs gross weight air drop cargo vehicles, that can also be ground and ship launched. LRPADS is exceptionally low-cost and adaptable to weapons launch and ISR missions. Freedom Flight also develops personal mobility platforms with reduced signature and an Air & Ground Utility Vehicle that both drives and flies.

Please join us in San Diego on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, (4:30-5:30 pm Networking & Refreshments, 5:30-6:30 pm Presentation) when Austin Blue, President & CEO, Freedom Flight Works, Inc., will present how and why FFW’s powered parafoils have potential to make an important contribution to the defense posture of the United States in the fields of Contested Logistics and Long Range Strike in an environment of near peer threats, tyrannies of distance, and the growing need for tactical agility. The limitations of powered parafoils and the future prospects for emerging field of military aeronautical technology will also be explored.

The meeting is free for members & $30 for non-members until November 12 ($40 thereafter). For more information and to register to attend the meeting go to http://adfsdnov24.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.

San Diego Chapter tour on September 30, 2024

Meeting location: Fleet Readiness Center SW
onboard Naval Air Station North Island
3rd St. & Alameda Blvd
Coronado, CA 92118

Meeting Date: Monday, September 30, 2024
Meeting Time:
Arrival : 8:00am PDT
Bus Departure : 8:30am PDT
Tour : 9:00am PDT to approximately 12:00pm PDT
Parking: Upon arrival at front gate, stay all the way in the far left lane and enter the parking lot on the left (where they A-4 Skyhawk is displayed).   Click here for Gate Entrance Map.

Established in 1919 on NAS North Island CA, FRCSW is the first aviation MRO facility established in the DoD making the command the birthplace of naval aviation maintenance. FRCSW provides world-class support to Navy and Marine Corps tactical, logistical and rotary wing aircraft and their components, by utilizing state-of-the-art management systems. It is the largest of the Navy’s 6 regional aviation depots. For more information:
https://frcsw.navair.navy.mil/

Please join us in San Diego on Monday, September 30, 2024 for a tour of the Navy’s Fleet Readiness Center Southwest. The tour is limited to U.S. Citizens and limited to 20 attendees. You must bring one government form of ID, e.g., Driver’s ID, Passport, etc.
The meeting is free for members & $30 for non-members until September 23 ($40 thereafter). For more information and to register to attend the meeting go to http://adfsdsep24.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.

San Diego Chapter meeting on May 29, 2024

Meeting location: Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP
12275 El Camino Real, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92130-4092
Meeting Date: Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Meeting Time:
Networking & Refreshments, 4:30-5:30 PM:
Presentation: 5:30-6:30 p.m.

The space domain is undoubtedly of vital importance and it is ever evolving. There is a growing recognition that space is not only a realm for scientific exploration and satellite communication but also a critical arena for national security, enabling the United States to respond effectively to crises worldwide.

Please join us in San Diego on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 (4:30-5:30 PM: Networking & Refreshments, 5:30-6:30 PM: Presentation) when Mr. David Lee, from the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) – Pacific, will present on what the current state of the space environment is, what are some of the threats today and how they are being addressed. He will also provide an overview of Naval Information Warfare Centers (NIWC) – Pacific’s Space Portfolio.

The meeting is free for members & $30 for non-members until May 22 ($40 thereafter). For more information and to register to attend the meeting go to http://adfsdmay24.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.

San Diego Chapter meeting on March 19, 2024

Meeting location: Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP
12275 El Camino Real, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92130-4092
Meeting Date: Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Meeting Time:
Networking & Refreshments, 4:30-5:30 PM:
Presentation: 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Like most San Diego based small business firms in the Aero and Defense industry, Forward Slope Inc. (FSI) did not know what to expect when Covid restrictions hit the industry. Pleasantly, the government issued more contracts and simplified payments which facilitated unprecedented growth. While focused on providing the best technical solutions for customers, FSI unknowingly hit the radar of private equity (PE) firms and was presented an immediate, unplanned, exit strategy option.

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 Carlos Persichetti, CEO, Forward Slope, Inc., will tell the story of how PE options arose for FSI; how FSI assessed them, and how FSI ultimately chose its PE “exit,” which turned into an opportunity to partner with PE to build a new platform. The story includes the creation of a “to be Mission Statement/Rallying Cry”, the acquisition of five companies into the new platform, integrating the acquisitions into one organization and building a way forward strategy. Carlos will explain his journey along with the pros and cons of PE as all firms ARE NOT EQUAL!

The meeting is free for members & $30 for non-members until March 12 ($40 thereafter). For more information and to register to attend the meeting go to http://adfsdmar24.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.

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.

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.