Aerospace Defense Forum

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“Attracting and Retaining Talent in Aerospace” – OC

Orange County Chapter meeting in Irvine on April 24, 2025

Please join us in Irvine on Thursday, April 14, 2025, 7:00–9:00am, for an insightful presentation on attracting and retaining talent in the aerospace industry. Our panel of experts, Bruno Cuevas (US/MX Human Resources Director, Kirkhill, Inc), Tina Rupp (Regional Business Development Executive, Actalent Services), and Yajaira Rose-Smith (Former Vice President, Talent & DEI, Terran Orbital Corporation), will discuss the unique challenges faced by aerospace companies and share innovative strategies for building a strong workforce. Attendees will gain valuable insights and practical solutions to enhance their talent acquisition and retention efforts.

This session will also feature a Q&A segment, providing an opportunity for attendees to share their challenges and exchange ideas with industry leaders. Don’t miss this chance to connect with peers, discover new approaches, and come away with actionable solutions to navigate the complexities of the aerospace talent landscape.

The event is free for members and $30 for non-members ($40 after April 17). Register to attend at https://adfocapr25.eventbrite.com.

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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“NorthStar their 40 satellite earth observation array” – AZ

AZ Chapter webinar in Phoenix on April 21, 2025

The problems facing the world are complex and require a focus on a thorough understanding of a systems of systems view of not only the technical approach but also the business approach. This requires a true attention to facts and details in order to effectively and cost effectively address the issues while ensuring a viable and thriving business. This is especially true in the area of Earth Observation where companies and governments are attempting to gather the data and create information necessary to address the myriad of problems we face everyday.

KinetX has used their extensive experience in the development of large scale systems of systems to develop systems and new businesses such as NorthStar Earth and Space to meet these challenges.

Please join us 5:30-7:00pm Phoenix Time on Monday, April 21 when Kjell Stakkestad, Business Development, KinetX, will highlight many of the issues, what is being attempted and what KinetX has done and their current efforts to meet these challenges.

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://adfazapr25.eventbrite.com/

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

The Arizona Chapter is sponsored by Moss Adams.

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Panel Discussion: SPACE & DEFENSE TECH – SD Chapter

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.

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Meet Aerospace Leaders and Build your Network – DFW

Meet Aerospace Leaders and Build your Network
Join Us for Happy Hour and Networking at The Ranch at Las Colinas Restaurant

DFW Chapter mixer on March 25, 2025, 5:00-7:00 PM Central Time

The Ranch at Las Colinas is one of the few places on earth where a hard working ranch hand and a high powered business man can dine together and both feel comfortable. A restaurant with its roots reaching deep into Texas soil.

If you’re looking for a true taste of Texas, come to The Ranch at Las Colinas – a restaurant rich in Texas tradition with a wildly contemporary side.

https://theranchlc.com/

The meeting is free for all, hosted by Western Alliance Bancorporation. For more information and to register to attend the meeting, go to https://adfdfwmar25.eventbrite.com/.

Information about joining The A&amp;D Forum is at <a href=”https://aerospacedefenseforum.org”>https://aerospacedefenseforum.org</a>.

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

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“CMMC 2.0 Cybersecurity Update” – SB Webinar

What DoD Contractors Need to Know Now

South Bay Chapter webinar on Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Big changes regarding cybersecurity requirements have arrived for DoD contractors and subcontractors! On August 15, 2024, the Department of Defense (DoD) introduced a groundbreaking proposed rule to overhaul the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) and enhance its Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 program. The CMMC program went into effect December 16th, 2024. The 48 CFR rule, which will define how CMMC certification requirements are included in government contracts, is expected to be finalized soon. (As early as Spring 2025.) This new framework will reshape cybersecurity compliance for organizations handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in the DoD supply chain.

Is Your Organization Ready?

With stricter compliance mandates, mandatory third-party audits, and increased enforcement, the new rule significantly raises the bar for cybersecurity readiness. Contractors must demonstrate compliance before contract award—and maintain it throughout the contract lifecycle.

Please join us in online, on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 8:00-9:00 am Pacific Time, when Meghan Doherty (Government Contracts Partner, Pillsbury, Winthrop, Shaw Pittman LLP), Christian Hansen, CISSP, CISA (Partner, Cybersecurity Consulting, Moss Adams LLP), Devin Osterhout (Cybersecurity Consulting, Moss Adams), Philip Limon (Security Compliance Analyst and Registered Practitioner Advanced, VC3), with Moderator Rich Weber, CPA (Partner, Government Contracting, Moss Adams LLP) will equip your business with the knowledge and tools to stay compliant and competitive in the evolving DoD cybersecurity landscape!

The meeting is free for A&D Forum Individual Members and Corporate Members, and $30 (until March 19, $40 thereafter) for Non-members. . Register to attend at https://adfsbmar25.eventbrite.com.

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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Tour of Adept Fasteners – SCV Chapter

Santa Clarita Valley Chapter Meeting on March 11, 2025

Adept Fasteners’ staff have been engineering fastener solutions for over 40 years and are proud to offer products from the world’s leading manufacturers. Our continued investment in inventory and technology affords our customers a quick response and fast delivery from our comprehensive inventory. Our commitment to quality is further demonstrated through our AS9100/AS9120 and ISO 9001 quality system registration.

We provide a variety of products and services including fasteners, bearings, hydraulic tools and supply chain solutions.
Please join us for a tour on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 7:15-9:00am PST when Peter J. Wabl, Director of Contract Business Development, Adept Fasteners will share about Adept as an approved supplier to major aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing, Airbus and Gulfstream as well as tier two suppliers such as Parker Hannifin and Pratt & Whitney.

The location of the meeting is Adept Fasteners in Valencia, CA 91355. The meeting is free for members and $35 for non-members until March 4 ($45 thereafter). Registration closes on March 5 and is limited to 20 attendees. For more information and to register to attend the tour go to https://adfscvmar25.eventbrite.com/

Information about joining The A&amp;D Forum is at <a href=”https://aerospacedefenseforum.org”>https://aerospacedefenseforum.org</a>.

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

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“Wargames: The Power of Scenario Planning Exercises” – LA

Los Angeles Chapter meeting on March 6, 2025
In a world facing substantial changes – some known and some unpredictable – it is more important than ever to create and test corporate strategies that are allegiant to reality and accommodate a greater level of uncertainty than companies have previously been forced to manage.

Since its inception in the 1860’s, wargaming has proven to be an incredibly powerful tool in helping organizations anticipate, adapt to, and thrive in environments characterized by rapid, multi-faceted, high consequence change.

While wargaming has been a part of military planning for centuries, it is increasingly appropriate for companies.

Please join us on Thursday, March 6, 2025, 7:00AM – 9:00AM Pacific Time, when Scott Tait, Executive Director, National Security Innovation Catalyst at UC San Diego, will examine the history of wargaming, its benefits, and provide fundamental insights on how to use the technique to prepare your business to succeed in uncertain times.

The meeting is free for A&D Forum Individual Members and Corporate Members, and $30 ($40 after February 27) for Non-members. For more information and to register to attend the meeting go to https://adflamar25.eventbrite.com/.

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

The Los Angeles Chapter of The Aerospace & Defense Forum is hosted by Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Mitchell and sponsored by Moss Adams.

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“Introduction to the Aerospace Corporation’s Direct Commercial Program Office” – SB

Helping the Commercial Space Sector Solve the Hardest Technical Challenges in Space

South Bay Chapter meeting in El Segundo on Thursday, February 20, 2025

Space is changing more rapidly than ever. Technological advancement, lower-cost access to orbit, and massive private investments are driving a wave of space innovation—introducing novel, next-generation capabilities to meet current and emerging operational needs. The global space economy was estimated to reach $546 billion in 2023 by Space Foundation, with commercial space sector revenues comprising 78 percent, or $427.6 billion.

The Aerospace Corporation (Aerospace) is a leading architect for U.S. government space programs, and a trusted partner for the U.S. commercial space industry, helping to solve the hardest technical challenges in order to accelerate the rapid delivery of new capabilities to space. Aerospace brings proven systems engineering and integration (SE&I) capabilities and space insights directly to the private sector through their Direct Commercial Programs Office.

Please join us in El Segundo, CA, on Thursday, February 20, 2025, 7:00-9:00 am Pacific Time, when John LaGrandeur, Senior Project Leader, Aerospace Corporation, will describe Aerospace’s service offerings to commercial space companies such as:
• Launch and Space Readiness Support
• Systems of Systems Engineering
• Systems of Systems Development & Acquisition Services
• Technology Applications
• Research, Development, and Laboratories
• Technology Transfer

The meeting is free for A&D Forum Individual Members and Corporate Members, and $30 (until February 13, $40 thereafter) for Non-members. Register to attend at https://adfsbfeb25.eventbrite.com.

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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“A Solution to Your Entry Level Workforce Needs”

Santa Clarita Valley Chapter Meeting on February 25, 2025

Imagine having access to entry level workers that are hungry to perform, show up on time, are committed to their company and don’t waste time on their phone. If this would make your life a little easier, learning about Lost Angels Career Center is a must.

We pride ourselves on selecting and developing skilled young adults ready to excel in the workplace. Our comprehensive training program is designed to meet industry standards, ensure that our graduates are equipped with the latest techniques and tools, and know and follow best practices. Each trainee undergoes rigorous hands-on training and is assessed on their ability to perform in real-life scenarios.

We emphasize both technical proficiency and soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, ensuring a well-rounded and effective workforce. We have close to a 100% placement rate with companies like Northrop Grumman, ITT, MS Aero and many others in the Los Angeles area. Based on feedback from these employers, our graduates have better attitudes, work harder, and outperform other hires. They contribute to company success from day one and in the years that follow.

Please join us for an in-person meeting on Tuesday February 25, 7:15-9:00am PST when Aaron Valencia, Executive Director and Founder, and Laura Evans, Director-Job Development, of the Lost Angels Career Center will share about this exciting opportunity to get the great employees you have been looking for.

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 February 18 ($45 thereafter). For more information and to register to attend the tour go to https://adfscvfeb25.eventbrite.com/

Information about joining The A&amp;D Forum is at <a href=”https://aerospacedefenseforum.org”>https://aerospacedefenseforum.org</a>.

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