The Space and Missile Defense Symposium returns to the Von Braun Center this August 6th through 8th.

Now in its 27th year, the three-day symposium brings together government and industry leaders in Space and Missile Defense (SMD), with over 6,000 people from the United States and allied countries expected to attend.

The symposium offers defense professionals an unparalleled opportunity to explore the latest industry updates and important advances in space and integrated air and missile defense.

Current technology solutions as well as investments in future capabilities will be highlighted.

Special events include a Technology Track, an Acquisitions Panel, a Cyber, Space, and Special Operations Panel, a Warfighter Panel, and a Small Business Showcase.

The Technology Track runs concurrently with updates from the military sector and expert panels.

The Technology Track features numerous tech companies that will present cutting-edge ideas, methods, processes, and information on cyber resiliency, testing and development, and weapon system performance testing and validation.

Several Technology Track sessions will focus on the increasing capabilities and integrations of artificial intelligence (AI) in space and missile defense.

Senior leaders of government and industry organizations will speak on a number of topics.

Scheduled speakers represent several defense entities, including Missile Defense Agency, Space and Missile Defense Command, Strategic Command, U.S. Northern Command, U.S. Space Command, Army Futures Command, Army Materiel Command, and top space and missile defense industry companies.

Defense leaders including Lieutenant General Sean Gainey, General Steve Whiting, and Lieutenant General Heath Collins will share insights on the future of global security.

Attendees can get first-hand updates on the state of SMD from U.S. military officials, attend informative panels, engage with the Technology Track sessions, and peruse the expanded exhibit space to learn about the latest technological advances.

This year’s symposium features an expanded exhibit offering occupying South Hall, East Hall, and the Saturn Ballroom.

In addition to gaining insights from top SMD organizations, attendees have ample opportunity to network with SMD experts.

An icebreaker reception on Monday, August 5th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. will kick off the multiple opportunities for networking during the symposium. Other planned events include a Tuesday night networking event from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and a Wednesday night dinner from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

After the opening welcome on Tuesday morning, attendees can choose to attend updates from the SMD, U.S. Space Command, Program Executive Office Missiles and Space, or attend the Technology Track sessions for industry presentations on the latest tech innovations.

The afternoon features a panel on Cyber, Space, and Special Operations followed by the Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems update, or attendees may choose another Technology Track session.

The Tuesday Networking Event starts at 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday’s schedule follows a similar pattern, with updates from the U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Army Pacific in the morning followed by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Senior Leader Forum and a concurrent session in the Technology Track.

After lunch on Wednesday attendees can choose from the Industry Panel on Space and Missile Defense and Next Generation SMD panel or two Technology Track sessions.

Wednesday evening’s events start at 5:00 p.m. with an Oath of Enlistment Ceremony, VIP Reception, and then dinner at 6:30 p.m.

Thursday’s sessions include an opening welcome, updates from Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office and Marshall Space Flight Center, the Regional Warfighter Panel, and the Missile Defense Agency’s Focus on the Future from Lieutenant General Heath Collins.

Registration for the symposium is open onsite from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday and 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday or online here.