SMD Symposium Focused on Defense in New Era

The annual Space & Missile Defense Symposium begins today at the Von Braun Center with dozens of exhibitors, a list of distinguished speakers and a focus on the future.

About a dozen top military officials are scheduled to speak in person or virtually. This year’s symposium theme is “Space and Integrated Air and Missile Defense in a New Era.”

During the event’s first Small Business Showcase, dozens of companies large and small will exhibit from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. through Thursday. The event is spearheaded by the Huntsville Association of Small Businesses in Advanced Technology. It will take place in the VBC East Hall.

[displayAds title=”Google Fiber”]

Agenda topics include remarks and updates from Jody Singer, director of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville; Adm. Charles A. Richard, recently the executive assistant and Naval aide to the Undersecretary of the Navy; and Gen. John E. Hyten, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The symposium is billed as “the leading educational, professional development and networking event in the space and missile defense community. The symposium is widely attended by leaders and professionals from the United States and our allies around the world.”

Other speakers include:

— Col. Robert B. Hensley, Chief of Staff of DAMO Fires/Joint Counter UAS Office (JCO) in HQDA G3/5/7 on the Army Staff.

— Gen. Glen D. VanHerck, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM)

— Gen. James H. Dickinson, Commander, U.S. Space Command

— Gen. Edward M. Daly, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Materiel Command

— Lt. Gen. James M. Richardson, Deputy Commanding General, Army Futures Command.

The event is sponsored by Dynetics, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Technologies, BAE Systems, SAIC, Deloitte, Blue Halo, Eprius, Noblis and CACI. Attendees must register and be approved.

All individuals must wear a mask to enter and attend the symposium, regardless of vaccination status. Masks must be worn for the duration of the symposium, unless you are eating, drinking or speaking on stage at the podium.