AeroDef Manufacturing with Composites Manufacturing Event Features Best Strategic Thinkers in the Industry

• Aerospace and defense conference and exhibition returns to Long Beach in February 2016

(LONG BEACH, Calif.) – SME’s AeroDef Manufacturing with Composites Manufacturing will bring together the leading companies and executives from aerospace and defense manufacturing to highlight the latest technology options and trends Feb. 8 to 10 at the Long Beach Convention Center. This annual technical conference and exhibition not only offers a hands-on look at solutions for aerospace and defense, but also provides opportunities to discuss industry advances and real-world applications.

“Manufacturing is key to the prosperity of our country, with aerospace and defense manufacturing underpinning the security of the nation,” said AeroDef panelist Dean Bartles, executive director of the Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute. “The caliber of experts, technical sessions, and show floor representation assembled by SME at AeroDef offers the industry a service and return that cannot be found anywhere else.”

Industry leaders from Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems, The Boeing Company, Bell Helicopter, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics and NASA help develop the content and features of the event as part of the executive committee.

“SME believes that the aerospace and defense market is essential, which is why we bring together the experts in the field, to serve that community,” said Dave Morton, event manager of AeroDef for SME. “From high level strategic direction in our keynotes and panels, to hands-on practical applications on the show floor, we strive to provide a forum for gaining knowledge and experiencing the latest advancements in the industry.”

Keynote Speakers
Tuesday, Feb. 9, 8 a.m.
“The Design, Development and Delivery of the James Webb Space Telescope”
Scott Willoughby, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems

Tuesday, Feb. 9, 12:45 p.m.
“A View of Automation and Innovation from the Corner Office”
Dan Korte, LMI Aerospace
Panel discussions

Tuesday, Feb. 9, 8:50 a.m.
“Data Analytics for Manufacturing”
Dean Bartles, Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute, UI Labs
Roland Dutton, Air Force Research Laboratory

Wednesday, Feb. 10, 8:50 a.m.
“The Future of Structural Materials: 20 Year Horizon”
John Barnes, ALCOA
Mick Maher, DARPA
Todd Steyer, Boeing Research & Technology
Richard Vaia, Air Force Research Laboratory

New Show Floor Feature in 2016
The Aerofied Preferred Supplier Pavilion allows attendees to network with prequalified contract suppliers and decision makers from aerospace and defense companies. It gives attendees and exhibitors a chance to directly engage with large and medium-sized manufacturers who are looking to make both short- and long-term investments.

To learn more about AeroDef Manufacturing and Composites Manufacturing, visit aerodefevent.com. There, you can view the event schedule and see the list of exhibitors. Get involved in the conversation before they event by following @AeroDefMfg on Twitter or joining the discussion on LinkedIn.

About AeroDef Manufacturing
AeroDef Manufacturing is a leading technical conference and exposition for the aerospace and defense manufacturing industry. Produced by SME, in partnership with industry OEMs, its mission is to foster innovation across the extended enterprise to reduce costs, expedite production times and maintain U.S. competitiveness in the global economy. Learn more at aerodefevent.com.

About SME
SME connects all those who are passionate about making things that improve our world. As a non-profit organization, SME has served practitioners, companies, educators, governments and communities across the manufacturing spectrum for more than 80 years. Through its strategic areas of events, media, membership, training and development, and the SME Education Foundation, SME is uniquely dedicated to the advancement of manufacturing by addressing both knowledge and skill needs for the industry. Follow @SME_MFG on Twitter or facebook.com/SMEmfg.

If you have questions about the press release or need additional information, please contact SME Public Relations at [email protected].

Source: SME