Join the Defense Alliance membership for an update on and conversation about the U.S. defense industry, DoD strategy and budget outlook, the state of the region’s defense industry, and the major challenges and opportunities ahead for businesses supporting our national defense technology base. Hear from the key players from the growing ecosystem of defense related partners in the region while networking with industry colleagues at this annual event.
Full Event Agenda
8:15 – 8:50AM: Networking / Exhibits / Light Breakfast served
8:50 – 9:00AM: Introductions / Welcome and Regional Industry Overview – Defense Alliance
National Defense Industry Association (NDIA – Northern Tier Chapter)
Twin Cities Aerospace Network (TCAN)
Jeff Johnson, Executive Director; Sales Director, North Star Imaging
Minnesota APEX Accelerator
Christina Nebel-Dickerson, Program Director, MN APEX
ARI: Midwest TechBridge / Navy Rapid Capabilities Office (NRCO)
CAPT Jerry Olin, USN (Ret.), Midwest Defense Manager, ARI
BioMADE, a DoD Defense Manufacturing Innovation Institute
11:15 – 11:30AM:Presentation of 2025 Champion of Defense Awards – Defense Alliance
Small Business Award + Individual Lifetime Award
11:30AM – 12:00PM: Networking / Exhibits
Meet the Keynote Speaker
Carlton Haelig Fellow, Defense Program Center for a New American Security (CNAS)
Dr. Haelig's research and expertise include national security strategy, force design and employment, and military innovation.
Prior to CNAS, Haelig was a postdoctoral fellow with the America in the World Consortium at the Clements Center for National Security at the University of Texas and the Kissinger Center for Global Affairs at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies. He has held prior research and analysis positions at the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law, the RAND Corporation, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense Historical Office.
Haelig holds a PhD in security studies from Princeton University where he directed the Strategic Education Initiative at Princeton’s Center for International Security Studies. He also completed an MA in public affairs at Princeton, an MA in international security at George Mason University, and a BA in political science and history at Rutgers University.
Event Cost: $50
Sponsorship Opportunities Available on Registration Page!
