Pacific Northwest Defense Summit

Registration closes May 6, 2026

In-Person Registration

Virtual Registration

ABOUT

The Pacific Northwest Defense Summit brings together government and industry, designed to move beyond information sharing and foster meaningful engagement, relationship-building, and actionable pathways. In-person attendance is limited to 75 participants.

The maritime and defense innovation community will have the opportunity to hear from and connect with Department of the Air Force stakeholders. Attendees will gain insight into current mission priorities while exploring opportunities to collaborate, align with defense needs, and support the future of national security innovation.

SCHEDULE

1:00 PM – Check-In

Attendees arrive, check in at the registration table, and have time to network informally before the program begins.

1:30 PM – Panel Discussion + Q&A

A moderated discussion featuring Air Force and DoW stakeholders, followed by an open Q&A session where attendees can ask questions in real time.

3:00 PM – No-Host Social & Informal Networking Session

A gathering at a nearby venue. Attendees are welcome to continue conversations, make new connections, and engage with speakers and participants in a relaxed setting.

PANELISTS

Scott Aughenbaugh - Department of the Air Force (DAF) Technology Transfer & Transition (T3) Director

Allen Franke - Program Manager, AFWERX

Eric Lam - R&D Collaboration Director (Engineering), AFRL Midwest Network

Additional government stakeholders have expressed interest in participating, with confirmations pending.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

In-Person Registration

Virtual Registration

HELPFUL DETAILS

Date: May 13, 2026

Time: 1:00 - 5:00 PM

Location: Pacific Northwest Mission Accelerator Center, 1100 SW 27th St Renton, WA 98057

Dress Code: Business Casual recommended

No host social: 3:00 - 5:00 PM

Check-In: Located on the first floor near the main entrance

Parking: A large parking lot is available on-site with ample space for attendees

Building: The facility is easily visible from the street and marked with Allpak Container signage

Accessibility: Please note there is no elevator; the event will take place on the second floor

FAQs

Is there a cost to attend?

No. This event is completely free to all registered attendees.

What should I bring with me?

Small businesses are encouraged to bring a capability statement and similar materials to facilitate discussions and follow-up with government attendees.

How do I check in when I arrive?

A registration table will be located at the entrance of the PNW MAC. Please check in there when you arrive.

Is there a dress code?

Business casual attire is recommended.

Can I attend virtually?

Yes. A virtual option will be available for the Panel and Q&A sessions. You can register here: https://events.gov.teams.microsoft.us/event/6809e1ce-4ae2-4f02-bb25-78645b2f378a@4cbecb00-07e8-4dfb-a4bd-96859e7c4cc7

Will there be opportunities to engage directly with DoW representatives?

Yes. Opportunities for direct engagement include the informal networking session and the no-host social.

Who do I contact with questions?

For any questions, please contact Lia Frisbee, lia.frisbee@vertxpartners.org

About APEX

The Academic Partnership Engagement Experiment (APEX) cultivates innovation by expanding the American research enterprise in a way that moves defense technology from discovery to reality. APEX connects academic innovators with the Department of the Air Force and industry and eliminates barriers in accelerating the transition of science and technology solutions into transformational U.S. Air Force operational capabilities. APEX is a Partnership Intermediary Agreement between the Department of the Air Force. The APEX mission supports the United States Air Force Science & Technology 2030 Strategy.

APEX intends to record portions of this event, including through the virtual platform. By registering for and attending the Pacific Northwest Defense Summit, you acknowledge and agree that you may be audio- and video-recorded during the event. You further acknowledge and agree that your name, image, voice, and likeness may be used by APEX for purposes including, but not limited to, marketing and communications materials (digital, social media, and email), advertisements, published articles (online or in print), educational content, and presentations at conferences or other informational or promotional events. If you do not wish to be recorded or have your name, image, voice, or likeness used for these purposes, please do not register for or attend this event.

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