CRDG Connect to Mission: Aug 4, 2026

PROMO CODES FOR REGISTRATION:

• If you are a CRDG member, please watch your email for the 2026 promo code.
• If you forget the promo code at any time, you can email us at connect@craneregionaldefensegroup.org.

Sign Up for Our Networking Sessions!

From 1:00 PM EST - 3:30 PM EST attendees will have the option to participate in multiple matchmaking sessions (Session 1 - Session 13). While you may sign up for up to 13 total session blocks, we ask that you limit yourself to one session block per table.

*NOTE: Each session will last for approximately 10 minutes but networking will rotate based on session blocks (i.e. session 1, session 2, etc) as the start/end times of the sessions may vary slightly day-of

RSVP for the CMMC Breakout Workshop

This breakout session will provide an overview of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) fundamentals, including who is required to comply, applicable CMMC levels, and the phased implementation timeline. Attendees will gain practical insight into what compliance looks like and how to begin preparing their organizations.

Purdue University and Indiana APEX Accelerators will provide hands-on guidance to help attendees navigate key CMMC requirements, including:

• Working through the development and completion of a System Security Plan (SSP)
• Understanding and utilizing the SPRS scoring methodology
• Exploring essential cybersecurity tools and resources
• Identifying actionable steps to improve cybersecurity readiness and support successful CMMC implementation

*We recommend registering an additional team member to the event if you would like to attend the CMMC session as well as afternoon matchmaking sessions as they will take place at the same time.

See the full agenda for our August 4 event below.

AGENDA:

9:00 AM: Event Begins

Welcome: Kent Parisien, Chair, CRDG

NSWC Crane Command Welcome: CAPT Rex Boonybaus, Commanding Officer, NSWC Crane

Global Deterrence & Defense Department Brief: James R. Ross, SSTM, Department Director

Sensor Integration & Technology Division Manager Panel

• Joe Toy, Strategic Program Management Division (GXL)
• Carl Todd, Strategic Microelectronics Division (GXM)
• David Bunch, Fleet Sustainment and Advanced Manufacturing Division (GXN)
• William King, Strategic Systems and Analysis & Modernization Division (GXP)
• Michael Baladi, Trusted Microelectronics Division (GXV)
• Jared Evans, Missile Systems Hardware and Test Division (GXW)

CRDG Five Star: Kratos

CRDG Five Star: Davidson

CRDG Five Star: HII

10:30 AM | Networking Break #1

NSWC Contracting Panel:

• Candy Owen, Specialized Contracts Division 
• Jordan Arford, Non-FAR Contracts Division

CRDG Five Star: ARI

CRDG Five Star: Siemens               

CRDG Five Star: IEDC

Networking Break #2

12:00PM Lunch

• Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2026 Updates: Purdue and Indiana APEX
• This will be followed by a breakout workshop after lunch, which will happen simultaneously with the matchmaking sessions

Wrap-up & Release to Networking: Kent Parisien, CRDG President

Transition to Part 2: One-on-one networking sessions with Crane Departments & partners

1:00PM: One-on-one Networking Event: 13 networking sessions (approx. 10-minutes each; will rotate based on session block #, not based on time)

*Sign up for networking slots with the link listed above this agenda.

3:30PM: Closing Comments & Transition to First Tuesday Event: Janna Foxx, CRDG Program Manager 

Following Connect to Mission, all are invited to attend Purdue@WestGate’s First Tuesday networking program. The event will begin at 4:00 PM. Learn more information on the First Tuesday event and RSVP here.