Space and Missile Defense Conference in Huntsville in August Focuses on Path Ahead

By Giselle Bodin, SMDC/ARSTRAT Public AffairsJuly 8, 2009

SMD Conference Logo
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - The 12th Annual Space and Missile Defense Conference and Exhibition will take place August 17-20, 2009, at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The theme for this year's event is "Space & Missile Defense...the Path Forward."

The SMD Conference is widely attended by more than 6,000 professionals from throughout the United States and our allies around the world. Event sponsors include the National Defense Industrial Association-Tennessee Valley Chapter (NDIA-TVC), Air Space and Missile Defense Association (ASMDA), and the Air Defense Artillery Association-Huntsville Chapter (ADAA).

This year's SMD Conference will have a greater international emphasis than in previous years, including information on ballistic missile defense in Europe and China. The conference will also emphasize a "Joint" nature, with each service well represented and their contributions spotlighted. Because of current world situations and national occurrences, it is vitally important to understand how missile defense and space technologies are contributing to the success of warfighters around the globe. Exhibits and presentations on topics such as future technologies, Army Way Ahead, tactical perspectives, operational perspectives, increasing roles in each of the services, space and missile defense in the Pacific, and operationally responsive space will explore these issues with attendees.

Confirmed speakers include Gen. James E. Cartwright, vice chairman of Joint Chief of Staff; Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, commander, US Strategic Command; LTG Kevin T. Campbell, commanding general, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command; LTG Patrick O'Reilly, director, Missile Defense Agency; and Ambassador Dr. Richard G. Harrison. Other invited speakers include representatives from U.S. Pacific Command and members of Congress.

.

There will be exhibit displays throughout the entire VBC and daily attractions in each hall, including presentations from local and celebrity authors. These attractions, along with the viewing of all exhibits, are free and open to the general public.

To register for the conference, visit the website at www.smdconf.org, or contact Jeanne Weaver at 256-533-6986/ fax 256-533-4508.

For additional information, please contact Giselle Bodin at 256-955-3889 or giselle.bodin@smdc.army.mil.