12thAnnual Space and Missile Defense Conference to take place next week

By Ms. Giselle Bodin (ACC )August 10, 2009

(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 an international emphasis, including information on ballistic missile defense in Europe and China. The conference will also emphasize a "Joint" nature. Exhibits and presentations on topics such as future technologies, Army Way Ahead, tactical perspectives, operational perspectives, increasing roles in each of the services, and operationally responsive space will explore these issues with attendees.

Confirmed speakers include Gen. James E. Cartwright, vice chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff; NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden, Jr.; Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, commander, US Strategic Command; Lt. Gen. Kevin T. Campbell, commanding general, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command (SMDC/ARSTRAT); Lt. Gen. Larry D. James, commander, 14th Air Force; Lt. Gen. Patrick O'Reilly, director, Missile Defense Agency; Maj. Gen.. (P) Robert P. Lennox, G-8 nominee; Brig.Gen. Kurt S. Story, deputy commander for operations SMDC/ARSTRAT; and Alabama Congressman Parker Griffith.

In addition to the main presentations, there will also be a technology program featuring a space panel and a panel focused on leveraging the laboratories.

There will be multiple outdoor exhibits this year, including an Avenger, a SLAMRAAM, and a Sentinel among others. There will be exhibit displays throughout the entire VBC and daily attractions in each hall, including presentations from local and celebrity authors. The viewing of all exhibits are free and open to the general public.

For additional information, please visit the website at www.smdconf.org or contact Giselle Bodin at 256-955-3889 or giselle.bodin@smdc.army.mil.

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/SMDConference

Find us on Facebook! www.facebook.com

Search for Space and Missile Defense Conference

Related Links:

SMD Conference Twitter

SMD Conference Facebook

SMD Conference Website