IDGA's 5th Night Vision Systems will address Optimizing Night Vision Equipment for Use in Afghanistan

Defense News: NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IDGA announces its 5^th Night Vision Systems conference, to take place July 26 – 28, 2010 at the Sheraton National Hotel in Arlington, VA.

The conference, widely considered the most trusted forum for night vision experts, will keep specialists ahead of the curve by discussing the two most pressing topics in the field: optimizing night vision equipment in Afghanistan and how to expand the market reach for current and future systems. Other sessions will include vital information on export regulations that apply to manufacturers and industry, emerging technologies and immediate and long-term needs for military and civilian night vision capabilities.

Holly Schneider Brown, the event director, noted that, “This is truly the best conference you can find on Night Vision Systems. This comprehensive event draws from both the latest technology developments and military program information, which attracts a wide range of experts to attend. Due to topic variety and networking opportunities, we’ve seen higher attendance year after year.”

The expert speaker faculty includes:

• Dr. Donald A. Reago, Jr., Principal Deputy for Technology & Countermine, Night Vision & Electronic Sensors Directorate
• COL Stephanie Foster, USA, Project Manager Soldier Sensors and Lasers, PEO Soldier
• Col Russell E. Smith, USMC, Fires and Maneuver Integration Division, Capabilities Development Directorate, Marine Corps Combat Development Command
• Dale C. Linne von Berg, Head, Applied Optics Branch (ISR & IRCM Systems), Naval Research Lab
• And many others

A Night Vision Technology Application Day will be held on Monday, July 26, 2010. The conference will be chaired by Dr. Joe Estrera, Senior VP and Chief Technology Officer for L-3 Electro-Optical Systems. Dr. Estrera, winner of several technology corporation awards and author of numerous technical papers and patents, has been active in the study of photocathodes, semi-conductors, laser technologies, uncooled infrared technologies and image fusion technologies. For more information on the 5^th Night Vision Systems conference, visit www.NightVisionEvent.com, call 1-800-882-8684 or download the event brochure here.Podcasts, videos and documents relating to night vision systems are also available in the event’s resource center online.

The Institute for Defense & Government Advancement (IDGA) is a non-partisan information-based organization dedicated to the promotion of innovative ideas in public service and defense through live conferences and events. We bring together speaker panels and events comprised of military and government professionals while attracting delegates with decision-making power from military, government, and defense industries.

In addition to our live events, IDGA also offers an online community dedicated to providing defense industry professionals with breaking news, business opportunities, introductions, podcasts, webinars, and presentations from key industry leaders. Members of our online community are able to extend their live event experience and interact with the defense industry by leveraging the opportunity to network, share ideas, best practices, and business solutions.

For more information, please visit http://www.idga.org.

Contact:

IDGA
Holly Schneider Brown, 212-885-2773
Program Director
Holly.Schneider@idga.org

CIOs from DHS, Social Security Administration, US Department of the Interior, US Department of Transportation to Speak at IDGA's IT Infrastructure for

CIOs from DHS, Social Security Administration, US Department of the Interior, US Department of Transportation to Speak at IDGA's IT Infrastructure for Defense and Government Event

Defense News: NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IDGA announces its premiere IT Infrastructure for Defense and Government event, taking place at the Sheraton Premiere at Tysons Corner on June 7 - 9, 2010.

The conference is unique in that it features presentations from nine Chief Information Officers at the federal level. “It is extremely rare to have this many speakers of this caliber in the same room,” says Holly Schneider Brown, the program director. “Given the importance of IT overhaul for the government, the dialogue that will take place at this event will be one of the most important of the year.”

The conference will address the pressing need for major IT upgrades and enhancements in various agencies and government departments such as NASA, Veterans Affairs and the Social Security Administration. Emphasis will be placed on cost reduction, consolidation of infrastructure, cloud computing and case studies from various organizations. The IT Security Focus Day on Monday, June 7 will feature interactive workshops on IT security and information assurance.

CIOs speaking at the conference include:

• Richard A. Spires, Chief Information Officer, Department of Homeland Security
• Frank Baitman, Chief Information Officer, Social Security Administration
• Sanjeev “Sonny” Bhagowalia, Chief Information Officer, U.S. Department of the Interior
• Nitin Pradhan, Chief Information Officer, U.S. Department of Transportation

As public sector IT systems age and are no longer able to meet requirements, the federal government plans to spend billions of dollars for their overhaul and modernization. For more information about the IT Infrastructure for Defense and Government event, visit the www.ITforDefense.com, download the brochure or call 1-800-882-8684. Additional IT information can be found in the event’s resource library.

The Institute for Defense & Government Advancement (IDGA) is a non-partisan information-based organization dedicated to the promotion of innovative ideas in public service and defense through live conferences and events. We bring together speaker panels and events comprised of military and government professionals while attracting delegates with decision-making power from military, government, and defense industries.

In addition to our live events, IDGA also offers an online community dedicated to providing defense industry professionals with breaking news, business opportunities, introductions, podcasts, webinars, and presentations from key industry leaders. Members of our online community are able to extend their live event experience and interact with the defense industry by leveraging the opportunity to network, share ideas, best practices, and business solutions.

For more information, please visit http://www.idga.org.

Contact:

IDGA
Holly Schneider Brown, 212-885-2773
Program Director
Holly.Schneider@idga.org

Military Satellites Summit to Optimize Lines of Communication

Defense News: NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Institute for Defense and Government Advancement (IDGA) is pleased to announce the Fourth Annual Military Satellites Summit, scheduled for April 27 – 28, 2010 at the Sheraton Premiere at Tysons Corner, Vienna, VA.

The summit will focus on the policy, requirements and acquisition transformation needed to enable future opportunities for partnerships with next-generation satellite communications systems. It is a forum for top vendors, industry and government leaders of the satellite communications sphere to discuss the new 2010 MILSATCOM initiatives.

IDGA’s Military Satellites Summit features an interactive panel discussion pertaining to the future of military satellite networks. In this panel, attendees will be able to ask questions on current capabilities, technology advancements, and SATCOM initiatives moving forward.

Panel Members include:

• Colonel Michael Lakos, USAF, Chief, MILSATCOM Requirements, MILSATCOM Command Lead, Directorate of Requirements, Headquarters Air Force Space Command
• Colonel Charles Cynamon, USAF, Advanced Concepts Group, Military Satellite Communications Systems Wing, Air Force Space Command
• Colonel Patrick Rayermann, USA, Director, Communications – Functional Integration Office, National Reconnaissance Office OSD
• Joseph Vanderpoorten, Technical Director, Military Satellite Communications Systems Wing, Space and Missile Systems Center, Air Force Space Command

The impressive attendee list keeps growing day by day! Download the Delegate List Profile to view a sample of organization names and job titles.

For more information on sponsoring or attending the Military Satellites Summit please visitwww.MilitarySatellitesSummit.com or contact Alexa Deaton at alexa.deaton@idga.org.

The Institute for Defense & Government Advancement (IDGA) is a non-partisan information-based organization dedicated to the promotion of innovative ideas in public service and defense through live conferences and events. We bring together speaker panels and events comprised of military and government professionals while attracting delegates with decision-making power from military, government, and defense industries.

In addition to our live events, IDGA also offers an online community dedicated to providing defense industry professionals with breaking news, business opportunities, introductions, podcasts, webinars, and presentations from key industry leaders. Members of our online community are able to extend their live event experience and interact with the defense industry by leveraging the opportunity to network, share ideas, best practices, and business solutions.

For more information, please visit http://www.idga.org.

Contact:

IDGA
Alexa Deaton, 212-885-2725
alexa.deaton@idga.org

IDGA: Extending Service Life of Aging Aircraft

Defense News Updates ~ NEW YORK-- January 21, 2010, (BUSINESS WIRE)--IDGA’s Cockpit Avionics Summit is the premier military avionics conference in the United States. As the continually aging aircraft fleet is tasked at the highest levels in history, the DoD has outlined road-maps to extend their service life and utility with technological avionics improvements across the board. “At the same time, the growing needs of a constantly changing war environment must be addressed while increased congestion and safety concerns require attention as well,” says Keith Johnson, General Manager of IDGA and 12 year veteran aviator of the US Air Force.
This year’s Cockpit Avionics Summit will detail current efforts and developments in the fields of NextGen requirements and how the DoD will meet the timeline, interoperability, and plans to adapt in an uncertain future. In today’s complex and rapidly changing battle environment, aircraft operators are becoming increasingly inundated with never-before seen challenges necessary for mission success and ultimately safety.
IDGA’s Cockpit Avionics Summit will be held February 9 -11, 2010 at Hilton Old Town Alexandria in Alexandria, VA.
The Institute for Defense & Government Advancement (IDGA) is a non-partisan information-based organization dedicated to the promotion of innovative ideas in public service and defense through live conferences and events. We bring together speaker panels and events comprised of military and government professionals while attracting delegates with decision-making power from military, government, and defense industries. For more information, please visit www.idga.org

Contact:
Marketing IDGA
Andy Kaftan, 646-502-3267
andrew.kaftan@idga.org
www.cockpitavionicssummit.com

IDGA ~ October 28, 2009
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--November 16th marks the beginning of the four-day 8th Annual Light Armored Vehicles & Stryker Summit being held in Vienna, VA at the Sheraton Premiere at Tysons Corner. Leading military and industry experts are set to convene and discuss a series of key issues pertaining to Light Armored Vehicles (LAVs).

“As operations shift from Iraq to Afghanistan, it is important to keep abreast of all the latest developments in this area. That is why this year’s Summit is crucial and of significant importance to our audience,” Kristine Ortiz-Cortes, Program Director at IDGA explained. “This year's event aims to hone in on the requirements for developing and deploying vehicle systems to enhance lethality and survivability in any environment”.

Some of the key topics to be discussed include requirements and modifications for the family of LAV and Stryker (FoLAV); New lightweight and transparent armor systems; Supply chain management processes and practices; and vehicle technology and communications systems.

Some of the speakers scheduled to present include:

•Colonel Brian Buckles, USMC - Program Manager, Marine Corps LAV
•LTC Todd Lamb, USA - Product Manager, Stryker BCT Development, PEO Ground Combat Systems
•LtCol Scott Leonard, USMC - Commanding Officer, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Batallion
•Major Pierre Larivee - Project Director, LAV III, Canadian Defence
•Glenda Paige - LOGCOM Liaison Officer to PEO-LS, MARCORSYSCOM

IDGA's Light Armored Vehicles & Stryker Summit has become the "must attend" event for the international LAV community. Military, industry, and others attend each year to discuss areas such as armor, communications, firepower, drive trains, battery power, and other important components to the family of LAVs. The summit also provides a forum for military and industry to network and forge new partnerships and solutions.

For more information on attending or sponsoring the 8th Annual Light Armored Vehicles & Stryker Summit, please visit http://www.lightarmoredvehiclessummit.com/ or contact Kristine Ortiz-Cortes at kristine.ortiz@idga.org.

The Institute for Defense & Government Advancement (IDGA) is a non-partisan information-based organization dedicated to the promotion of innovative ideas in public service and defense through live conferences and events. We bring together speaker panels and events comprised of military and government professionals while attracting delegates with decision-making power from military, government, and defense industries.

In addition to our live events, IDGA also offers an online community dedicated to providing defense industry professionals with breaking news, business opportunities, introductions, podcasts, webinars, and presentations from key industry leaders. Members of our online community are able to extend their live event experience and interact with the defense industry by leveraging the opportunity to network, share ideas, best practices, and business solutions.

For more information, please visit http://www.idga.org/.

IDGA Exhibitions Announces the Launch of the Military Air Assets Exhibition & Conference (MAASEC)

Event to be the first dedicated military air exhibition in the United States
IDGA ~ September 21, 2009,
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Institute for Defense and Government Advancement, Exhibitions Group (IDGA) announces the launch of the inaugural Military Air Assets Exhibition & Conference slated for March 29 –April 1, 2010 to take place in Jacksonville, FL.
The objective of this one-of-a-kind, end-to-end event is to provide a domestic home for the joint military aviation community where personnel involved in fixed wing, rotorcraft and unmanned systems will come together for four days in March 2010. By creating this forum, DoD, DHS, Program Managers, international partners, vendors, and academia will unite to discuss joint initiatives, individual programs and share best practices in support of the US military aviation community.
“The military aviation community has encouraged us to provide a dedicated CONUS event for information sharing, networking and showcasing products across all platforms,” explained Michael Gallo, Managing Director of IDGA Exhibitions. “Our research indicates that both the military and vendor communities are spending heavily on conducting domestic business overseas at large international air events. While these events are important for specific initiatives, much of what’s taking place overseas can and should be done more effectively and efficiently at a CONUS event. IDGA is uniquely positioned to deliver a CONUS event that provides value to all stakeholders in the military aviation community.”
In addition to air asset demonstrations, displays and exhibits, the event also features an important educational aspect: a two-day conference with pre- and post-event workshop days. While the main conference will feature senior military leadership, Program Managers and aviation support personnel discussing their challenges and experiences, industry experts will delve more deeply into particular areas such as maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), the upgrading of existing avionics, communications and weapons systems and performance-based logistics best practices.
MAASEC is an extension of IDGA’s well-established military aviation portfolio that includes: Helicon, Air-Launched Weapons, Cockpit Avionics, and Aviation Lifecycle Management, among other events that target the C4 and logistics needs of the aviation community.
For more information on participating in IDGA’s Military Air Assets Exhibition & Conference (MAASEC), please visit http://www.MAASEC.com or contact Alison Sperling at Alison.Sperling@idga.org.
The Institute for Defense & Government Advancement (IDGA) is a non-partisan information-based organization dedicated to the promotion of innovative ideas in public service and defense. IDGA brings together communities comprised of military, government, vendors and academia for education, networking and advancing the communities in which it serves. For more information, please visit http://www.idga.org.
Contact:
IDGA Exhibitions
Alison Sperling,
646-502-3264
Director of Marketing
alison.sperling@idga.org

IDGA: MARCORSYSCOM's Equipment Demonstration and Future Capabilities

Advances in US Marine Corps soldier systems demonstrated to show better soldier protection
IDGA ~ September 18, 2009,
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The United States Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) recently hosted a media day held at their Gruntworks Testing Facility to demonstrate the monumental improvements made in Marine Infantry Equipment. The Marine Corps are leading the fight having taken great consideration into all of the systems employed by infantrymen on the ground.
From top to bottom advancements in protection, uniforms and cutting edge technology are now fielding at advanced rates which have never been seen in US Military procurement. The Marine Corps demonstration proved that feedback from troops on the ground are reaching senior leaders, making critical decisions on life essential equipment.
Body Armor
The Marines who led the initial push into Iraq in 2003 wore Individual Body Armor (IBA) without the protective ceramic plate inserts known as Small Arms Protective Inserts (SAPI). Marines now deploying to Afghanistan have a choice between two types of body armor, both featuring the Enhanced SAPI plates (ESAPI). The Modular Tactical Vest features protective plates for the front and back of a Marine as well as side protection thru the side SAPI inserts. The Modular Tactical Vest (MTV) and Scalable Plate Carrier are both being fielded and deployed with Marines in Afghanistan and are giving the commanders on the ground the option to modify and adjust to the tactical threat given the operating environment. The newer vests are also modular in design which enables the Marine to modify how he or she mounts all ammo pouches, radios and other critical items on their individual vest. According to Lt. Col AJ Pasagian, Program Manager for Infantry Combat Equipment (PM ICE) at MARCORSYSCOM, the advances in the vests have provided more area protection against direct fire and rifle ballistics. The Marine Corps are also currently in source selection for the Improved Modular Tactical Vest (IMTV) which is a government owned design which has been tried and tested by Marines. The IMTV will enable Marines to egress out of the vest in an emergency which will also provide the Navy Corpsman the ability to treat combat related injuries while still protecting the injured Marine.
Footwear
Danner rugged all terrain boots with a 2 year life expectancy are being fielded to Marines deploying to Afghanistan, doubling past life cycles for combat boots. These newly designed boots provides a wider more stable base to assume and control the greater combat load operating in Afghanistan according to Lt. Col Pasagian. The standards have been pushed out to the military boot industry to provide a much needed advancement in protection of a Marine’s feet. The solicitation will be going out to the entire industry for an improved boot and in FY 2011 it is expected to be fielded to both active duty and reserve components, to be competed openly to all industry vendors.
Helmets
MARCORSYSCOM has also teamed up with PEO Soldier in the sourcing and procurement of the Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH). The ECH will be the next generation helmet designed again to provide the best protection against direct fire and fragmentation. The current helmet; Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) is fielded across the board in the Army and Marine Corps. While a monumental improvement to the PASSGT or Kevlar which had been used for decades the advances in design and overall weight and comfort have been proven in thousands of contact reports and those Soldiers and Marines who survived them.
Night Vision
Night Vision Devices are considered by most as one of the greatest combat multipliers given to a Soldier and Marine. The PVS-14s which are currently fielded are a lightweight, monocular night vision device which features an adjustable brightness which lowers the intensity given differing environments. The PVS-14 is much smaller and lighter than the previous PVS-7 series which were binocular. MARCORSYSCOM hope to have every Marine assigned to a ground combat element to deploy with a PVS-14 series NVG to give them the edge at night.
The M-16 Rifle
The ability to reach out and touch the enemy when needed is the biggest tool in a Marine arsenal. The M-16 A4 is a large improvement over the M-16 A-2 which deployed in the initial invasion of Iraq. The A-4 provides Marines the modularity being seen across the board with other systems and enables the weapon to be modified and combined with multiple optical and laser systems. . The RCO is a fixed optical aiming sight which provides increased range and target identification to the rifleman mounts on the MIL-STD-1913 rail systems on top of the weapons. The introduction of the Individual Weapons Sight (IWNS-12) enables targeting and acquisition to the Marine riflemen, who can own any nighttime environment. In addition to the thermal systems is the laser aiming devices the PEQ-16A. The PEQ enables Marines and Soldiers engaged at night to accurately direct friendly small arms fire, indirect fire and even close air support at given illuminated targets without giving away friendly positions.
These multiple advancements in fighting systems have given the Marine Corps the needed edge in the Global War on Terror (GWOT). With ongoing combat operations supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, the improvements and changes made in Infantry equipment have trickled down to support elements on all fronts. Changes made on weapons systems, clothing, body armor, optics, night vision and helmets have paved the way for protecting future generations of Marines who are at the tip of the spear in protecting national security interests of the United States and allied nations. Hats are off to Marine Corps Systems Command for a job well done in helping to save Marine lives fighting downrange and give them the cutting edge technologies as quickly as possible to combat terrorism and conduct counter insurgency operations worldwide.
About IDGA
The Institute for Defense & Government Advancement (IDGA) is a non-partisan information-based organization dedicated to the promotion of innovative ideas in public service and defense through live conferences and events. We bring together speaker panels and events comprised of military and government professionals while attracting delegates with decision-making power from military, government and defense industries.
In addition to our live events, IDGA also offers an online community dedicated to providing defense industry professionals with breaking news, business opportunities, introductions, podcasts, webinars and presentations from key industry leaders. Members of our on-line community are able to extend their live event experience and interact with the defense industry by leveraging the opportunity to network, share ideas, best practices and business solutions. www.idga.org
Contact:
IQPC
Natalie Evans
T: +44-207-368-9338
Natalie.evans@iqpc.co.uk