Your Complete Guide to the 2024 GovCon International Summit

In an era where global collaboration and technological innovation define the defense landscape, the 2024 GovCon International Summit stands out as a beacon for government contractors and industry professionals to come together and engage in timely, productive discussions. The Potomac Officers Club’s first-ever event with a global scope promises an enlightening blend of expert insights, cutting-edge technology discussions and invaluable networking opportunities. 

Here’s everything you need to know about the event.

The First-Ever GovCon International Summit

The GovCon International Summit is not just another conference; it’s a convergence of the brightest minds in government and industry, aimed at reshaping the defense sector. With the Pentagon’s new National Defense Industrial Strategy at the forefront, the event will explore how international partnerships, coalition warfare and emerging technologies can secure the future. Don’t forget to save your seat at the 2024 GovCon International Summit before tickets sell out!

Save the Date

Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 10, 2024. The summit will take place from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center in Alexandria, Virginia. 

Meet the Esteemed Speakers

The 2024 GovCon International Summit boasts an impressive lineup of speakers. Here are some names you won’t want to miss:

• Schuyler Moore, Chief Technology Officer, U.S. Central Command [CENTCOM]
• Michael Miller, Director, Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA)
• Kristina Walter, Director, NSA Cybersecurity Collaboration Center
• Steven Butow, Director, Space Portfolio, Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)
• Laura Cressey, Director, Office of Regional Security and Arms Transfers, U.S. Department of State
• Michael Dean, SatCom Chief, U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
• Major-General Michel-Henri St-Louis, Canadian Defence Attache to the United States, le Royal 22e Régiment
• And many more.

Morning Highlights: Networking Reception & Opening Keynote 

Networking Reception

Kick off your day at 7:00 a.m. with coffee, breakfast and networking with some of the most influential executives in GovCon. This hour-long networking session will allow you to forge new connections, become acquainted with your fellow summit attendees and maybe even meet some of the program’s speakers.

You can also explore the sponsor booths in the main networking area! The morning networking session is a great time to connect with informed executives from sponsor companies and discuss potential partnership opportunities. 

Before the opening keynote begins, be sure to make your way into the conference room to save yourself a good seat. And don’t forget — the front rows are reserved for Potomac Officers Club members! Unlock front-row seating and more perks by becoming a Potomac Officers Club member.

Morning Keynote with Schuyler Moore

From 8:45 a.m. to 9:20 a.m., join 2024 Wash100 Award winner and CENTCOM CTO Schuyler Moore for an insightful keynote session. Moore could speak on topics like AI’s role in the DOD, CENTCOM’s tech priorities, the future of joint warfighting and more.

Mid-Morning Panels, Networking & Breakout Sessions

Networking Break

Take advantage of this half-hour networking break from 9:20 a.m. to 9:50 a.m.! Mingle with industry leaders, government officials and fellow attendees over refreshments. And make sure you know which panel session you’d like to attend before the end of the break! The conference room will be split in half, with each room hosting a panel discussion, so you’ll want to know which room your session will be in.

Panel A: Putting the C in CJADC2

From 9:50 a.m. to 10:50 a.m., learn about the complexities of coalition warfare and joint all-domain command and control (CJADC2) from Major-General Michel-Henri St-Louis and other expert panelists. This panel will explore the integration of coalition partners in the defense space. Join this discussion to hear important insights about how to share data for improved decision making in the joint force.

Panel B: The New Space Race: Can Technology Keep Up with the Threat? (& Breakout Session!)

Simultaneously, join DIU’s Bucky Butow, Space Force’s Jeremy Leader, DOD’s Michael Dean and SDA’s Dr. Frank Turner to discuss the technological advancements and challenges in the new space race. This discussion will cover topics and questions such as:

• What will move faster, our technical capabilities or the threat?
• How can we ensure the U.S. and our allies have the right systems to protect and defend our architectures?
• How can industry best collaborate with governments, particularly in light of the U.S. Space Force’s recently-released commercialization strategy and similar strategies outlined by global allies?
• The future of the space domain

And if you’re particularly interested in this topic and in the space domain, you won’t want to miss the following breakout fireside chat session titled “NATO In Space: The Shifting Landscape & The Role of Industry.” Clayton Swope, Deputy Director of the Aerospace Security Project and Senior Fellow with the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic & International Studies, and Rory Welch, Vice President of Global Government & Satellite Services at Intelsat lead this breakout session.

Late Morning Insights

Panel A: AUKUS Update: Strategies, Challenges & Tech Initiatives

At 11:20 a.m., hear from Nicholas Hasko, Principal Deputy Advisor in the Office of the AUKUS Senior Advisor for the U.S. Department of State, on the latest developments in the AUKUS alliance. This panel will cover strategies, challenges and technological initiatives that are central to this trilateral security pact. Here’s what else is on the table in this conversation:

• How AUKUS is working to develop technologies like hypersonic missiles, quantum, artificial intelligence, unmanned vehicles and more
• AUKUS’s role in global deterrence efforts
• How recent ITAR regulatory changes could impact AUKUS
• The challenges and opportunities associated with international collaboration

Panel B: The Importance of Logistics and Sustainment in Deterrence

Also at 11:20 a.m., join LMI’s Mark Eddings and the State Department’s Laura Cressey as they discuss the critical role of logistics and sustainment in maintaining military deterrence. The discussion could include topics like: 

• The DOD’s the Regional Sustainment Framework (RSF), which outlines the Department’s strategic initiative designed to optimize regional Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities
• The challenges and opportunities around global supply chains in logistics and sustainment efforts
• Strategies and technologies that will help the DOD enhance military readiness and prevail in a contested logistics environment
• How the DOD’s directive on reporting sustainment health metrics supports materiel availability around the world

Lunchtime Networking

Networking Lunch

From 12:20 p.m. to 1:20 p.m., enjoy a delicious lunch and continue networking with your newfound connections. Use this time to discuss morning sessions, share insights or simply relax and enjoy a meal with fellow attendees.

Afternoon Keynotes

Mid-Day Keynote with Michael Miller

Join Michael Miller, Director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), from 1:20 p.m. to 1:55 p.m. for a midday keynote session. Gain insights into the DSCA’s role in fostering defense cooperation and building partner capacity.

Afternoon Keynote with Kristina Walter

Kristina Walter, Director of the National Security Agency’s Cybersecurity Collaboration Center, takes the stage from 1:55 p.m. to 2:40 p.m. for a compelling keynote. Delve deeper into the cybersecurity landscape and learn about innovative solutions to emerging threats.

Closing Keynote with Travis Langster

DASD Travis Langster, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International & Industry Engagement for the U.S. Department of Defense, closes out the day-long program with a keynote speech from 2:40 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Discover how the DOD is engaging with international partners and the GovCon industry during this session with DASD Langster.

Wrapping Up

Closing Comments

Conclude your summit experience with closing comments from Executive Mosaic CEO Jim Garrettson from 3:50 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This brief session will summarize the day’s key points and thank all participants for their contributions.

Why Attend the GovCon International Summit?

Attending the GovCon International Summit offers numerous benefits:

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with top professionals from the government and private sectors.
• Expert Insights: Gain knowledge from industry leaders and government officials.
• Innovative Solutions: Learn about the latest technological advancements and how they can be applied to your operations.
• Professional Growth: Enhance your understanding of global defense strategies and improve your professional skills.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to be part of a pivotal event in the defense and government contracting arena. Secure your spot at the 2024 GovCon International Summit today and join a community dedicated to innovation, collaboration and excellence in the defense sector.

See you on Oct. 10!