Northern Michigan Defense Conference 2025
Date and Time
Thursday Mar 6, 2025
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM EST
March 6, 2025
8 AM - 6:30 PM
Location
Delamar Hotel
615 East Front Street, Traverse City, MI, 49686
Fees/Admission
$75 per ticket | Industry
$25 per ticket | Government / Federal Rate (we will be checking all registrations to confirm government status)
Light Breakfast, Buffet Lunch & Refreshments included in ticket price.
Contact Information
Molly MacGirr
Send Email
Event Sponsors
Presenting
Host
Beverage
Energizer
Wifi
Description
Hosted by:
Century, LLC & Traverse Connect
Join industry leaders, defense experts, manufacturers, and small business innovators at the Northern Michigan Defense Conference, a dynamic event dedicated to exploring the vast opportunities within the defense and federal contracting sectors. Hosted by Traverse Connect and Century, LLC., this event is designed to connect businesses, government officials, and thought leaders to advance collaboration and innovation in Michigan’s growing defense and aerospace ecosystem.
The conference will feature an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, including Jason Allen, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, and MG Paul Rogers, Adjutant General for the Michigan National Guard, along with executive leaders from the Army Contracting Command and TACOM ILSC. Through engaging presentations, attendees will gain valuable insights into the federal procurement process, emerging opportunities in defense and aerospace, and best practices for doing business with the federal government.
Highlights include:
- Keynote Presentations by senior defense officials and industry leaders.
- A focused session on how to do business with the federal government, led by Cathy Fairbanks, executive director of Apex Accelerator of Northwest Michigan.
- An essential briefing on Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) by Karen Kiewski, President of NDIA WID, offering guidance on implementation and cost strategies.
- A panel discussion on OEM Opportunities, featuring representatives from top defense contractors like BAE, GD Land Systems, Rheinmetall, AM General, Oshkosh, ND Defense, and SAAB.
- Networking opportunities, including a closing reception to build meaningful connections with industry leaders and peers.
This event is a must-attend for business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals eager to expand their presence in the defense and aerospace industries. Whether you’re an established contractor, a small business looking to break into the federal market, or a professional seeking insights into the latest defense trends, the Northern Michigan Defense Conference will provide you with the knowledge, tools, and connections to succeed.
Limited spots are available up to 160 seats - Secure your spot today and be part of this transformative event shaping the future of Michigan’s defense and aerospace sectors!
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Learn more about available sponsorship opportunities here.
Please use THIS LINK to take advantage of a lodging discount at Delamar.
Tentative Agenda:
MORNING:
• Introductions and recognitions
• Remarks by Jason Allen, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army
• Presentation: Army Contracting Command - Opportunities for IndustryMr. Jeffrey Simonis, Deputy Director, U.S. Army Contracting Command
• Presentation:Projection for items/trends needed and opportunities for industry: U.S. Army TACOM ILSC - Mr. Mark Colley, Executive Director
• Presentation: Other Transaction Authorities and the NAMC Consortium: Alissa Roath, CEO, National Advanced Mobility Consortium (NAMC)
LUNCH & LEARN: How to do business with the Federal Government (DEFENSE, GSA, Etc.) Cathy Fairbanks, Regional Director, Apex Accelerator of NW Michigan
AFTERNOON:
• Keynote: Major General Paul D. Rogers, Adjutant General of the Michigan National Guard and Director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
• Presentation: Defense & Aerospace Activity in Michigan: Mark Ignash, Director, Strategic Initiatives, Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation
Presentation: How to get involved in the Defense Community (The Associations: NDIA/AFA: Phil Wills, Director of Business Development, VES LLC. AUSUA AOD & WID: Elaine Taylor, Senior Consultant/Integrated Capture Solutions, P3
• Presentation: DOD Cybersecurity Maturity Model (CMMC), Ms. Karen Kiewski, Director of Client Services, System X
• Panel: OEM OpportunitiesOEM & Small Business: Moderatored by Mr. Scott Davis, BAE Land Systems. Panel: BAE, American Rheinmetall Vehicles, Oshkosh Defense, & GS Engineering
• Networking Reception
