Overview

Purpose of Conference: Focused on the theme "Superiority and Affordability as Requirements ... HOW Do We Get Both?" DMC ’07, will address the performance requirements of the warfighter, present and future, and the ability to respond rapidly and effectively to a wide range of possible threats. Concurrent discussion on the issues impacting affordable manufacturing of these superior systems and platforms will be offered as part of the agenda. The conference brings together leaders from government, industry, and academia to exchange perspectives and information about critical Department of Defense manufacturing technologies and issues. This is the premier national forum for presenting and discussing initiatives aimed at enhancing defense manufacturing capabilities, platform/system/subsystem affordability, and sustainment efficiency, as well as assuring domestic technology transfer.

History: Average attendance over the last 10 years has been about 800 persons. DMC ’06 attendance was 1,067. On average, attendance is evenly split between government and industry participants, with a small complement from academia. Participants range from CEO and Flag Officer/SES level attendees to working level engineers.

Agenda: The agenda for the conference is structured to provide an overview of defense manufacturing technology and sustainment challenges, as well as detailed technical discussions relating to the various initiatives and technology thrusts currently being pursued. The technical track sessions focus on topics such as metals, electronics, and composites processing, missile defense sponsored technologies, Supply Chain Sustainment, and others. Plenary sessions are held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Technical sessions are held Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. Exhibits and poster sessions showcasing government and industry manufacturing/sustainment initiatives will be on display throughout the duration of the Conference.

Host: Logistics support for DMC ’07 is provided by the U.S. Air Force on behalf of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Advanced Systems & Concepts) [DUSD (AS&C)] and the Joint Defense Manufacturing Technology Panel (JDMTP). Conference management is provided by the Universal Technology Corporation.