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SAE Media Group are proud to announce the 7th annual MilSatCom USA conference, returning on 21st-22nd June 2023.

At this event you can expect in-depth presentations from all branches of the military, numerous critical government agencies and leading industry SATCOM providers. This conference will explore the most important topics that are affecting you and provide discussions around the future of MILSATCOM.

This is the only event that will:

Bring together the US MILSATCOM community. The conference will host some of the most innovative international militaries as both speakers and audience. This is a networking opportunity not to be missed; no other event in the USA offers the same number of opportunities to meet, discuss and network with experts from across the USA.

What’s different this year?

This year’s forum will analyse several pressing topics including emerging US space policy, SATCOM Architecture, USSF and US Army SATCOM acquisition plans, COMSATCOM, Laser Communications, Spectrum Management and SATCOM for the Warfighter.
 

Why attend:

This event you will give you an unmatched opportunity to delve into the most important topics and discussions around MILSATCOM.

Meet and network with leaders in SATCOM from industry, military and government across two days, including dedicated networking breaks and receptions
Hear updates and guidance from world leading SATCOM programme managers and decision-makers
Delve into the latest topics and trends shaping the future of MILSATCOM
Discover cutting-edge SATCOM technology to enhance operational effectiveness and explore opportunities for greater coalition interoperability
 

MilSatCom USA will provide a platform for space professionals to examine the challenges they face and work with the solution providers who are meeting these challenges.

National militaries:

• SATCOM Experts
• Space Operations Leaders
• Military Professionals seeking SATCOM solutions

Industry:

• Businesses looking to break into the market
• Established players looking to expand their contacts
• Developers and innovators in SATCOM technology

Conference programme

8:30 Registration & Coffee

8:50 Chairman's Opening Remarks

Dr Thomas Cooley

Dr Thomas Cooley, Former Chief Scientist, AFRL, Space Vehicles Directorate
View Bio

9:00 US MILSATCOM: The Future of DoD SATCOM Acquisition Development and Delivery

  • Space warfi ghting: the DOD’s policies for creating an effective, sustainable, and resilient SATCOM ecosystem
  • US DOD’s space enterprise and updates on interagency collaboration policy
  • Assessing the MUOS Constellation Program
  • Strategic vision: SATCOM in 2030
  • Cordell DeLaPena

    Cordell DeLaPena, Program Executive Officer PEO for Military Communications MilComm & Positioning, Navigation, and Timing PNT, Space Systems Command, USSF
    View Bio

    9:30 Creating an Aligned and Coherent DOD SATCOM Community

    Mike Dean

    Mike Dean, DOD SATCOM Chief, DOD CIO
    View Bio

  •  Progress with Enterprise SATCOM and creating a robust governance and oversight setup
  •  Narrowband SATCOM analysis: results and feedback for future DOD SATCOM
  •  Architectural coherency: how we can improve and what industry can offer
  • The overall lines of effort: where are we going?
  • 10:00 USSPACECOM Enterprise SATCOM Management and Control (ESC-MC) Concept of Operations

    John Kirk

    John Kirk, Chief, SATCOM and International Partners, US Space Command, USSF

  • ESC-MC Operational Imperatives for supported Warfi ghters
  • ESC-MC Operational Imperatives to ensure “Never a day without SATCOM”
  • What does this mean for Warfi ghters? For providers?
  • 10:30 Session Reserved for Lead Sponsor

    11:00 Morning Coffee

    11:30 Session Reserved for Gold Sponsor

    12:00 Space Delta 8: The US MILSATCOM Operators

    Colonel Dave Pheasant

    Colonel Dave Pheasant, Commander Space Delta 8, Space Operations Command Delta 8
    View Bio

  • Space Delta 8 mission/organizational overview
  • Warfighting imperatives/future planning
  • The Delta’s role in expanding cooperation to enhance prosperity and security
  • 12:30 Future Architecture and Advanced Concepts

    Joe Vanderpoorten

    Joe Vanderpoorten, SATCOM Technical Director, Space Systems Command
    View Bio

  •  Convergence of management and control (M&C) enabling flexible terminals, networks and systems through on-demand allocations
  •  Working towards powerful hybrid operation structures 
  •  Architectural vision for future space: the DoD approach and vision statement
  • 13:00 Networking Lunch

    14:00 Decision Advantage from the Boardroom to the Battlefield: Acceleration of the DoD’s Adoption of Data, Analytics, and AI

    Daniel Holtzman

    Daniel Holtzman, Authorizing Official, DOD Chief Digital and Artificial Intilligence Office (CDAO)
    View Bio

  • Leading strategy and policy on data, analytics, and AI adoption, as well as enabling the development of digital and AI-enabled solutions
  • Scaling proven solutions for enterprise and joint use cases
  • The specific work of CDAO on SATCOM as well as potential areas of growth and information advantage
  • 14:30 DOD Mission Partner Environment Update

    Darren Buck

    Darren Buck, Liaison to the Air Force and Space Force for the DoD Mission Partner Environment, Mission Partner Capabilities Office (MPCO) (SAF/CDMX)
    View Bio

  • MPCO, MPOE Updates 
  • The SABRE Project
  • Syncing with JADC2
  • 15:00 Afternoon Tea

    15:30 Session Reserved for Sponsor

    16:00 USSF SATCOM Architecture Modernization through Enterprise Management and Control

    Charlotte Gerhart

    Charlotte Gerhart, Director, Acquisition Delta - Tactical SATCOM, Space Systems Command
    View Bio

  • Role of acquisition professionals for effective architecture management and control: how SSC is managing an effective SATCOM capability
  • Importance of Enterprise Management and Control for coherent systems across all segments
  • Hybrid architectures and their role in an agile USSF SATCOM provision
  • Future plans: where are we going?
  • 16:30 The President’s Elite Communications Unit

    Chief Warrant Officer 5 Angel Luis Rivera Jr.

    Chief Warrant Officer 5 Angel Luis Rivera Jr. , Defense Information Systems Agency, US Army

  • Ensuring the White House is able to communicate with anyone, under any condition
  • A look at the ‘Roadrunner’ Mobile Communications Vehicle’s SATCOM capability
  • Specialist requirements and procurement goals
  • 17:00 Chairman’s Closing Remarks and Close of Day One

    Dr Thomas Cooley

    Dr Thomas Cooley, Former Chief Scientist, AFRL, Space Vehicles Directorate
    View Bio

    8:30 Registration & Coffee

    8:50 Chairman's Opening Remarks

    Dr Thomas Cooley

    Dr Thomas Cooley, Former Chief Scientist, AFRL, Space Vehicles Directorate
    View Bio

    9:00 Commercial SATCOM as elements of DOD Hybrid Space Data Transport Architecture

    Colonel Eric Felt

    Colonel Eric Felt, Director, Architecture Integration, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration
    View Bio

  • Evolving the Space Force Hybrid SATCOM Architecture for speed, resilience, integration
  • Benefits and limitations of commercial SATCOM in future DOD architectures
  • Outernet: SATCOM within Space Data Transport force design
  • 9:30 Changing the Game on how the DOD Buys and Utilises COMSATCOM

    Clare Grason

    Clare Grason, Chief COMSATCOM Office, United States Space Force
    View Bio

  • Industry innovations enable previously unobtainable commercial capability
  • Integrating with the market
  • Working as part of the DOD SATCOM enterprise
  • Evolving CSCO mission and processes
  • 10:00 Session Reserved for Gold Sponsor

    10:30 Morning Coffee

    11:00 Session Reserved for Sponsor

    11:30 The Future of Army Space

    Colonel Pete Atkinson

    Colonel Pete Atkinson, Space Division Chief, US Army
    View Bio

  • Evolving Army doctrine to support multidomain operations
  • Army equities in the space: past, present, and future
  • How space supports and enables the Army of 2030
  • 12:00 Synchronizing, Integrating, and Coordinating Global SATCOM Enterprise Operations: SIOD Mission Brief

    Mike Connell

    Mike Connell, Operations Manager, SATCOM Integrated Operations Division SIOD
    View Bio

  • Fighting SATCOM
  • Organization Structure
  • SATCOM Warfighter Operations Cell
  • Support to exercises to provide real world ‘High Fidelity’ training 
  • 12:30 Networking Lunch

    13:30 Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture: Spiral Deployment in LEO

    Senior Representative

    Senior Representative, Space Development Agency,

  • Building a multi-layered architecture
  • Proliferating constellations to maximise warfighter capability and minimise enemy disruption
  • Updated Tranche 0 and Tranche 1 launch and capability plans
  • Ground system development: developing innovative networking and operation centres
  • 14:00 Laser Communication Technology: SATCOM & SDA

    Andrea Loper

    Andrea Loper, Program Manager, Integrated Experiments and Evaluation Division, Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Vehicles Directorate
    View Bio

  • Assisting SDA missions through by leveraging laser communication technology
  • International partnerships are key to rapid development and implementation
  • Expedited contracting options for advance technology
  • 14:30 Spectrum Management in the Mega-Constellation Era

    Scott Harris

    Scott Harris, Senior Spectrum Advisor, National Telecommunications & Information Administration
    View Bio

  • The NTIA’s effort to support the growth of wireless technologies through effective spectrum management
  • Ensuring that spectrum needs are satisfi ed: paving the way for innovation and growth
  • What LEO small satellite mega-constellations mean for future management of frequencies
  • Collaboration with other agencies to regulate LEO launch and congestion
  • Providing assured access to space: future strategy to maintain bandwidth allocation
  • 15:00 Afternoon Tea

    15:30 NATO SATCOM Capability Development

    Squadron Leader Daniel Askew

    Squadron Leader Daniel Askew, SatCom Program Director, NATO ACT
    View Bio

  • NATO SATCOM Gap Analysis and Threats and Vulnerability Assessment
  • NATO SATCOM Capability Development Agenda
  • Next Steps: Governance i.e. CRB/CPP and crucially MC/IC approval)
  • 16:00 Australia Military Space Development: Maintaining Australian Power in a Contested Domain

    Senior Representative

    Senior Representative, Australian Armed Forces,

  • Movement in creating and developing a space division to project Australian power in Space
  • Future ADF capability investment
  • SATCOM programme update: JP9102
  • Future of Australian MILSATCOM provision and maintenance
  • 16:30 PANEL: International Architectural Convergence

  •  Architectural convergence across national boundaries: what do we mean, why is it a problem, and why is solving this problem critical for future confl icts in coalition?
  • What incentives would work to align both allies and industry to a fully interoperable, resilient and global architecture?
  • Multinational standards agreements v international partnership agreements: which approach will provide the most benefit? Do we look at a combination of the two, and what contribution does this entail from multinational partners like NATO?
  • Non-NATO allies: what interoperability considerations have we extended and are these enough in the event of a truly global conflict?
  • Senior Representative

    Senior Representative, Australian Armed Forces,

    Senior Representative

    Senior Representative, Canadian Armed Forces,

    Squadron Leader Daniel Askew

    Squadron Leader Daniel Askew, SatCom Program Director, NATO ACT
    View Bio

    17:00 Chairman’s Closing Remarks and Close of Day Two

    Dr Thomas Cooley

    Dr Thomas Cooley, Former Chief Scientist, AFRL, Space Vehicles Directorate
    View Bio

    +

    FEATURED SPEAKERS

    Charlotte Gerhart

    Charlotte Gerhart

    Director, Acquisition Delta - Tactical SATCOM, Space Systems Command
    Clare Grason

    Clare Grason

    Chief COMSATCOM Office, United States Space Force
    Colonel Dave Pheasant

    Colonel Dave Pheasant

    Commander Space Delta 8, Space Operations Command Delta 8
    Colonel Eric Felt

    Colonel Eric Felt

    Director, Architecture Integration, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration
    Colonel Pete Atkinson

    Colonel Pete Atkinson

    Space Division Chief, US Army
    Cordell DeLaPena

    Cordell DeLaPena

    Program Executive Officer PEO for Military Communications MilComm & Positioning, Navigation, and Timing PNT, Space Systems Command, USSF
    Daniel Holtzman

    Daniel Holtzman

    Authorizing Official, DOD Chief Digital and Artificial Intilligence Office (CDAO)
    Joe Vanderpoorten

    Joe Vanderpoorten

    SATCOM Technical Director, Space Systems Command
    Mike Dean

    Mike Dean

    DOD SATCOM Chief, DOD CIO
    Scott Harris

    Scott Harris

    Senior Spectrum Advisor, National Telecommunications & Information Administration
    Squadron Leader Daniel Askew

    Squadron Leader Daniel Askew

    SatCom Program Director, NATO ACT

    Andrea Loper

    Program Manager, Integrated Experiments and Evaluation Division, Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Vehicles Directorate
    Andrea Loper

    Ms. Loper possesses over 14  years of Program Management experience across the space enterprise. From 2009 – 2013, she served as the program integrator and segments lead for the U.S. DoD Enhanced Polar Protected SatComm System and returned to SATCOM in the Wideband Program Office in 2016. She joined the U.S. Government as a Presidential Management Fellow 2008 at the Space and Missile System Center in Los Angeles from a 6-year position in Germany, where she managed operations in Kuwait, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq as a support services contractor.

    Charlotte Gerhart

    Director, Acquisition Delta - Tactical SATCOM, Space Systems Command
    Charlotte Gerhart

     Ms. Charlotte Gerhart is the Chief, Tactical SATCOM Acquisition Delta, Military Communications and Position, Navigation, and Timing (MilComm & PNT) Directorate, Space Systems Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base (LAAFB), CA. She is responsible for the acquisition, production, and fielding of tactical satellite communications capabilities for the Nation’s warfighters.

    Ms. Gerhart received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1993 from the University of New Mexico and a Master of Science in Systems Engineering in 2011 from the Naval Post Graduate School. She began her career in 1992 working for the Aerospace Corporation supporting the US Air Force Phillips Laboratory in Albuquerque, New Mexico. During this time she worked on the development of various technologies for space systems in the areas of power, thermal control, and space debris modeling.
     
    In 1994, she began working for Nichols Research Corporation supporting the US Air Force Research Laboratory, what was previously Phillips Laboratory. During this time she focused on the development and demonstration of satellite thermal management systems such as looped heat pipes and phase change materials.
     
    In 1998, Ms. Gerhart joined the civil service supporting the US Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate. In this assignment she was responsible for managing the development and demonstration of space system technologies including thermal systems, structural systems, vibro-acoustic suppression, and laser communications systems.
     
    In 2007, Ms. Gerhart moved to Los Angeles to support the SMC/MILSATCOM Transformational Satellite Program. She initially supported the satellite laser communications payload, transitioned to being responsible for the payload, and eventually was the satellite chief engineer.
     
    In 2009, Ms. Gerhart moved to be the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) program as the manager of the WGS 7-10 program (also known as WGS Block II Follow-on), and later served as the Deputy Program Manager for the WGS program.  From 2013 through 2018 she served as the WGS Program Manager delivering four satellites into operations, with two more in work.
     
    In 2018, Ms. Gerhart moved to the Remote Sensing Directorate to be the Chief of the Space Based Environmental Monitoring Division.  In 2019, as part of the SMC 2.0 transition she was selected to be the Chief, LEO Division for the Space Production Corps in 2019.  
     
    In 2022, Ms. Gerhart transitioned to the newly formed MilComm & PNT Directorate and assumed leadership of the Tactical SATCOM Acquisition Delta.  She has responsibility for the production and fielding of WGS 11+, the rapid acquisition and fielding of Protected Tactical SATCOM (PTS) Rapid Prototype payloads, Protected Tactical Enterprise Service (PTES) Rapid Prototype, Army & Air Force Anti-jam Modem (A3M), Air Force Wideband Enterprise Terminal (AFWET), and Enterprise Management and Control (EM&C).
     

    Clare Grason

    Chief COMSATCOM Office, United States Space Force
    Clare Grason

    Clare A. Grason is Director, Commercial Satellite Communications (COMSATCOM) Office, assigned to the Space Systems Command, United States Space Force, Washington, D.C.  She is responsible for delivering COMSATCOM capabilities to support the joint warfighter, federal agencies, and international partners. Her portfolio includes the Enhanced Mobile Satellite Service (EMSS) Program Office, the EMSS Capabilities Office and the Department of Defense COMSATCOM Solutions Program Office. 

    EMSS is an $800 million global satellite program that provides the Department of Defense, federal and coalition partners with unlimited access to the commercial Iridium constellation, a mesh-network of 66 on-orbit cross-linked satellites, through a dedicated, EMSS controlled gateway.

    The COMSATCOM Solutions Program Office acquires any commercial satellite capability for any customer, anywhere, and has $4.8 billion under management.

    Prior to this role, Ms. Grason was the SATCOM Division Chief, Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). In this role she managed the Department of Defense Enterprise Gateways Program Office, the SATCOM Operations Integration Branch, and the COMSATCOM portfolio described above, prior to its Congressionally directed transfer to the United States Space Force. Other assignments include Program Manager, EMSS and Program Manager for a classified telecommunications system within DISA’s National Leadership Command Capabilities Center (NLCC). Ms. Grason began her career in government with DISA as a Contracting Officer, and served as the Chief, Special Projects Contracting Branch, which held a contracts portfolio valued over $2 billion.

    Prior to joining the government, Ms. Grason was a retirement funds analyst for T. Rowe Price.

    Ms. Grason received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance from West Virginia University and is a Certified Public Accountant.  

    Ms. Grason is Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Level 3 certified in Contracting from the Defense Acquisition University (DAU).

     

     

    Colonel Dave Pheasant

    Commander Space Delta 8, Space Operations Command Delta 8
    Colonel Dave Pheasant

    Col. David A. Pheasant is the commander of Space Delta 8. DEL 8 is mission-focused encompassing Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) and Satellite Communications (SATCOM)

    Col Pheasant, a recent inter-service tranfer to US Space Force from the Army, enlisted in the Army Signal Corps as a computer programmer/systems analyst before entering ROTC where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Texas as a Distinguished Military Graduate. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Signal Corps with a branch detail to the Infantry. Additionally, he maintains several commercial IT certifications to include CISSP, CISM, CEH, SEC+, and ITIL.
     
    Prior to his current assignment, Col Pheasant was the commander of the 53d Signal Battalion (SATCON) and the acting commander of the Satellite Operations Brigade. Col Pheasant was initial cadre in the first Stryker Brigade (3/2 ID) serving consecutively as an Infantry Platoon Leader, Battalion S6, Signal Company Commander, and Battalion Executive Officer; during which he deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After attending Advanced Civil Schooling, he served as the Brigade S6 for 3/1 CAV as they closed out Operation New Dawn in Iraq.
     
    Col Pheasant’s recent assignments include serving as the Deputy Army Capability Manager for Cyber at the Cyber Center of Excellence where he developed offensive and defensive cyber capabilities for the Army and Joint forces. Additionally, he previously served as the Chief of Defensive Cyber Operations for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.
     

    Colonel Eric Felt

    Director, Architecture Integration, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration
    Colonel Eric Felt

    Colonel Eric Felt is the Director of Architecture and Integration in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration at the Pentagon, Virginia. He leads a team of 25 military, civilian, and on-site contractors responsible for developing and integrating the Department of Defense, Department of the Air Force, and United States Space Force space architectures. His organization focuses on optimizing the Space Force’s $15B portfolio of resilient space capabilities: communications; position, navigation, and timing; remote sensing; space access, mobility, and logistics; and space control.

     

    Colonel Felt received his commission in 1991 from Duke University Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. He entered active duty in 1996 after completing a master’s in science and doctorate degrees in electrical engineering. He is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and has served as a developmental engineer and program manager in lab, test, program office, and staff assignments. Prior to his current position, Colonel Felt served as Director, Air Force Research Lab Space Vehicles Directorate, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.

     

     

    Colonel Pete Atkinson

    Space Division Chief, US Army
    Colonel Pete Atkinson

    COL Atkinson commissioned an Infantry Officer and began his active-duty career serving with the 10th Mountain Division. Upon completion of the Special Forces Qualification Course, he served as a Special Forces Officer with 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Special Operations Command – Central, and the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School. After a decade serving as a Special Forces Officer, COL Atkinson transitioned to become a Space Operations Officer. Following the U.S. Army Space Operations Qualification Course, COL Atkinson served with the United States Space Command then attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. COL Pete Atkinson is currently serving as the Army Space Division Chief with the Headquarters, Department of the Army.

    Cordell DeLaPena

    Program Executive Officer PEO for Military Communications MilComm & Positioning, Navigation, and Timing PNT, Space Systems Command, USSF
    Cordell DeLaPena

    Mr. Cordell DeLaPena is the Program Executive Officer (PEO) for Military Communications (MilComm) & Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT), Space Systems Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California. As the PEO, he manages and oversees development, production, delivery, and maintenance of critical and innovative Communications and PNT systems worth more than $22.3 billion. He is responsible for multiservice, multinational systems, as well as the training and equipping of more than 1800 military and civilian personnel.

     
    Mr. DeLaPena entered the Air Force in 1985 after receiving his commission through Officer Training School.  From 1985 to 2014 he has served in a variety of acquisition and leadership positions within the Air Force and National Reconnaissance Office.  In 2014, he retired from active duty in the rank of Colonel and entered civil service as a member of the Senior Executive Service.  As the director of the Program Management and Integration Directorate he advised the Air Force Program Executive Officer for Space on weapon system management, acquisition, integration and analysis.       
     
    Mr. DeLaPena is a graduate of the Defense Systems Management College’s Executive Program Manager Course. He is a designated member of the Defense Acquisition Workforce and is certified Level III in Program Management and Systems Planning, Research, Development and Engineering.
     

    Daniel Holtzman

    Authorizing Official, DOD Chief Digital and Artificial Intilligence Office (CDAO)
    Daniel Holtzman

    Mr. Holtzman has more than 30 years of experience in large scale systems engineering, high assurance and real time weapon systems acquisitions in support of the U.S. Department of Defense and NATO. He worked for public and private industry and federally funded research and development centers and participated on numerous senior study teams, including studies conducted by the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Mr. Holtzman was recruited for a Chief Information Officer assignment at a publicly traded company and has participated in technology development research and adaptation to military systems acquisitions.

    Darren Buck

    Liaison to the Air Force and Space Force for the DoD Mission Partner Environment, Mission Partner Capabilities Office (MPCO) (SAF/CDMX)
    Darren Buck

    Mr. Darren Buck serves as Liaison to Air Force and Space Force, for Department of Defense (DoD) Executive Agent for DoD Mission Partner Environment (MPE), Mission Partner Capabilities Office (MPCO). As a member of the Executive Agent Division, he operates on behalf of the Secretary of the Air Force for Governance, Strategy, Integration, Resources, Requirements, and Strategic Engagement in support of DoD MPE. In his Liaison role, Mr. Buck engages, facilitates, and advises Air Force and Space Force leaders, offices, and programs to build and strengthen connectivity, information sharing, and interoperability with US Allies and DoD Mission Partners.

    Darren Buck has served over thirty years in the Reserve of the Air Force, and he remains in service as a Colonel, assigned to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration. Colonel Buck received his commission in 1990 through the Air Force ROTC program of the University of Notre Dame. He has served in a number of space operations and leadership assignments at 50th Space Wing, 45th Space Wing, 595th Space Group, 460th Space Wing, and 310th Space Wing. Further, he has accumulated over 19 months’ command experience in Joint and Interagency space operations and is a fully-qualified Joint Officer (JQO Level III). 
     
    Immediately preceding his entrance into Federal Service as a Department of the Air Force Civilian in April 2021, Colonel Buck served as the Deputy Director for Air, Space, and Information Operations, Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. He led oversight and advocacy for all Air Force Reserve operational units, assets, and capabilities, encompassing Combat Air Forces, Mobility Air Forces, Space Operations, Information Operations, and Nuclear Enterprise Operations.
     
    As an aerospace and defense industry professional, Darren Buck has served in multiple leadership, technical, and consulting roles since 2000. These have included positions at Air Force Space Command, Missile Defense Agency, Headquarters Air Force Executive Action Group, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Federal Aviation Administration's Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee
     

    Dr Thomas Cooley

    Former Chief Scientist, AFRL, Space Vehicles Directorate
    Dr Thomas Cooley

    Dr. Thomas Cooley has previously worked as the Principal Scientists responsible for leading the AFRL In-space Servicing, Assembly & Manufacturing effort. He has also served as the Chief Scientist, Space Vehicles Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, and was responsible for the technical quality of a $200 million-per-year Air Force space science-and-technology investment, coordinating the space investments across the DoD, with other government agencies and industry internal research and development to avoid duplication of effort and/or gaps.   

    Dr. Cooley began his career at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory working for three years developing advanced microwave communications and remote sensing technologies while attending graduate school.  After completing his doctorate, he spent one year as a Post-Doc Researcher advancing optical calibration techniques in Toulouse, France.  
     
    He joined the AFRL in 1998 and has contributed to a wide range of technologies focused on Electro-Optic sensors and imaging spectroscopy from space platforms.  Dr. Cooley has published over 70 papers in national and international journals or conferences.
     

    Joe Vanderpoorten

    SATCOM Technical Director, Space Systems Command
    Joe Vanderpoorten

     Mr. Joseph Vanderpoorten SATCOM Technical Director at USSF Space Systems Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base, CA. He oversees study contracts, and acquisition planning for the next generation of MILSATCOM protected and commercial wideband systems. Mr. Vanderpoorten, has 30 years of Air Force systems acquisition and space acquisition experience and 6 years of industry management and business development experience. He has held program management, systems engineering, and test & evaluation positions with MILSATCOM Terminals (AFSATCOM, DSCS, Milstar I/II, FAB-T), Remotely Piloted Vehicles (YBGM-34C), terrestrial communications (TRI-TAC), ground/network programs (SBIRS High Ground, TSAT Mission Operations Segment, Milstar I Site Activation, NPOESS Ground), MILSATCOM Capability Insertion Programs (AEHF/WGS) and COMSATCOM Programs (SMC Pathfinders, Pilot, and support for Wideband Communications Services (WCS) Assessment of Alternatives), program architecture/integration for WGS-11+.

    Mike Connell

    Operations Manager, SATCOM Integrated Operations Division SIOD
    Mike Connell

    Mike Connell currently serves as the Operations Manager, SATCOM Integrated Operations Division (SIOD). The SIOD is a geographically separated division of the Combined Space Operations Center.  Mr. Connell is responsible for managing Joint level SATCOM current operational integration for the DOD where he supervises the SATCOM Warfighter Operations Cell (SWOC).  This includes the SWOC Chief (SC) and the EMI Watch Officers (EWO). In addition to these tasks Mr. Connell is also assigned as a Special Security Representative, Information Assurance Security Officer, Organization Defense Travel Administrator for CSpOC, and Cyber Security Liaison. 

    Mr. Connell started his military career in the United States Marine Corps from 1996 through 2005 and started building his SATCOM experience starting in February 2000 as a 2834 Satellite Communications Technician. After leaving the Marine Corps Mr. Connell worked as a contractor as a SATCOM SME in several locations including Colorado, Afghanistan, Israel, Turkey, and Italy.

    He began his SIOD service as a contractor at the beginning of SIODs standup in 2019 where he assumed the position of the first official SIOD Watch Officer (SWO) now the SC position. While serving as a SWO, Mr. Connell was offered the position of government civilian. He excelled in this position and was promoted to the Lead SWO where he oversaw the other SWOs, wrote the Standard Operating Procedures for that position, and created additional documents and tools to enhance the efficiency of SIOD.  His dedication to the SATCOM mission, coupled with his vast experience in the business earned him the position in NOV 2022 where he currently serves today.

    Mike Dean

    DOD SATCOM Chief, DOD CIO
    Mike Dean

    Mike Dean currently serves as the Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Division Chief for C3 Infrastructure Directorate of the Deputy Chief Information Officer for Command, Control, and 

    Communications (C3), Office of the Secretary of Defense, Chief Information Officer. As DoD SATCOM Chief, he provides technical expertise, oversight and broad guidance on policy, programmatic and technical issues relating to DoD SATCOM to integrate and synchronize defense-wide communications programs and achieve the DoD’s Digital Modernization Strategy initiatives. He also advises on efforts to achieve and maintain information dominance through 
    DoD SATCOM for the Department of Defense. He manages efforts defining DoD policies and 
    strategies for design, architecture, interoperability standards, capability development and 
    sustainment of DoD SATCOM and serves as the DoD CIO’s focal point for international 
    partnership activities in SATCOM to include the NATO SATCOM Services 6th Generation (NSS6G) activities.
     
    Mike’s DoD SATCOM division also maintains synchronization architecture roadmaps and employs various governance forums to synchronize end to end SATCOM activities, including the SATCOM Synchronization and Integration Workshop and the SATCOM Systems Engineering Group. 
     
    Before joining federal government service, Mike served as a career Army Signal Corps and 
    Cyberspace officer for more than 27 years (including multiple command positions and multiple combat deployments within the 82d Airborne Division as well as serving as the Space Branch Chief in the Joint Staff J6). Following his military career, Mike served as a defense contractor for in multiple roles supporting the DoD CIO in satellite communications and information enterprise management. Mike’s most notable role in DoD SATCOM is the development of the Enterprise SATCOM Management and Control Reference Architecture published in 2019 by the DoD to describe the building code for DoD enterprise SATCOM modernization. 
     
    Mike Dean holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Systems Management from 
    Western International University and a Master of Arts in History from Western Illinois University.

    Scott Harris

    Senior Spectrum Advisor, National Telecommunications & Information Administration
    Scott Harris

    Scott Blake Harris is the Senior Spectrum Advisor at NTIA and represents the agency  in its work to expand the use of spectrum to support federal agency missions and to meet the ever-growing needs of consumers and the commercial sector.

    Scott has practiced law in Washington D.C. for forty-six years, and has extensive communications, technology, energy, litigation, and national security law experience.  He previously served in government as the General Counsel of the Department of Energy, as the first Chief of the International Bureau at the Federal Communications Commission, and as Chief Counsel for Export Administration at the Department of Commerce. While at DOE also served as Co-Chair of the Broadband Subcommittee of the White House National Science and Technology Council.

    In the private sector, Scott co-founded the law firm of Harris, Wiltshire & Grannis LLP (now HWG) and served as its first Managing Partner and its first Chairman. He recently left the firm to join NTIA. Scott has also served as General Counsel of Neustar, Inc. and as Co-Managing Partner of Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP.  Earlier in his career, he was a partner at Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, where he was Chair of the communications practice, and at Williams & Connolly, where began his career in private practice as a litigator. He served as a law clerk to the Hon. Gerhard A. Gesell upon graduation from law school.

    Squadron Leader Daniel Askew

    SatCom Program Director, NATO ACT
    Squadron Leader Daniel Askew

     Squadron Leader Daniel Askew commissioned from Royal Air Force College Cranwell in 2000, graduating from the Engineering Specialist Training School in 2001.  As a junior officer he completed two operational focused tours as the Deputy Flight Commander on A Flight, No 2 (Field Communications) Sqn, Tactical Communications Wing, and as the Engineering Officer on 37 Sqn Royal Air Force Regiment.  He served as a Staff Officer in the Force Protection Force HQ and in A6 at HQ Air Command.  Upon return from a 6-month deployment in 2010 on Op HERRICK he was posted to the Communications Information Systems Training School, RAF Cranwell, as a Course Officer and later became the second in command.  

    In February 2013, after a short tour as the Deputy Officer Commanding No 1 (FC) Sqn, TCW, he was promoted and posted back to HQ AIR Command as the Performance and Risk Manager for AOC 38 Gp.  After completing a tour in PJHQ J6 he took command of No 2 (Field Communications) Sqn, Tactical Communications Wing in December 2016.  In 2019 Daniel moved to Gibraltar to become the Head of Defence Digital Joint Communications Support Unit (JCSU (Gibraltar)), responsible for all MoD Network Infrastructure and the delivery of CIS services to Gibraltar.  Upon completion of this post he moved to NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation Headquarters in Norfolk as the SatCom Program Director.
     

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    Hilton Arlington

    950 North Stafford Street, Arlington VA, Virginia, USA

    A number of our clients have been approached by third party organisations offering to book hotel rooms. We would advise that you do not book through them as they are not representing the SMi Group. SMi Group books all hotel rooms directly. If you are approached by a third party organisation then please contact us before making any bookings. If you have already booked a hotel room using a third party organisation, we would highly recommend contacting the hotel you were booked into to ensure a booking has been made for you. We would also advise you to please check the terms and conditions of the booking carefully.
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    Northrop Grumman Corporation

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    Northrop Grumman is a technology company, focused on global security and human discovery. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with capabilities they need to connect, advance and protect the U.S. and its allies. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our 90,000 employees define possible every day.


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    Defence Global provides an essential link between the Defence & Security Manufacturers and Suppliers, Government and Military sectors globally. Defence Global is a quarterly, tri-service publication providing articles and informative analysis from respected journalists and writers worldwide to attract a sophisticated and broad audience. Defence Global is published in February, May, August and November, with a professional and stylish design in both printed copy and digital format. The printed copies are perfect bound, full colour throughout with high quality art and photography. Defence Global is used as a reference tool providing a professional and intelligent read. We work with industry experts and corporate clients to include Defence and Security Manufacturers and Suppliers, as well as Governments, MoDs, Military Authorities and Senior Management Teams.


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    Defence Online is one of the fastest-growing communities of key decision makers representing defence sector buyers and influencers within the Ministry of Defence, Prime Contractors and Industry. Providing up-to-date and informative news, insight and intelligence, Defence Online allows organisations to engage directly with a range of sector-based solutions, designed specifically to enhance their knowledge and understanding of this ever-evolving marketplace. No matter the size of your organisation, Defence Online has a range of advertising and marketing solutions to suit your business development requirements, connecting you with a marketplace worth over £19 billion annually in the UK alone.

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    Hilton Arlington

    950 North Stafford Street
    Arlington VA 22203
    USA

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    WHAT IS CPD?

    CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development’. It is essentially a philosophy, which maintains that in order to be effective, learning should be organised and structured. The most common definition is:

    ‘A commitment to structured skills and knowledge enhancement for Personal or Professional competence’

    CPD is a common requirement of individual membership with professional bodies and Institutes. Increasingly, employers also expect their staff to undertake regular CPD activities.

    Undertaken over a period of time, CPD ensures that educational qualifications do not become obsolete, and allows for best practice and professional standards to be upheld.

    CPD can be undertaken through a variety of learning activities including instructor led training courses, seminars and conferences, e:learning modules or structured reading.

    CPD AND PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTES

    There are approximately 470 institutes in the UK across all industry sectors, with a collective membership of circa 4 million professionals, and they all expect their members to undertake CPD.

    For some institutes undertaking CPD is mandatory e.g. accountancy and law, and linked to a licence to practice, for others it’s obligatory. By ensuring that their members undertake CPD, the professional bodies seek to ensure that professional standards, legislative awareness and ethical practices are maintained.

    CPD Schemes often run over the period of a year and the institutes generally provide online tools for their members to record and reflect on their CPD activities.

    TYPICAL CPD SCHEMES AND RECORDING OF CPD (CPD points and hours)

    Professional bodies and Institutes CPD schemes are either structured as ‘Input’ or ‘Output’ based.

    ‘Input’ based schemes list a precise number of CPD hours that individuals must achieve within a given time period. These schemes can also use different ‘currencies’ such as points, merits, units or credits, where an individual must accumulate the number required. These currencies are usually based on time i.e. 1 CPD point = 1 hour of learning.

    ‘Output’ based schemes are learner centred. They require individuals to set learning goals that align to professional competencies, or personal development objectives. These schemes also list different ways to achieve the learning goals e.g. training courses, seminars or e:learning, which enables an individual to complete their CPD through their preferred mode of learning.

    The majority of Input and Output based schemes actively encourage individuals to seek appropriate CPD activities independently.

    As a formal provider of CPD certified activities, SAE Media Group can provide an indication of the learning benefit gained and the typical completion. However, it is ultimately the responsibility of the delegate to evaluate their learning, and record it correctly in line with their professional body’s or employers requirements.

    GLOBAL CPD

    Increasingly, international and emerging markets are ‘professionalising’ their workforces and looking to the UK to benchmark educational standards. The undertaking of CPD is now increasingly expected of any individual employed within today’s global marketplace.

    CPD Certificates

    We can provide a certificate for all our accredited events. To request a CPD certificate for a conference , workshop, master classes you have attended please email events@saemediagroup.com

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    Contact SAE Media Group

    UK Office
    Opening Hours: 9.00 - 17.30 (local time)
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    Website: http://www.smgconferences.com Email: events@saemediagroup.com
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