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Symposium

15th Annual Government Contracting Symposium

May 21st – 22nd, 2024

The 2024 Symposium offers a jam-packed 2-day format with valuable content!

Business Opportunities  ●  Industry Updates ●  Matchmaking

More information is now available below. Keep an eye out for updates through our website and newsletters.

Symposium Information

About the Symposium

The IA-IL Chapter of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) is hosting the 15th Annual Midwest Government Contracting Symposium on May 21st and 22nd 2024 at Vibrant Arena in Moline, IL to give Defense Contractors working in our region valuable resources and opportunities in this field.

Recent world events (State sponsored Cyber-attacks, The War in Gaza, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, threats in the Indo-Pacific) have exposed unique challenges to the U.S. Industrial Base and Supply Chain while we are challenged to conduct secure communications and Mission Command even in the Homeland. The U.S. Army is consistently trying to keep pace with an evolving adversary and emerging threats in all domains. This creates additional challenges in the combat environment and our ability to build readiness of our forces and maintain effective mission command. A key to sustaining overmatch and building readiness is to innovate at the speed of need. Come listen to how the Army is innovating and exploiting emerging technologies to sustain the OIB, Supply Chain and Mission Command on the digital battlefield through data-driven decisions and investments that enable us and our allies to sustain an advantage in Multidomain Operations.

NDIA will sponsor a two-day conference at Vibrant Arena in Moline, IL where we will bring in Defense Experts to examine the recent current events throughout our World and how our Defense Department will sustain and grow the U.S. Industry Base, Supply Chain and Mission Command.

TOPIC HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Technological Advancements in Warfare:T
    • This session delves into the latest developments in military technology, including artificial intelligence, robotics, and cyber warfare capabilities. It discusses how these technologies can be integrated into existing defense systems.
  • Modernizing Military Training and Readiness:
    • A look at how virtual reality, simulation, and other cutting-edge training tools are transforming the preparation of military personnel for the complexities of modern combat.
  • Strategic Resource Allocation and Defense Budgeting:
    • An analysis of the economic aspects of defense, focusing on how the military can optimize budget allocation to ensure readiness and efficiency in future conflicts.
  • Enhancing Cybersecurity and Information Warfare Strategies:
    • This topic addresses the growing threat of cyber-attacks. It explores strategies for protecting critical national infrastructure and countering digital threats.
  • Future Combat Scenarios and Tactical Innovations:
    • Experts discuss potential future combat scenarios, including urban warfare, and the role of unmanned systems. This session also looks at innovative tactical approaches for these new battlefields.
  • Adapting to New Threat Landscapes:
    • This session covers the evolving nature of threats, including non-state actors, global terrorism, and the implications of shifting geopolitical landscapes for national security.
  • Public-Private Partnerships in Defense Innovation:
    • How collaborations between government agencies and private sector companies can lead to breakthroughs in defense technology and strategy.

By attending, you will be receiving the latest information on hot topics in government contracting and Army Doctrine, as well as taking advantage of the chance to interact with key government and industry experts. You won’t want to miss this vital networking opportunity!

Date

Tuesday, May 21st and Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024

Location

Vibrant Arena,
1201 River Dr.
Moline, IL, 61265

Symposium Agenda

Keep an eye out for more details on our 2024 agenda. For now, here are a few discussion topics to give you an idea of what’s to come:

  • Technological Advancements in Warfare: This session delves into the latest developments in military technology, including artificial intelligence, robotics, and cyber warfare capabilities. It discusses how these technologies can be integrated into existing defense systems.
  • Modernizing Military Training and Readiness: A look at how virtual reality, simulation, and other cutting-edge training tools are transforming the preparation of military personnel for the complexities of modern combat.
  • Strategic Resource Allocation and Defense Budgeting: An analysis of the economic aspects of defense, focusing on how the military can optimize budget allocation to ensure readiness and efficiency in future conflicts.
  • Enhancing Cybersecurity and Information Warfare Strategies: This topic addresses the growing threat of cyber-attacks. It explores strategies for protecting critical national infrastructure and countering digital threats.
  • Future Combat Scenarios and Tactical Innovations: Experts discuss potential future combat scenarios, including urban warfare, and the role of unmanned systems. This session also looks at innovative tactical approaches for these new battlefields.
  • Adapting to New Threat Landscapes: This session covers the evolving nature of threats, including non-state actors, global terrorism, and the implications of shifting geopolitical landscapes for national security.
  • Public-Private Partnerships in Defense Innovation: How collaborations between government agencies and private sector companies can lead to breakthroughs in defense technology and strategy.

Symposium Lodging Options

Wyndham Moline on John Deere Commons

1415 River Dr, Moline, IL 61265
Located next door to the Vibrant Arena at The Mark – $104 double queen/$114 single king suites. Click Here to book online with Block CODE: 052124NDI, or call (309) 764-1000 and ask for the NDIA/Government Symposium Rate. Deadline for room reservations is April 19, 2024.

The Element – Moline

316 12th Street, Moline, IL 61265
Located across the street from the Vibrant Arena at The Mark – $107 Standard Room. For on-line booking (Preferred) at the NDIA Symposium 2024 Group Rate, please Click Here, or call 309-517-1659 and ask for the NDIA/Government Symposium Rate. Deadline for room reservations is April 22, 2024.

Stoney Creek Inn – Moline

101 18th Street, Moline, IL 61265
Located 3 blocks from the Vibrant Arena at The Mark – $119.00 Deluxe King or Queen Room. Click Here to book online with GROUP Booking Code: 2405NDIA, or call 309-743-0101 and select option 3 to speak to agent and ask for the NDIA block/discount rate.

The Axis Hotel – Moline

1630 5th Ave, Moline, IL 61265
Located 4 blocks from the Vibrant Arena at The Mark – $129 Standard King Room. Call 309-640-0060 and ask for the NDIA Symposium Block Rate. The Axis Hotel has an in-house restaurant, Fifth Avenue Syndicate, with breakfast available from 6AM-10AM and dinner/bar available from 4PM-10PM. Deadline for room reservations is April 30th, 2024.

The Isle Casino Hotel – Bettendorf

1777 Isle Parkway Bettendorf IA 52722
Located just 5 minutes away from the Vibrant Arena at The Mark, across I-74 Bridge – $89 Standard King or Double Queen. Click Here for online booking, or contact Ann Klundt in Isle Hotel Group Sales: 563-441-7115/ann.klundt@islebettendorf.com if questions or special requests. Quote Group Code: NDIA24. Deadline for room reservations is May 18, 2024.

Registration and Pricing

Registration for NDIA’s 15th Annual Government Contracting Symposium is now open for attendees and exhibitors. This two-day event will take place May 21st and May 22nd 2024, at the Vibrant Arena, located at 1201 River Dr., Moline, IL, 61265.

Admission

  • General Admission: $375
  • General Admission – NDIA Members: $325
  • Government Employee: FREE – Government employees may purchase meals when registering or at the Symposium: $5 per breakfast, $10 per lunch

Exhibitors

  • Exhibit Booth & Registration for 1 Person: $560
  • Exhibit Booth & Registration for 1 Person – NDIA Members: $530
  • Exhibit Booth & Registration for 2 Persons: $770
  • Exhibit Booth & Registration for 2 Persons – NDIA Members: $730

Quarters One Networking Reception on Rock Island Arsenal Island

  • Networking begins at 5:30 PM
  • Program begins at 6:00 PM
  • Heavy hor d’oeuvres will be provided
  • Ticket to Attend: $30 (Purchase at time of registration)
  • For info: https://rockisland.armymwr.com/programs/historic-quarters-one

Registration is per person. Refunds can be made up to 14 days before event. Tickets can be transferred.