“Our goal for these is to have an engagement with industry on an annual basis where we focus on our highest priorities — aligning industry with Air Force objectives,” said Deanna Golem-Imlay, chairperson for LCID planning.
The agenda is packed. Just to scratch the service of what’s available, there will be talks by and discussions with Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown (who has been nominated to lead the joint chiefs of staff). Golem-Imlay called his presence in Dayton “huge.”
“He will highlight things like what are our Air Force and defense top priorities,” she said, adding that she expects Brown to reiterate his call to adaptability: “Accelerate, change or lose.”
Lt. Gen. Shaun Morris, commander of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), and Lt. Gen. Randall Reed, deputy commander of Air Mobility Command, are also scheduled to be in Dayton.
Mid-level leaders will also be well represented. There will be panel discussions on the Air Force’s ongoing digital transformation and work with small businesses, and on Aug. 2, a series of sessions with all the PEOs, including the executives overseeing propulsion, presidential and executive airlift, bombers, fighters and advanced aircraft, armament and much more.
If that isn’t enough, Air Force Research Lab’s (AFRL) Wright Dialogue with Industry (WDI) will take place in the same week, Aug. 2 to Aug. 4, also at the convention center. (LCID and WDI are separate, standalone events.)
There will also be classified sessions on operational imperatives. Registrants will be notified of the location of those.
Those who don’t have contracts with the Air Force are certainly welcome, Golem-Imlay said.
Brian Brackens, a spokesman for AFLCMC, said the bottom line will be opportunity. “There are a lot of opportunities for businesses of all sizes, both small and large.”
Registration closes July 26 or when capacity is reached. Organizers expect about 1,000 people, so register soon. For more information and to register, go to https://www.daytondefense.org/LCID-Registration.
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