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CHARLESTON, S.C., Oct. 29, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Charleston Defense Contractors Association (CDCA)—a non-profit defense advocacy group focused on the growth of defense and technology—today announced top-level speakers and sponsors for the 13^th Annual CDCA Defense Summit. Held Dec. 11-12, 2019 at the Charleston Convention Center, this year's theme "Accelerate to Dominate: Increasing the Speed of Warfighting Innovation" will draw nearly 1,200 defense leaders and industry experts from around the nation.

Hot topics this year will include the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). Katie Arrington, Chief Information Security Officer (CISCO) for the DoD's Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Acquisition will present the particulars around the recently announced framework. "Uncompromised security is invaluable to our nation. The new cybersecurity standards will eliminate the current disparate, scattered requirements, and get everyone on a level playing field to ensure we work together collaboratively," stated Arrington. "It is an honor to address government and defense industry leaders at the Defense Summit and help increase awareness about the new certification requirements."

Attendees will learn about topics revolving around end-to-end IT enterprise technology and its impact on defense, national security, and the Warfighter through robust sessions, activities, and the tradeshow. The event also features, unique events developed to maximize engagement and education around players in the market, including:

• Speed-Networking Event returns this year to provide access to high-level decision-makers and give conference attendees a chance to speak with and meet key DoD officials.
• 2nd Annual Innovation Spotlight Competition allows CDCA Defense Summit Sponsor and CDCA Member companies to compete for the top defense technology innovative product.
• Cloud-Focused Technical Trainings offered by Amazon Web Services and Microsoft.

Last year's Innovation Spotlight winner, Netizen Corporation CEO Michael Hawkins shared, "The CDCA is the most active group we've engaged in. The publicity we gained through the Innovation Spotlight was the single most important marketing tool we've used for our company to-date. The exposure allowed us to increase headcount and speed the development to market our products."

This year's Defense Summit topics include the 12 points of the National Defense Strategy. Here is an early list of topics, speakers, and sponsors:

• Thought-Leading Topics—This year's Summit topics will discuss: Digital Transformation for the Warfighter, The Need for Whole-of-Government Approach, Accelerating Technology Development, CMMC, Innovating the Operational Architecture, Information Warfare Digital Execution, Model-Based Systems Engineering, Cloud Computer, Artificial Intelligence, Competing with the Adversary, Workforce Development, and much more.
• Thought-Leader Speakers—An impressive and growing list of government and industry leaders will speak, including Darlene Coen, NASA Solutions for Enterprise-Acquisition Contract (SEWP) Deputy Program Manager; Brigadier General Lorna Mahlock, Director C4; Vicki Michetti, Director Cybersecurity Policy and Partnerships, Office of the DCIO-Cybersecurity, DoD; Lieutenant General Lori Reynolds, Deputy Commandant Information, United States Marine Corps; Don Sallee, NIWC-Atlantic IWRP Program Manager; David Smoak, NIWC-Atlantic Systems Engineering Lead
• Industry Sponsors—The expanding list of government, defense, and leading technology companies supporting this annual conference at varying levels of sponsorship includes, Guidehouse, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Illumio, KBR, MacAfee, Patricio Enterprises, Inc., SAIC, Sentar, and Scientific Research Corporation, to name a few.

"Scientific Research Corporation is proud to be the Titanium Sponsor for the CDCA's 13^th Annual Defense Summit," shared Greg Hays, senior director market development, Scientific Research Corporation. "As a multi-year supporter, we know sponsoring the conference gives us the opportunity to show our commitment to customers and the community while offering face-to-face leadership attention and delivering superior quality information warfare capabilities that are critical to our nation. We look forward to having conversations and building relationships surrounding technology-dominant support."

Sponsorship opportunities and exhibitor space are still available. Media registration is available free of charge. Learn more or register at https://www.charlestondca.org/summit

Innovation Spotlight submissions are due no later than Nov. 15. For more information email: summit@charlestondca.org.

With months of exciting developments still to come, the CDCA's 13^th Annual Defense Summit promises to be a must-do conference for any leader in government and defense.

Register for the CDCA Defense Summit now and save! Go to: https://www.charlestondca.org/summit

About Charleston Defense Contractors Association
Charleston Defense Contractors Association (CDCA) is an association of organizations and individual professionals dedicated to preserving, strengthening and continuing to grow the defense industry and its affiliated-organizations in Charleston, South Carolina, and its immediate surrounding region.  Since its inception in December 2002, the CDCA has worked to address issues facing the continually changing landscape that is Charleston's defense industry presence and ensure that it continues to be a thriving, sustained business opportunity in Charleston, South Carolina. For further information, visit us at http://www.charlestondca.org/. 

SOURCE Charleston Defense Contractors Association