CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS
Current conferences and meetings of interest to warfighting acquisition workforce readers. Links provided to registration and additional information. Inclusion herein is for informational purposes only and does not in any way imply Warfighting Acquisition University or Department of War endorsement of any particular event or organization. Conferences and Meetings
U.S. Federal Contracting Fundamentals Certificate Program The U.S. Federal Contracting Fundamentals Certificate Program will be offered Aug. 3 as a virtual/online hybrid course offering. This course is an introduction to the fed - eral acquisition process. Designed for professionals new to government contracting or seeking a structured refresher, this program explores the full life cycle of federal contracts— from acquisition planning and contract formation to cost analysis, compliance, and emerging policy issues. Through real-world scenarios, regulatory references, and interactive discussions, participants will gain the foundational knowl- edge and practical tools needed to navigate the complexi - ties of federal procurement. (Register here) Global Expeditionary Logistics Symposium The 2026 Global Expeditionary Logistics Symposium will convene Aug. 4–6 at the Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Va. This year’s event will bring together Marine Corps, Joint Force, industry, academic, and allied leaders to address the most pressing challenges in expedi - tionary logistics and contested sustainment. (Register here) The 2026 Air Force and Space Force Procurement Confer- ence will be held Aug. 4–5 at the Hotel Polaris in Colorado Springs, Colo. Speakers and panelists from the Pentagon, Air Force and Space Force commands and contracting of- fices, military bases and installations, and prime defense contractors will provide updates on the latest requirements, programs, and initiatives driving procurement and purchas- ing opportunities. (Register here) Irregular Warfare Center Annual Symposium The Irregular Warfare Center (IWC) is hosting a 2-½ day sym- posium on the Defense of the Homeland, Aug. 4–6 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel (Washington D.C.-Crystal City), in Arlington Va. This symposium embodies the National Defense Strategy’s call for a clear-eyed realism that lever- ages all elements of national power. By convening leaders from the Department of War; the interagency, state, and local governments; law enforcement; and industry and ac- ademia, the symposium fosters the collaborative, whole- of-society response necessary to identify threats, harden defenses, and ensure America can defend its interests with speed, power, and precision. (Register here) Air Force & Space Force Procurement Conference
Accelerate Process Manufacturing With a PLM Digital Thread
A complimentary webcast entitled “Accelerate Process Manufacturing With a Product Life Cycle Management (PLM) Digital Thread” will be offered Aug. 11 , 10:00 a.m. ET. Par- ticipants will learn how a PLM‑based digital thread breaks down product and process data silos across the product life cycle and connects data, processes, and stakeholders. Hear from experts as they outline how this approach can improve visibility, support regulatory compliance, and help prepare organizations for more advanced, AI‑enabled capabilities. (Register here) Logistics Officer Association W.I.S.E. Symposium – Warfighter Series The Logistics Officer Association (LOA) W.I.S.E. Symposium will convene Aug. 11–12 at The Westin Lake Las Vegas Re- sort & Spa in Henderson, Nev. This year’s symposium (both in person and virtual) will launch the LOA’s new four-part education series: W.I.S.E. (Warfighter, Innovator, Sustainer, Educator)—the four pillars that shape the future of logis- tics. The theme for the 2026 event will be “Logistics Wins Wars.” Hear from senior leaders across the Logistics Enter- prise representing: Office of the Secretary of Defense, Head - quarters Air Force, Air Force Materiel Command, Air Force Global Strike Command, Air Combat Command, Air Mobil- ity Command, Air Education and Training Command, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Air Force Reserve Command, Defense Logistics Agency, and many more. (Register here) Space and Missile Defense Symposium The 2026 Space and Missile Defense Symposium will take place Aug. 11–13 at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Ala. This annual event assembles industry leaders, government officials, technical experts, decision-makers, policy mak - ers, technologists, scientists, engineers, operators, and ar- chitects that propel innovation and promote strategic dia- logue. Participants will join in knowledge sharing, critical discussions, and cutting-edge insights that drive national The 2026 Navy Gold Coast Procurement Expo will convene Aug. 17–20 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Di- ego, Calif. Gold Coast provides a forum to educate, guide, and assist businesses, large and small, in support of the warfighter mission within Department of the Navy and throughout the Department of War. Its outreach includes all the U.S. Navy buying commands as well as several non- and global security forward. (Register here) Navy Gold Coast Procurement Expo
54 DEFENSE ACQUISITION ONLINE | JULY – AUGUST 2026
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