So, an unusual–indeed ‘unique’–venue for TechNet Europe which was a thoroughly professional side to the whole event and that was to examine the integration of information from a diverse range of commercial, industrial and service sources and presented it in the right format for those engaged in the business of defence. There was the usual international flavour to the event as well as excellent networking opportunities and the chance to see the latest tools and methodologies coming on to the market.

I developed four ‘need’ sessions:

      * The Need for Networks

      * The Need to Manage and Inform (not

      forgetting the weather!)

      * The Need for Security

      * The Need to Integrate

These sessions were chaired by senior Swedish, Finnish and Estonian chapter members whose prestigious careers ensured they could invite national and international panellists who are authorities in their own fields thus ensuring the intellectual component of the TechNet Europe would only be matched by the technologies on display.

Robert Howell

Commodore, Royal Navy (rtd.),

General Manager

AFCEA Europe