The second AFCEA TECHWEST Conference and Exhibition in April attracted some 270 delegates and 46 Exhibitors and a star-studded cast of speakers who discussed the UK Defence Industrial Strategy. Cdre. Robert Howell, RN (Ret.), general manager of AFCEA Europe, delivered the AFCEA International message before handing over to Lt. Gen. Sir Tony Pigott, KCB CBE MA, Defence and Security Adviser to QinetiQ. Pigott spoke on future military operations and how the defence industrial strategy is vital to ensuring military capabilities for the warfighter. Rear Admiral Neil Latham, Commandant of the Defence College of Management and Technology, spoke about the importance of new technology to the warfighter and the trends in technology development today and in the future. John Taylor, director for general information at the UK Ministry of Defence, highlighted the challenges faced in the increasingly complex world of networks and network connectivity, emphasizing the importance of getting the security component right in this domain. Other speakers included Air Vice Marshall Stu Butler, RAF, capability manager for information superiority in the UK Ministry of Defence; John Rosie of Selex; and Dr. David Callaghan from Thales UK. Additionally, Over 40 new members were recruited into AFCEA at the event. Plans for future TECHWEST events are already being prepared.

Event Photographs: