Industry Leaders Converge At Aviation Week Network's Defense Conference 2025: A Speaker Spotlight

The Aviation Week Network's Defense Conference 2025 is set to gather some of the most influential voices in aerospace and defense. The conference will feature sessions addressing critical industry challenges and opportunities. Here’s an overview of some of the key speakers and their groundbreaking sessions.

Opening Keynote Speakers

Join keynote speaker Maj. Gen. Mark W. Mitchum, Commander of the Integrated Capabilities Command, Pentagon and Aviation Week Network's Pentagon editor, Brian Everstine, for a lively and engaging discussion when they open the Defense Conference.

A State of the Industry Update

Get an industry update on the trends for the first half of 2025 from: 

• Dr. Lee K. Levy, II, CEO, The Levy Group, LLC and Board of Directors, National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA)
• Eric Fanning, President and CEO, Aerospace Industries Association (AIA)
• Hon. David L. Norquist, President and CEO, National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA)

Innovation and the Security Nexus

Day 2 of the conference opens with a significant session titled "Innovate to Secure," featuring John Pollack, Partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, Roei Ganzarski, CEO of Alitheon, and Michel Genard, Chief Strategy & Product Officer and Board Member, Lynx.

This session will explore the vital intersection of critical thinking, innovation, and national security, setting the tone for the conference’s forward-looking agenda.

Leadership in Uncertain Times

A highlight of the conference is the "Fearless Leadership" panel, which boasts an impressive lineup of industry veterans:

• Dr. Deanelle “Dee” Hidalgo, Program Director at Lockheed Martin's legendary Skunk Works
• Robert A. Geckle, Jr., Chairman and CEO of Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc.
• Donn Yates, Vice President for Government Affairs at Electra Aero
• Renee Pasman, Vice President of Integrated Systems at Lockheed Martin

This distinguished panel will share valuable insights on navigating uncertainty with confidence in the aerospace and defense sector.

AI's Revolutionary Impact

Barrett Koch, Vice President of Aerospace and Defense at Siemens Digital Industry Software, will lead a focused session on the transformative role of artificial intelligence in aerospace. This timely discussion will explore how AI is reshaping industry capabilities and future possibilities.

Global Market Analysis

Leading analysts will provide a comprehensive market overview:

• Jeremiah Gertler from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
• Douglas Berenson, Partner at Oliver Wyman
• Craig Caffrey, Head of Defense Markets & Data at Aviation Week Network

Protecting the Homeland Through Partnerships with Allies

The conference will feature an important session on international partnerships, with an exceptional panel including:

• Steve Trimble, Defense Editor at Aviation Week Network (Moderator)
• Dak Hardwick, VP of International Affairs at Aerospace Industries Association
• Omer Haim, representing Israel's Ministry of Defense
• Sander Oude Hengel, Defense Cooperation Attaché from the Netherlands
• Stanley L. Brown, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs

This gathering of aerospace and defense leaders presents an unprecedented opportunity to gain insights into the industry's future direction, making it a must-attend event for professionals in the field.

Find out who else will be attending Aviation Week’s Defense Conference 2025.

Learn more and register your place today.