Ellen Ferraro, Ph.D.
VP, Execution for Next-Generation Operational Control System
Raytheon | An RTX Business
december 4, 2025
* JOIN US FOR THE PRE-EVENT HAPPY HOUR on December 3, 2025 FROM 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
7:00 am – 8:00 am MST
Delegate Registration and Networking Breakfast
8:00 am – 8:10 am MST
Chair's Welcome and Opening Remarks
Supply Chain & Logistics
Manufacturing & Operations
Dominic Perez
Chief Technical Officer
Curtiss Wright
Quality
David Shilliday
VP and General Manager Advanced Air Mobility
Honeywell
AI & Emerging Technology
8:10 am – 8:15 am MST
Mayor's Welcome Address
Jerry Weiers
Mayor
Glendale, Arizona
8:15 am – 8:45 am MST
Keynote
Peter Lengyel
President and CEO
Safran USAEdward Fortunato
EVP, Safran Space and Defense Inc.
Safran USA
Advancing Resilience and Innovation through Transatlantic Collaboration
- Exploring how deepened U.S.-European aerospace partnerships are advancing national security priorities, technological innovation, and industrial base resilience
- The evolving role of Safran USA in supporting both military and commercial aerospace advancements across 24 U.S. states – aligning global expertise with domestic needs
- Navigating today’s complex geopolitical and economic environment: strategies for supply chain resilience, workforce development, and accelerating innovation pipelines
- Preparing for the next frontier: How collaboration across borders, domains, and industries will define success in the future aerospace and defense ecosystem
8:45 am – 9:15 am MST
Plenary
Scott Alexander
President, Missile Solutions
L3Harris
Elevating Defense System Performance Through Quality Excellence and Risk-Driven Mission Assurance Strategies
- Emphasizing the role of quality leadership in delivering consistent, high-stakes defense system performance
- Breaking down mission assurance frameworks that anticipate failure points before they impact the field
- Showcasing strategies that embed quality thinking early in design, development, and deployment processes.
- Developing talent pipelines to support a resilient, quality-driven workforce
- Discussing how proactive quality governance improves readiness and customer trust in critical missions
- Highlighting enterprise-wide alignment techniques that sustain quality through operational complexity and change
9:15 am – 9:45 am MST
Plenary
Speaker TBA
Cognitus
Driving Digital Transformation: Modernizing Systems for Efficiency and Compliance
- Modernizing legacy ERP, PLM and MES systems to create a seamless digital thread from engineering through production and support
- Integrating siloed data and processes for real-time visibility, from factory floor metrics to enterprise dashboards enabling faster, smarter decision-making
- Streamlining compliance by embedding regulatory requirements and quality checks into digital workflows, reducing human error in meeting standards
- Overcoming change management challenges when implementing new digital platforms, and ensuring interoperability with suppliers and partners in the ecosystem
9:50 am – 11:30 am MST
Refreshments, Networking, and Pre-Arranged 1-2-1 Meetings
11:35 am – 12:05 pm MST
Sessions
Supply Chain & Logistics
Kristoffer Hall
VP, Helicopter Programs
Rolls Royce
Embedding Supply Chain Strategy in Program Leadership to Drive Aerospace Supplier Excellence and Quality Standards
- Uniting supply chain and program execution to meet demand for high-performance engine platforms
- Managing constrained components by forecasting intelligently and engaging suppliers earlier in the process
- Improving responsiveness by embedding supply chain teams into product and delivery milestone
- Establishing clear escalation paths to address bottlenecks without impacting customer delivery timelines
- Leveraging supplier partnerships as a competitive differentiator in cost, quality, and availability
- Mitigating the impact of tariffs by proactively assessing trade policy risks and adjusting sourcing strategies accordingly
Manufacturing & Operations
Dave Hatch
VP, Space Security and Intelligence
Lockheed Martin
Shaping the Future of National Security Space Through Innovation and Integrated Mission Execution
- Examining current priorities driving the evolution of U.S. space security and intelligence programs
- Reflecting on lessons learned from delivering highly reliable Positioning, Navigation, and Timing systems
- Leveraging AI to improve situational awareness, accelerate decision-making, and detect emerging threats in real time
- Exploring how integration enhances performance, resilience, and responsiveness in contested space
- Emphasizing precision and consistency as non-negotiables in mission-critical space program delivery
- Highlighting how collaborative partnerships elevate standards and ensure long-term mission assurance
Quality
Mike Robb
VP, Engineering, Aerospace Electronics
Woodward
Driving Quality Through Aviation Standards and Cybersecurity Integration
- How the FAA, Transport Canada, and EASA are evolving to address cybersecurity as a core aviation safety requirement
- The operational impact of merging airworthiness standards with digital risk mandates
- Building unified compliance frameworks that satisfy both traditional regulators and modern cyber expectations
- How leading A&D organizations are preparing for audits, ensuring resilience, and avoiding costly delays in system certification and fleet readiness
AI & Emerging Technology
Jamal Madni
Head, Engineering Strategy
Boeing Defense, Space and Security
AI Meets Engineering: Driving Intelligent Design and Scalable Innovation in Aerospace & Defense
- Investigating critical aerospace engineering challenges
- Integrating AI and machine learning to enable predictive engineering and simulation
- Building the digital infrastructure to support next-gen design and validation
- Reducing cycle time and improving precision through intelligent automation
- Balancing AI innovation with rigorous regulatory and mission assurance requirements
12:10 pm – 12:40 pm MST
Workshops
Room 1
Speaker TBA
Launchpad Build
Streamlining Aerospace and Defense Product Development through Digital Collaboration Platforms
- How digital collaboration platforms bridge traditional communication gaps in aerospace and defense engineering projects
- Best practices for leveraging digital tools to enhance visibility and collaboration among multidisciplinary and geographically dispersed teams
- Reducing project timelines and improving efficiency through centralized digital management of complex development processes.
Room 2
Speaker TBA
Dassian Strategic Solutions, Inc
Optimizing Program Performance: Integrated Digital Management for Efficiency and Compliance
- Strategies for achieving real-time financial and operational visibility across aerospace and defense projects
- Leveraging digital integration to ensure accurate and automated compliance with government contracting regulations (FAR, DFARS, CAS)
- Enhancing project profitability and reducing risk through proactive, integrated project management and financial forecasting
- Best practices for unifying complex program management data and processes into a cohesive digital ecosystem
Room 3
Speaker TBA
Sigmetrix
Leveraging Tolerance Analysis and GD&T to Enhance Product Quality
- Importance of dimensional management and tolerance analysis in ensuring product reliability and compliance with strict aerospace and defense specifications
- Leveraging GD&T software tools to improve communication, collaboration, and reduce errors across global design and manufacturing teams
- Strategies for minimizing manufacturing costs and risks through early identification of potential issues using predictive tolerance simulations
- Future trends: How digital twin technologies and advanced simulations are reshaping precision manufacturing in the aerospace & defense industries
Room 4
Speaker TBA
1factory
Achieving Quality at Source: Streamline Compliance and Yield Within Your Factory and Across Your Supply Chain
- Strategies to ensure supply chain quality from source to factory, reducing downstream issues
- Enhancing yield through process optimization and digital inspection methods
- Digital compliance essentials for AS9100, ITAR, and FEDRamp requirements
- The role of technology in aligning supplier processes, automating inspections, and reducing quality errors
12:45 pm – 1:50 pm MST
Lunch & Learn Roundtable Discussions and Open Seating Lunch
Benefit from additional learning by joining a moderated roundtable discussion on pressing issues in the industry. Registration is required, and attendance for moderated roundtables on Day 1 is limited to attendees and speakers. Choose from:
Doug Erwin
CEO
TTP Solutions
Building Corporate-Level Supply Chain Visibility Across Business Units and Beyond
Speaker TBA
Sigmetrix
Streamlining Complex Assembly: Integrating Robotics and Human Workflow for Greater Precision
Matt Delaney
Head, Enterprise Solutions
Covalent
Systematically Building Subject Matter Expertise at Scale
Speaker TBA
Seraph
Driving Performance: Using Metrics and KPIs to Align Engineering, Operations, and Finance
Speaker TBA
PEKO Precision Products
Compliance as Competitive Edge: Evolving Aerospace Standards and What You Need to Know
Speaker TBA
DACIS
Rebuilding ERP from the Ground Up – Lessons in Modernization, Integration, and Real-Time Data Access
Ethan Plotkin
CEO
GDCA
Mastering Obsolescence to Build Supply Chain Resilience: Insights from the U.S. Department of Defense
Speaker TBA
1factory
How is Non-Destructive Testing Evolving to Meet Advanced Manufacturing Demands?
Speaker TBA
GXO
Process Design & Improvement in Aerospace: Balancing Standardization with Agility
Speaker TBA
Cognitus
Risk Mitigation in Aerospace: Are We Proactive Enough in the Age of Supply Chain Volatility?
Kevin Darby
VP, Sales
LTW Intralogistics Inc.
Optimizing Material Handling and Storage Automation Across Large and Small Manufacturing Components
Speaker TBA
SAP America Inc.
Achieving Total Supply Chain Visibility – Bridging the Gaps Between Data, Transparency, and Trust
Speaker TBA
FDH Aero
Is 3D Printing Ready to Scale in Aerospace Manufacturing? Opportunities and Limitations in 2025
Speaker TBA
Infor
Accelerating Efficiency: Cloud ERP Strategies for Modern Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing
1:50 pm – 2:20 pm MST
Sessions
Supply Chain & Logistics
Kai Arndt
CEO
Montana Aerospace
Enhancing Supply Chain and Procurement Efficiency in Aerospace Operations
- Explore the impact of strategic leadership on advancing aerospace manufacturing, focusing on the integration of new technologies and processes
- Discussing the implementation of rigorous quality management systems and environmental strategies that set new industry standards
- Evaluating cross-functional collaboration models that improve supply chain resilience and procurement agility
- Investigate the evolution of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) production processes and their significance in modern aerospace manufacturing
Manufacturing & Operations
Brenda Ortiz
VP, Short and Medium Range Ground Based Air Defense
Raytheon | An RTX Business
Scaling Advanced Air Defense Systems Through Manufacturing Innovation and Engineering Precision
- Accelerating production readiness for Stinger, Coyote, NASAMS and directed-energy weapon systems
- Integrating new materials and components to support speed, range, and performance requirements
- Addressing ramp-up challenges through workforce development, automation, and process discipline
- Collaborating with international partners to align design transfer, assembly standards and quality control
Quality
Gregg Burgess
VP, Space Systems
General Atomics
Quality-Centric Space Systems Integration for Mission Assurance Success
- Outlining critical steps to guarantee mission success in complex environments
- Highlighting best practices in spacecraft assembly and subsystem interface control
- Discussing risk mitigation techniques for both hardware and software components under operational stress
- Sharing methods for continuous monitoring to uphold performance standards throughout mission life cycles
- Emphasizing cross-functional collaboration that drives defect reduction and robust system reliability
AI & Emerging Technology
Roberto De Paolis
Head, Digital Security and Security Operations
Leonardo
Defending Critical Systems: Integrating AI, OT, and IT Security in Aerospace
- Securing operational technologies used in manufacturing, simulation, and mission systems
- Bridging legacy infrastructure with modern, AI-enhanced cybersecurity frameworks
- Monitoring and protecting sensitive systems without disrupting critical operations
- Implementing real-time threat detection across converged environments
2:25 pm – 3:00 pm MST
Workshops
Room 1
Speaker TBA
Protiviti
Managing Risk, Cybersecurity, and Compliance at Scale
- Navigating the evolving threat landscape: Emerging cybersecurity challenges for aerospace & defense organizations
- Integrating enterprise risk management strategies that align with mission-critical operations and national security priorities
- Strengthening resilience through proactive threat detection, incident response planning, and risk-informed decision-making
- Meeting evolving compliance and regulatory requirements, including CMMC, ITAR, and DFARS.
Room 2
Speaker TBA
AgilePoint
Accelerating Digital Transformation Through Low-Code Automation
- Using low-code platforms to rapidly streamline complex processes in aerospace and defense organizations
- Improving agility and adaptability to quickly respond to changing regulatory and compliance demands
- Empowering cross-functional teams with accessible automation tools to drive innovation and operational excellence
- Enhancing efficiency, reducing human error, and ensuring end-to-end visibility through digitized workflows
Room 3
Speaker TBA
DACIS
Staying Ahead of the Curve: Driving Strategy with Competitive Intelligence
- Leveraging detailed competitive intelligence for effective business development and strategic planning
- Understanding market dynamics, competitive threats, and new opportunities through advanced data analytics and research
- Case studies demonstrating how leaders successfully navigated complex markets by utilizing timely and accurate intelligence
- Emerging trends: Predictive analytics and artificial intelligence tools enhancing strategic foresight and competitive advantage
Room 4
Speaker TBA
iBASE
The Road to Resilient MRO: Top Modernization Trends & Workforce Solutions
- How digital tools reshape MRO processes to boost efficiency and responsiveness
- Strategies for navigating and strengthening your inventory management in a rapidly changing industry
- The impacts of an aging workforce and explore solutions to build a sustainable talent pipeline
3:00 pm – 4:20 pm MST
Happy Hour, Networking, and Pre-Arranged 1-2-1 Meetings
4:25 pm – 4:55 pm MST
Plenary
Mark Covelli
SVP, Space Division
Moog
The Next Frontier: Harnessing Emerging Technologies and AI to Shape Space Exploration
- Examining breakthrough technologies poised to transform the future of space missions
- Highlighting actuation advances improving spacecraft precision, reliability, and performance
- Integrating AI for predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, and spacecraft optimization
- Advancing sustainability through reusable spacecraft, green propulsion, and mission design
- Forecasting future challenges in tariffs, tech integration, and supply chain resilience
5:00 pm – 5:30 pm MST
Plenary
Speaker TBA
Infor
Mission-Ready Manufacturing: Building Resilient, Smart Operations in Aerospace & Defense
- Defining the pillars of a future-ready manufacturing ecosystem in aerospace and defense
- Discovering how integrated data platforms reduce costs and improve compliance and traceability
- Learning how digital thread and digital twin technologies enhance lifecycle management
- Examining strategies for navigating geopolitical volatility through intelligent supply chain design
5:30 pm – 6:15 pm MST
panel discussion
David Forward
VP, Operations
WoodwardRoy Donelson
Sector VP, Engineering, Defense
Northrop GrummanFrank Pelkofer
Chief Operating Officer, Spacecraft Production
Maxar Space SystemsJohn Lewis
VP, Engineering
Collins Aerospace | An RTX BusinessMike Kauffman
SVP, Supply Chain
GE Aerospace
Attracting, Retaining, and Developing Top Talent for the Future
- Navigating the workforce shortage: Understanding its impact on the future of aerospace and defense innovation
- Proven strategies for recruiting top engineering, technical, and leadership talent in a highly competitive market
- Building training and upskilling programs to meet evolving demands in advanced manufacturing, cyber, and defense technologies
- Cultivating mission-driven leadership that inspires teams, drives operational excellence, and builds a strong culture
- Ensuring a resilient, future-ready workforce prepared for rapid technological advancement and global security challenges
- Sharing real-world examples and success metrics from talent initiatives to drive measurable workforce impact
6:15 pm – 6:25 pm MST
Chair's Closing Remarks
Supply Chain & Logistics
Ellen Ferraro, Ph.D.
VP, Execution for Next-Generation Operational Control System
Raytheon | An RTX Business
Manufacturing & Operations
Dominic Perez
Chief Technical Officer
Curtiss Wright
Quality
David Shilliday
VP and General Manager Advanced Air Mobility
Honeywell
AI & Emerging Technology
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm MST
Networking drinks reception
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