Defence Technology Exchange 2007 will include a Networking Development Congress comprising seminars and meetings and a different style of networking opportunity, centred on encouraging dialogue between industry and defence. The day will comprise a series of networking sessions, held from 10am to 4.30pm in the Mercure Holland House Hotel, Cardiff, with papers and presentations from key people from both the defence and civil technology transfer arena, covering the following topic areas:

Need to Harness UK Innovation
The Military Perspective
Implementing New Government Policy within the Defence Supply Chain
Homeland Security Innovation
Research and Development
What Prime Defence Companies Look for in SMEs
Technology Strategy – a Govt Update
The Research Council – in Support of Innovation
Local Funding Opportunities

2006 congress speakers included:
Gerald Howarth MP, Member of Parliament & Shadow Minister for Defence
Dr Keith Blackwood, Director Technology, Defence Diversification Agency
David Bowles, Chairman, Northern Defence Industries Ltd
Mary Goetz, Director, UK Industrial Participation, The Boeing Company
Ray Bailey, Purchasing Manager – Business Process, Thales UK
Graeme Ferrero, Managing Director, Defence Technology, QinetiQ
Ian McCoull, Director of Industry Innovation, Scottish Enterprise
Mark Norris, Head of Aerospace & Defence, Welsh Assembly Government
Jack Dromey, Deputy General Secretary, T&G

The 2007 Networking Development Congress will be a vital meeting place and discussion forum for all of those industrial businesses that are involved in the defence environment – whether they be SMEs, research teams, corporations or prime contractors, and for the MOD Procurement Teams who are engaged in programmes or simply looking to identify industrial partners who can help in achieving the aims of the Defence Industrial Strategy.

The day will allow debate to focus on opportunities and to ensure there is understanding of how cooperation can support the industrial strength of UK defence industry.

Attending the Networking Development Congress 2007 will be many UK businesses that are connected to defence projects, representatives from a range of government agencies involved in assisting industrial growth and senior personnel from the ministry of defence who control the priorities in defence procurement across all services. As such this will be a prime networking and development event for everyone involved in defence procurement and industry in the UK.

To book your place at the Networking Development Congress, simply complete the Congress booking form and fax it back to Sam Cader on 01628 664075. You can also book online at the Shephard website.