Inaugural Emergent Defense Forum - Dayton

The Emergent Forum is an exclusive, twice-annual networking experience bringing together 100+ defense industry professionals, innovators, and decision-makers. Designed to spark collaboration and showcase groundbreaking solutions, each forum features a high-profile keynote speaker followed by an extended networking reception—the ideal environment to connect, exchange ideas, and elevate your brand.

Meet and engage with a powerful mix of professionals driving defense innovation:

• Defense contractors and prime integrators
• Government program managers and acquisition specialists
• Defense tech startups and emerging innovators
• Research institutions and universities
• Supply chain and industrial base partners

Speakers:

Suzanne Sumner - Practice Group Co-Chair / Partner - Taft Law

Allison Norton - Founder & President - Sinclair Community College 

Ben Dietsch - Vice President of Programs - Hawthorn Aero

Carly Devlin - Shareholder and Cybersecurity Leader - Clark Schaefer Consulting

Eric Harmon - Founder & President - Emergent Defense Magazine 

Admission Includes: 1 drink ticket, light Appetizers, attendance to Keynote speaker, and access to industry exclusive networking with ranking professionals in the defense industry.

Please Note: All attendees must have a ticket prior to the event. Walk-ins will not be permitted. Ticket sales and RSVPs will close three (3) days before the event. Registration is non-transferable.

Event Format:

Two Hours. Endless Opportunity.

5:00–5:50 PM: Networking reception designed for meaningful conversation and connection

6:00–6:20 PM: The Latest on CMMC - Presented by Carly Devlin, Shareholder and Cybersecurity Leader with Clark Schaefer Consulting

6:20–7:00 PM: Keynote presentation and speakers from an influential leaders shaping the future of defense

7:00: End of Event

Why Attend:

• Build relationships with key stakeholders across the defense ecosystem
• Discover and share innovations shaping national security and defense capabilities
• Position your organization as a trusted partner and thought leader

Join us for an evening where innovation meets opportunity—and where the future of defense collaboration takes shape.