The Directed Energy Professional Society has selected Huntsville to host the 17th Annual Directed Energy Symposium to be held at the Westin February 13 – 17th.
Local leaders from Madison County and the City of Huntsville today announced that the Directed Energy Professional Society (DEPS) has selected Huntsville, AL for its 2017 Directed Energy Symposium. This major national conference will bring hundreds of scientists, industry experts, policy maker and executives from academia, government and DoD institutions to Huntsville. This national conference will provide a forum for participants to exchange technical and programmatic information related to directed energy sources as well as the development, testing and fielding of directed energy weapons and related technologies.
Bill Bailey DEPS announcement
On hand for the announcement was William C. “Bill” Bailey, President of Radiance Technologies and Kord Technologies President Tom Young who worked to secure local support for the conference. “As our military continues to evaluate new technologies for the future, Directed Energy will be a major focus. Hosting the DEPS conference in our community is a wonderful opportunity to show policy makers and experts from around the country the rich heritage we have in the development of these technologies and the role we can play in the future.” Said Bailey.
Tom Young pointed out the how local companies benefit from Huntsville hosting this meeting. “Conferences like DEPS provide a valuable opportunity for small technology companies in our area to showcase their capabilities, exchange technical knowledge and understand more how they can play a role in these Directed Energy programs.” Said Young.
Bailey and Young were also joined by Madison County Commission Chairman Dale Strong and Harrison Diamond, the Business Relations Officer for the City of Huntsville who supported the Convention and Visitors’ Bureau efforts to land the DEPS Conference.
“Lasers on the battlefield used to be science fiction but thanks in part to the research and development efforts going on right here at Redstone Arsenal this vision is now a reality. Directed Energy is a key future growth area for our community and we need to continue to support its development.” Said Strong.
Harrison Diamond pointed out Huntsville’s support of past conferences and local groups that showcase emerging technology capabilities in areas such as GIS, Energy and Cyber. “Nationally significant conferences such as DEPS help the entire Huntsville community, from Redstone Arsenal, UAH, Alabama A&M and our local companies showcase our ability to meet the future technology needs of our nation and our national defense. It is our honor to welcome the DEPS conference and showcase our community and our hospitality.”
Judy Ryals, President and CEO of the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, added, “We’re thrilled that the DEPS conference and showcase will be held here in 2017 and our professional staff members will fully support this prestigious event. Our community is well-positioned to host this and many other conferences due to outstanding facilities and strong community leaders.”
Local companies or individuals interested in attending, exhibiting or presenting technical papers at the DEPS conference can go to www.deps.org for more information.