Event Overview
From July 29 to August 1, 2024, APEX had the privilege of attending the Life Cycle Industry Days (LCID) and Wright Dialogue with Industry (WDI) at the Dayton Convention Center in Dayton, Ohio. Co-hosted with Dayton Defense, these pivotal events provided an unparalleled platform for engaging with industry leaders, government officials, and academia. Over 2,000 attendees gathered to exchange ideas, explore innovative solutions, and discuss the future of defense technology.
Keynote Address
One of the highlights of the event was a keynote address delivered by The Honorable Frank Kendall, Secretary of the Air Force. In his speech, Secretary Kendall emphasized the critical role that Dayton plays in the defense sector, stating, "In the Air Force, all roads lead to Dayton." His remarks underscored the significance of the region as a hub for innovation and collaboration in the Air Force and defense community.
APEX's Presence and Impact
APEX representatives, including Michael Bianco, Erin Holden, Devon Stinson, and Sue Cumbers, were actively involved throughout the four-day event. Our team had a strong presence both as attendees and exhibitors, allowing us to showcase our service solutions, engage in meaningful conversations, and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
Why It Was Important for APEX
Attending LCID and WDI was crucial for APEX as it provided a unique opportunity to connect with key stakeholders across government, industry, and academia. The event allowed us to reinforce our position as a thought leader, gain insights into emerging trends, and build relationships that will drive future growth and innovation. Engaging directly with industry leaders and government officials also enabled us to better understand the needs of the defense community and how APEX can continue to support these efforts.
Takeaways
Networking: APEX leveraged the focused environment to connect with industry leaders, researchers, and innovators, fostering relationships that could lead to future collaborations.
Partnership Opportunities: The event allowed us to explore potential partnerships with academia, government, and businesses, furthering our mission of driving innovation in the defense sector.
Market Insights: We gained valuable insights into the latest industry trends, challenges, and emerging technologies, helping us stay ahead of the curve.
Lead Generation: With 54 visitors to our booth, we generated 25 qualified leads, resulting in a 56% conversion rate—an indication of the strong interest in APEX's offerings.
Visibility & Exposure: Our presence at LCID and WDI significantly increased APEX's visibility, positioning us as a key player in the industry.
Conclusion
APEX’s participation in Life Cycle Industry Days and Wright Dialogue with Industry was a resounding success. The opportunity to connect with key stakeholders, coupled with the insights gained from the event, will undoubtedly contribute to our continued growth and influence in the defense community. Secretary Frank Kendall's powerful statement, "In the Air Force, all roads lead to Dayton," resonates with APEX’s commitment to being at the forefront of defense innovation. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with industry leaders to drive advancements in this critical sector.
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About the Academic Partnership Engagement Experiment (APEX)
APEX cultivates innovation by expanding the American research enterprise, accelerating the transition of defense technology from discovery to reality. We connect academic innovators with the Department of the Air Force and industry, eliminating barriers and accelerating the transition of science and technology solutions into transformational U.S. Air Force operational capabilities. APEX operates under a Partnership Intermediary Agreement with the Department of the Air Force and supports the United States Air Force Science & Technology 2030 Strategy.