Industry Spotlight: Igniting the Future for Aerospace & Defense Supply Chain

Join us as we explore how Aerospace & Defense manufacturers are navigating a complex and high-stakes environment—balancing the urgency of modernizing defense systems with the realities of supply chain vulnerabilities, workforce transformation, and emerging geopolitical threats. Despite these challenges, discover how your organization can capitalize on a sector poised for tremendous opportunity, breakthrough innovation, and sustainable long-term growth.

8:30 AM
Industry update: U.S. A&D suppliers are poised for takeoff, amid surging investment
Thomas Alongi, National Manufacturing Partner; Larry Stoklosa, Aerospace & Defense Partner; UHY

8:45 AM
Economic outlook: Is the U.S. positioned for growth or a setback?
Tom Jalics, Chief Investment Strategist; Jeff Leithauser, Senior Vice President; Fifth Third Bank

9:15 AM
Drones: Redefining global warfare from the supply base
Chief Warrant Officer 5(R) Brian Ellis, Program Manager, SUAS Fleet Management, US Army Corps of Engineers

9:45 AM
Refreshment break

10:00 AM
Built to compete: Changing and adapting to high mix, low volume production
Panel discussion featuring Charlie Clevenger, Consulting Principal at UHY Advisors MI, Inc., and Sherry McCormick, President at Metalbuilt LLC, moderated by Thomas Alongi, National Manufacturing Partner at UHY

10:30 AM
Suppliers’ moment! How to seize extraordinary growth opportunities in the defense sector
Panel discussion featuring Mike Stone, Partner and retired Major General, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP, Colonel (Ret.) John Gutierrez, Executive Director of the Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation, and Major General Darren Werner, Military Leader, appointed President of SAPA Transmission, moderated by Matt Casey, Executive Partner at Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

11:15 AM
Event concludes

*Registration, breakfast, and networking activities begin at 8:00 a.m. exclusively for in-person attendees

**Professional or business casual attire is required. Denim of any style or color is not permitted at any time.