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Unmanned Maritime Systems Technology USA 2023
September 27 - September 28, 2023
Unmanned Maritime Systems Technology USA 2023

SAE Media Group is pleased to announce the second annual Unmanned Maritime Systems Technology USA conference, taking place in Arlington, VA on September 27-28, 2023.

The development of unmanned systems in the land and air domains has grown rapidly over the last decade, and the importance of unmanned systems in the maritime domain has and will only continue to grow. In 2021 the US Navy revealed their Unmanned Campaign Framework, outlining the goal to innovate and adapt new technology to build a more lethal and distributed naval force for the future. The US is now committed to deliver a hybrid fleet will be necessary for the Navy to meet emerging security concerns and compete and win in an era of great power competition by expanding and developing a range of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), unmanned undersea vehicles (UUV), and unmanned surface vessels (USV).

Key topics to be discussed include: Autonomy for MCM and ASW operations, updates on key unmanned platform programmes (such as UUV and USVs), preparing and supporting unmanned systems for operations, Manned/Unmanned Teaming, UMS interoperability initiatives, unmanned hydrography and oceanography, and many more.

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Captain Colin Corridan

Captain Colin Corridan

Commander,Task Force 59, Commander, Unmanned & A.I. Integration, US Navy
Captain Josh Guerre

Captain Josh Guerre

Program Manager for the Persistent Maritime Unmanned Systems Program Office PMA-262, US Navy
Mr Andy Mitchell

Mr Andy Mitchell

Deputy Director - Navy Capability Sponsor , Royal Navy
Mr Robert Iannuzzi

Mr Robert Iannuzzi

Director of Unmanned and Autonomous Systems Development and Integration, Naval Surface Warfare Center

Captain Cameron Chen

Branch Head, Navy Expeditionary Combat Branch (N957), Expeditionary Warfare Division (N95), US Navy
Captain Cameron Chen

Captain Cameron Chen graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in with
a Bachelor of Science in Physics and a Master of Science degree in
Applied Physics from the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory.
His initial operational assignments include Damage Control Assistant
and Operations Officer onboard USS GUARDIAN (MCM 5) homeported
in Sasebo, Japan; Officer in Charge of Explosive Ordnance Disposal
(EOD) Mobile Unit 3 Marine Mammal Systems Detachment consisting
of California Sea Lions and Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins; and Platoon
Commander of EOD Mobile Unit 3 Detachment 11 deployed to Fallujah,
Iraq in support of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force. After selection
and training at Naval Special Warfare Development Group in Dam Neck,
Virginia, he was initially assigned to Naval Special Warfare Tactical Development and Evaluation Squadron 2
as the EOD Troop Commander. As Executive Officer of EOD Mobile Unit 11, he led the homeport shift from
Whidbey Island, Washington and establishment of the command at Imperial Beach, California.
His command assignments include EOD Squadron Commander and Commanding Officer of the EOD Tactical
Development and Evaluation Squadron. Ashore, he commanded the Naval Diving and Salvage Training
Center in Panama City, Florida which provides initial and advanced dive training for all Services. As a major
commander, he served as Commodore of Task Force 68, headquartered in Rota, Spain, where he employed
Navy Expeditionary Combat Forces in support of U.S. 6th Fleet and NATO in Europe and Africa. Chen has
completed three shipboard deployments in the Pacific and Central theaters and three combat deployments
to Iraq and Afghanistan.
His staff assignments include duty in Counter Proliferation and Unified Collections at the global operations
directorate of the Joint Staff (J39), Flag Lieutenant for Carrier Strike Group 8, Irregular Warfare analyst
(OPNAV N00X) and Mine Counter-Measures Section Head on the Chief of Naval Operations Staff (OPNAV
N81). He is currently the Branch Head for Navy Expeditionary Combat (OPNAV N957) where he directs the
resourcing, requirements and programming for expeditionary combat capabilities.
Captain Chen is a designated EOD Warfare Officer, Deep Sea Diving Officer, Surface Warfare Officer, and
Naval Parachutist and is proud to have served in EOD, US Marine Corps, and Naval Special Warfare units
awarded the Presidential Unit and Meritorious Unit Commendations. He was awarded the SECNAV, CNO,
and Navy League Safety Excellence unit awards while in command of a high-risk training site.
Captain Chen is conversant in Mandarin, a term member in the Council on Foreign Relations, and is married
to the former Jessica Anderson Fox of La Jolla, California, with whom he has a daughter, Katherine, and
three sons, James, Evan, and Jeremy.

Captain Chad F. Hennings

Commanding Officer, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Division Newport, US Navy
Captain Chad F. Hennings

CAPT Hennings was born in Chicago, Illinois and raised
in Berwyn, Illinois and Lucerne, Indiana. After receiving
a degree in Aerospace Engineering from the Illinois
Institute of Technology he received his commission at
Officer Candidate School in December 1994.
After the initial training pipeline his sea tours included
USS TOLEDO (SSN 769), USS MICHIGAN (SSBN 727)
(GOLD), USS COLUMBIA (SSN 771), and USS
HAMPTON (SSN 767). He commanded the USS
NEVADA (SSBN 733) (GOLD) and USS PENNSYLVANIA (SSBN 735) (BLUE).
Throughout his sea tours he has supported several Western Pacific and Mediterranean
deployments and conducted nine strategic deterrent patrols. Many of the teams he served
with earned Battle Efficiency “E” awards. His shore tours include staff positions at
Submarine Squadron TWO, Submarine Squadron SEVENTEEN, Submarine Squadron
NINETEEN, and the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency.
During his shore tours he also earned a Masters degree in Modeling, Virtual
Environments, and Simulation from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Masters in
National Policy and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.
In September 2017 he became an Acquisition Professional and served as the
Requirements and Testing Head for the PMS 397 COLUMBIA Class Program and as the
Deputy Program Manager for PMS 415, Undersea Defensive Weapons Systems. He
recently completed a tour as Program Manager of PMS 401, Submarine Acoustic
Systems.
He currently resides in Newport, RI with his wife, Caroline (Worcester, Massachusetts)
and five children.

Captain Colin Corridan

Commander,Task Force 59, Commander, Unmanned & A.I. Integration, US Navy
Captain Colin Corridan

Captain Josh Guerre

Program Manager for the Persistent Maritime Unmanned Systems Program Office PMA-262, US Navy
Captain Josh Guerre

 CAPT Josh Guerre is the Program Manager for the Persistent Maritime Unmanned Systems
Program Office (PMA-262) at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. He assumed
command in August 2021 and is responsible for the development, production, fielding and
sustainment of the MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).
A native of Jackson, WY, CAPT Josh Guerre graduated from the U. S. Naval Academy in 2000 and
earned a master’s degree in Systems Engineering from Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX in
2011. Following designation as a Navy Pilot, he reported to the War Eagles of Patrol Squadron Sixteen
(VP-16). During his tour at VP-16, he deployed to 6th Fleet, 4th Fleet, and 5th Fleet where he flew
numerous combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
He served in a variety of assignments to include Pilot NATOPS Officer and Quality Assurance Officer
(QAO). In 2006, he reported to VP-30 as an Instructor Pilot. During this tour, he served on the P-8 Fleet
Introduction Team (FIT) as the P-8 NATOPS Officer. In this capacity he supported early P-8 lab and
aircraft integration. In 2009, he transferred to Bupers Sea Duty Component, Dallas, TX where he
supported Littoral Surveillance Radar System (LSRS) testing and evaluation. During this tour, he served
as the Det Dallas Operations Officer and the P-8 Introduction Team Lead.
He was selected as an Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer (AEDO) in 2011 and began his acquisition
career at PMA-262 where he served as the Triton Air Vehicle Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead
supporting early Triton development and integration. In 2013, he transferred to AIR 4.1 where he served
as the Triton Class Desk. Notable achievements during this period were Triton First Flight and the
completion of Triton Envelope Expansion. In 2015, he reported to Bupers Sea Duty Component,
Washington, DC where he served as the Advanced Airborne Sensor (AAS) Development IPTL with
responsibility for AAS & associated training system development and related contract execution. During
this tour, the AAS Program achieved a MS-C Decision, AAS First Flight, and the completion of AAS
Developmental Test.
In 2017, he reported to PMA-290 to serve as the P-8 IPT Lead. In this capacity, he was responsible for
development, production, and sustainment of the P-8A. In 2020, he reported to ASN (RDA) where he
served as the DASN (Air/Ground) Chief of Staff in the Pentagon.
CAPT Guerre has over 2,500 flight hours in the P-3C. His personal awards include the Meritorious
Service Medal (four awards), Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), and the Navy and Marine Corps
Achievement Medal

Captain Ryan Ventresca

Commodore, Mine Countermeasures Group Three, U.S. Navy
Captain Ryan Ventresca

A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania CAPT Ryan
Ventresca graduated from the University of Delaware in 1999
with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. He was
commissioned from Officer Candidate School in 2000. CAPT
Ventresca was awarded a Master of Arts degree in National
Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College in
2007.
At sea, CAPT Ventresca served as Commanding
Officer of USS Milwaukee (LCS 5), Commanding Officer
and Executive Officer of USS Lassen (DDG 82),
Commanding Officer of USS Firebolt (PC 10) and USS
Hurricane (PC 3), and Deputy Commander, Patrol Coastal
Squadron ONE. His Department Head assignment was Chief
Engineer on USS Mason (DDG 87). His Division Officer tours were on USS George
Washington (CVN 73) and on USS Hawes (FFG 53).
Ashore, CAPT Ventresca served as a Joint Strategic Plans and Policy Officer for the
Politico-Military Affairs Directorate, Asia on the Joint Staff. He previously served as a Personnel
Plans and Policy Chief at the Chief of Naval Personnel. He also served as a Seamanship and
Navigation instructor, and Craftmaster Officer-in-Charge, at the United States Naval Academy.
His last assignment ashore was as Chief Staff Officer, Naval Surface Squadron FOURTEEN.
While in command of USS Lassen, CAPT Ventresca’s crew was awarded the 2019
Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy and CNO Afloat Safety Award. In addition to various campaign,
service, and unit awards, his personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal,
Meritorious Service Medal (3 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4
awards), and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards). He is married to the
former Christine Monahan of Suwanee, GA. They reside in Coronado, CA, with their son, Rhys,
and daughter, Cecilia.

Captain Thomas Remmers

Unmanned Systems Cross-Functional Work Group Lead, Assistant Commandant for Capabilities (CG-7 UxS), US Coast Guard
Captain Thomas Remmers

CAPT Remmers reported as the Unmanned
Systems Cross-Functional Team Lead in 2021. In this role, he led
all CG stakeholders in the development of the U.S. Coast Guard
Unmanned Systems Strategic Plan to begin implementing
unmanned systems, counter-unmanned systems, and a regulatory
framework across all mission sets.
Prior to his current assignment, CAPT Remmers was assigned as
Program Manager for the US Coast Guard’s National Security
Cutter (WMSL) Acquisition Program from 2019 to 2021. During
this time, he was also detailed to co-chair the Coast Guard's
Crisis Action Team in responding to COVID-19. Previously, he
was the first Commanding Officer of the U.S. Coast Guard’s
Offshore Patrol Cutter Project Resident Office (OPC PRO) for the
acquisition of the Offshore Patrol Cutter, the largest acquisition
project in U.S. Coast Guard history.
CAPT Remmers previously served as the Surface Forces
Logistics Center’s Medium Endurance Cutter Product Line Manager, providing engineering,
logistics, and supply support for all 27 Medium Endurance Cutters and the Coast Guard’s Tall
Ship, Barque EAGLE. He also served in command of Naval Engineering Support Unit Alameda
providing organic and depot maintenance support for both shore infrastructure and surface forces
throughout the Coast Guard including the first three National Security Cutters which were
homeported in Alameda, CA.
CAPT Remmers was assigned as the first maintenance integrator for the then new National
Security Cutter class, in which he established the maintenance management staff and planned
and executed the first Post-Shakedown Availability and major maintenance periods for USCGC
BERTHOLF (WMSL 750). Other shore assignments include Medium Endurance Cutter Typedesk
Manager at Maintenance and Logistics Command Pacific and the Senior Port Engineer for
USCGC HEALY, the Coast Guard’s largest and most technologically advanced icebreaker.
CAPT Remmers’s underway assignments include Engineer Officer aboard USCGC MIDGETT
(WHEC 726) and Damage Control Assistant aboard USCGC MUNRO (WHEC 724).
CAPT Remmers holds a Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from
the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, in New London, CT. He earned two Masters of Science in
Engineering in Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the
University of Michigan. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval War College where he earned a
Masters of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies and served as an Arleigh Burke Fellow
to the Naval Command College. He is a licensed professional engineer in Mechanical
Engineering in the State of California and holds a DHS Senior Level Certification for Program
Management.
CAPT Remmers’s awards include the Legion of Merit, three Meritorious Service Medals, four
Coast Guard Commendation Medals (with operational distinguishing device), the Coast Guard
Achievement Medal (with operational distinguishing device), and numerous unit commendations.
He was the recipient of the 2015 CAPT Richard D. Poore Award for significant contribution to the
USCG Naval Engineering Program.

Commander Marty Van Duin

Section Head Future Operations, NATO Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM)
Commander Marty Van Duin

Cdr Marty van Duin joined the Royal Navy to train as a pilot in the first intake of the new millennium, January 2000. On leaving BRNC Dartmouth, he completed Flying Training, joining the front line at RNAS Yeovilton in 2005 to fly the Lynx.

Conducting flying tenures in HMS’s ARGYLL, MANCHESTER and CUMBERLAND, he deployed to the Middle East, twice, for oil platform defence, enhanced Counter Piracy and Counter Narcotics activities in the Arabian Gulf, Horn of Africa and the Gulf of Oman.

He was selected and trained for Qualified Helicopter Instructor in 2010, from where he returned to 702 NAS, RNAS Yeovilton, culminating as the Pilot Training Officer. A graduate of the second PWO(Av) Course, he subsequently served as Strike Ops in HMS ILLUSTRIOUS and the first Operations Officer in HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH, where he was responsible for the early planning of her initial sea trials. Eager to return to flying, he converted to the Wildcat HMA2 in 2015 to become the Operations Officer of 825 NAS, during which he was promoted to take over as Senior Pilot and Executive Officer.

Having completed nearly 3000 flying hours and 2000 helicopter deck landings, he was selected for the UK Advanced and Command Staff Course, which he successfully completed together with a Master of Arts in Defence Studies through Kings College London. Promoted once more, in 2019 he deployed to Bahrain as the Chief Strategy and Policy for the coalition Combined Maritime Forces, where he worked together with the US Commander of 5th Fleet and the UK Maritime Component Commander to reinvigorate the coalition maritime strategy in the region.

Returning to the UK in 2020, he moved to NATO’s Allied Maritime Command in Northwood, London, where he is responsible to Commander Maritime Air NATO for the coordination of allied Carrier Strike activities, planning and coordination of allied Maritime Patrol Aircraft operations and liaising with Allied Air Command in Ramstein, Germany, for multi-domain operations. This has been a career highlight during a particularly challenging period for NATO

Commander Pieter Blank

Innovator Program Manager, Royal Netherlands Navy
Commander Pieter Blank

I am Pieter Blank, Innovator and program manager at the Royal Netherlands Navy. In this role responsible for the development and introduction period of an embedded maritime UAV squad (‘the Nederdrone Program’). I am working with several teams (technical and operational) building towards a ‘team of teams’-concept.

Commodore Darron Kavanagh

Director General, Warfare Innovation Navy , Royal Australian Navy
Commodore Darron Kavanagh

 Commodore Darron Kavanagh was appointed as the inaugural One Star Director General Warfare Innovation – Navy (DGWIN) in January 2022. DGWIN leads the Royal Australian Navy’s Warfare Innovation Navy (WIN) Branch whose mission is Navy’s agent of disruptive innovation to maximise early adoption of asymmetric warfighting capabilities for joint integrated effects. WIN Branch is involved in the development of Combat Ready Prototypes leveraging artificial intelligence, robotics and autonomous systems, modelling and simulation and other emerging technologies. Darron is a Chartered Engineer, Certified Professional Project Director and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Dr Christopher Ekstrom

Deputy Oceanographer and Navigator of the Navy, Technical Director OPNAV N2N6EB, Chief of Naval Operations, US Navy
Dr Christopher Ekstrom

Dr. Ekstrom is the Deputy Oceanographer and Navigator of the Navy for the Deputy Chief of
Naval Operations for Information Warfare. He also serves as the Technical Director to the
Oceanographer. This programmatic and technical portfolio includes naval oceanography;
meteorology; and Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT).
Dr. Ekstrom was promoted to Senior Leadership in May, 2018. Before coming to OPNAV, Dr.
Ekstrom served as the Head of Requirements and R&D for Precise Time and Astrometry
(N8/N9) at the U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO), leading planning and programming activities
across all areas of precise time generation and dissemination as well as astrometric products that
support DoD-wide missions.
Prior to serving as USNO N8/N9, Dr. Ekstrom led the Clock Development Division at USNO.
Starting in 1996, he led the development of advanced atomic clocks for the Department of
Defense Master Clock. The resulting clocks, called rubidium atomic fountains, are the most
stable continuously operating clocks in the world.
Dr. Ekstrom received his Ph.D. in Experimental Atomic Physics from MIT in 1994 and his B.S.
in Physics from the University of Washington in 1988. After graduate school, he held an
Alexander von Humboldt fellowship performing research in Germany for two years, followed by
a one-year appointment at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. He has been in the
Civil Service for 22 years.
Dr. Ekstrom has received the Navy Meritorious Civilian Award, the AFCEA/USNI Copernicus
Award, and the U.S. Naval Observatory Simon Newcomb Award. He holds DAWIA
certifications in both Program Management and Science and Technical Management. Dr.
Ekstrom has published more than 35 papers and proceedings in the areas of atomic physics, atom
and quantum optics, and atomic clock development

Jason Healey

Director, Business Development, Ultra Maritime
Jason Healey

 Jason Healey is the Director of Business Development for Ultra Maritime. He is a graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada and served 30 years in the Royal Canadian Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer in the Underwater Warfare and Above Water Warfare domains. He served several tours onboard ships, as well as shore postings to NOPF Whidbey Island, Washington, working in the IUSS and SURTASS community. His last station was at the NORAD Headquarters in Colorado Springs working in the J32 Maritime Warning, J35 Future Operations, and NORAD & NORTHCOM Command Center as a Missile & Space Domain Chief.
In preparation for retirement from the Canadian Armed Forces, Jason completed two graduate degrees, MGM, and MBA, adding a PMP for good measure. After retiring, Jason joined Ultra Maritime’s Global Business Development team, working with his five-eyes centric colleagues, who develop and market major sonar & radar systems, such as Active/Passive Towed Arrays, Torpedo Defence systems, Torpedo Countermeasures, Next Generation Surface Search Radars, and ASW Navy PODs (20-foot ISO containerized Modular Towed Array and winch and handling systems).

Mr Andy Mitchell

Deputy Director - Navy Capability Sponsor , Royal Navy
Mr Andy Mitchell

Andy Mitchell was appointed Deputy Director – Navy Capability Sponsor in November 2020 and is responsible for sponsoring all Royal Navy’s capabilities, both current and future.
The Royal Navy defines Sponsorship to include – the top-level design of capabilities; research, development and experimentation to evidence the design of a capability is correct; securing funding for new and upgraded capabilities; progressing of capability programmes through initial MOD approval gates; ensuring that in-service and in-acquisition capabilities continue to meet design intent and collaborating with allies on capability development.
Andy has a mechanical and systems engineering background and has spent over 25 years in the defence industry. He has carried out roles in design, production and support of platforms, systems and equipment in the maritime, land and air domains, for UK, Canadian, Spanish, US, Australian, South Korean and Norwegian military customers.
 

Mr Ferdinand Peters

Naval Systems Architect, Ministry of Defence the Netherlands
Mr Ferdinand Peters

I am Ferdinand Peters Naval Systems Architect at the Defence Material Organisation. I am responsible for the integration of unmanned (aerial) systems on the Royal Netherlands navy feet. I am working on different projects in which the ships are adapted to accommodate the different unmanned systems and in which the unmanned systems are incorporated in the design from the start. Moreover I am involved in the Nederdrone Program in which an organic aerial systems is designed specifically for maritime operations.

Mr Greg Hays

Director Rapid Prototyping and Experimentation, U.S. Navy
Mr Greg Hays

Greg is a highly accomplished, results-oriented executive with 25+ years of award-winning performance leading technology organizations and programs with expertise and leadership in the Federal/State Research Enterprise. He currently serves as the lead for Rapid Prototyping at Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic to bring technologies to the Naval Fleet/Forces through rapid development and acquisition. He offers a rare blend of leadership experience from both the government and industry sectors with a proven track record of leading and “getting the job done.”

A recognized leader in the small-business community, Greg was named to the National Small Business Association (NSBA) Leadership Council to promote the interests of small businesses to policymakers in Washington, D.C., with specific focus on technology research and export. Greg is an in expert bringing those game changing technologies and ideas into the military/federal markets for strategic planning, businesses enhancement and growth through forecasting, technology scouting, and business development. His science and technology focus are in the fields of cyber security; visible, night vision, infrared, and acoustic sensors; optical and wireless communications, including 5G; optics detection; image processing and analysis; electro-optical design and lasers; biometrics; data management and analytics; artificial intelligence; and autonomy.

Greg stood up the Navy’s first research related rapid response cell at the Office of Naval Research. As CEO of a small business focusing on game changing technology for the military, Greg won the Air Force’s inaugural Shark Tank-style Pitch Days. Greg has led many Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR), Rapid Innovation Fund (RIF), Other Transactions (OT) and other awards spanning the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, NASA, and intelligence agencies in addition to outdoor/sporting commercial sectors.

Greg holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Evansville, a Master of Science degree from the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and a Public Management Certificate from Indiana University. He has completed the Federal Executive Institute’s Leadership for Democratic Society, Leadership Charleston, and specialized in Federal requirements definition, development, and procurement. Greg currently serves on the Strategic Advisor Board for Cape Fear Ocean Labs and resides on James Island with his wife Pam, son Wyatt, daughter Chelsea, and dog Hoosier.

Mr Kevin Pollpeter

Senior Research Scientist, China and Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Division, Center for Naval Analysis
Mr Kevin Pollpeter

Dr. Kevin Pollpeter is a Senior Research Scientist at CNA. Before joining CNA, he has served as deputy director of the University of California Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation project on the Study of Innovation and Technology in China, deputy director of the East Asia Program at Defense Group Inc., and a researcher at RAND. Dr. Pollpeter is widely published on China national security issues, focusing on China’s space program and information warfare. A Chinese linguist, he holds an MA in international policy studies from the Monterey Institute of International Studies and a Ph.D. from King’s College London.

 

Mr Mike Tall

Senior Scientific Technical Manager, Integrated Autonomous C4ISR, Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific
Mr Mike Tall

Mike Tall is the Navy’s Senior Scientific Technical Manager for Integrated Autonomous C4ISR, who is passionate about developing mission autonomy for the Navy. He has been working mission autonomy for over 10 years and has developed a wide range of autonomous systems for both land, sea, and air applications. His experience includes designing, prototyping, and testing autonomous systems for the Navy's mission-critical operations. He is an expert in autonomy and robotics and has a deep understanding of the challenges of developing and deploying autonomous systems in a military context. He is committed to advancing the Navy’s mission autonomy and is currently working on Project Overmatch to further develop the technology. His goal is to rapidly scale the Navy’s operational systems through attritable designs and mission autonomy.

Mr Richard Ast

Director, Unmanned Systems Technology UxST, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E)
Mr Richard Ast

Mr. Ast currently serves as the Director, Unmanned Systems Technology, in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)). He has Bachelors in Science from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York; and graduated from New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, with a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering.

Mr. Ast served in the U.S. Army for 22 years, and shortly after retirement joined OUSD(RE)’s Joint Capability Technology Demonstration office as a Deputy Oversight Executive supporting multiple unmanned aircraft system’s initiatives.

Mr Richard Patterson

Director of Sales for Marine Robotics Defense, Kongsberg Discovery
Mr Richard Patterson

 Richard Patterson is currently serving as the Vice President of Sales of Uncrewed Platforms for Kongsberg Discovery AS. Upon completing his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at California State University, Richard spent 8 years in the U.S. Navy, earning his qualification as a Naval Nuclear Engineer and distinguishing himself during missions of critical national importance while serving onboard USS Parche. After leaving the navy, Richard has held multiple leadership roles in the commercial sector in sales, operations and product management. In total he has over 19 years of experience either operating, developing or marketing systems such as submarines, ROVs, gliders and UUVs.

Mr Robert Iannuzzi

Director of Unmanned and Autonomous Systems Development and Integration, Naval Surface Warfare Center
Mr Robert Iannuzzi

Mr Rome Ruiz

VP for Maritime Systems, SparkCognition Government Systems (SGS)
Mr Rome Ruiz

Rome Ruiz is the Vice President of Business Development
and Maritime Systems for SparkCognition Government
Systems (SGS), the world’s first full-spectrum Artificial
Intelligence (AI) company devoted entirely to federal and
national security missions. He has over three decades of
national security and defense experience in the U.S. and
globally, in which he’s worked extensively within the DoD,
and with commercial defense companies and foreign
governments. He is a former United States Surface Warfare
Naval Officer who commanded a Minehunter ship, an Aegis
Ballistic Missile Defense Destroyer, an Aegis Cruiser, and the
first up-gunned Amphibious Task Force to all regions around
the globe.
He has been interviewed by numerous Defense, Aerospace, and Foreign News agencies,
spoken at numerous events and podcasts, advised Hollywood Production teams, and lectured
at military institutions on how modern warfare is evolving and the lessons learned for readying
government and defense for the future.
Rome is a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and United States Naval War College
Gravely Group Innovation Fellow. He earned a Master’s degree in National Security Affairs and
Strategic Studies (with highest distinction) from the United States Naval War College and has a
Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology from Old Dominion University

sponsors

Conference agenda

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8:00

Registration & Coffee

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8:50

Chairman's Opening Remarks

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9:00

Supporting Future Naval Power by Developing the US Navy’s Next Strategic Hedge: Hybrid Force of the Future

  • Reimagining US Naval Force Design
  • Diversifying the US naval portfolio to prepare for a potential change in future naval warfare – A capability vice platform approach to what needs to happen
  • “The small, the agile and the many”: building collaborating, autonomous, unmanned formations
  • Global approach to Systems of systems – Work with Strategic Dialogs, NATO, Partners and Allies
  • Mr Greg Hays, Director Rapid Prototyping and Experimentation, U.S. Navy

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    9:30

    Naval Undersea Warfare Centre – Research and Development, Testing and Evaluation for Autonomous Underwater Systems

    Captain Chad F. Hennings, Commanding Officer, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Division Newport, US Navy

    • Ensuring Underwater Superiority through Unmanned Systems
    • Researching and Developing UUV’s
    • Testing and Evaluating UUV’s

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    10:00

    Morning Coffee

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    10:45

    Session Reserved for Sponsor - Ultra Maritime

    Jason Healey, Director, Business Development, Ultra Maritime

     • Ultra Maritime Introduction
    • Progress in developing uncrewed ASW solutions – Strategic context
    • M-USV Modular ASW Payloads
    • M-USV Next Generation Surface Search Radar

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    11:15

    Leveraging Unmanned Capabilities for Underwater Mine Detection and Clearing

    Captain Ryan Ventresca, Commodore, Mine Countermeasures Group Three, U.S. Navy

    - Role of Mine Countermeasures Group 3
    - Integration and role in Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations
    - Development of U.S. port partner unmanned capabilities in MCM
    - Unmanned capabilities in MCM: Persistent IPOE*, Automated Change Detection, Automated Target Recognition, and their impact on Commander’s “Risk”

    * IPOE - Intelligence Preparation of the Environment

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    11:45

    Session Reserved for Sponsor - Kongsberg - Realizing a Truly Commercial LDUUV System: Development of HUGIN Endurance

    Mr Richard Patterson, Director of Sales for Marine Robotics Defense, Kongsberg Discovery

  • Heightened geo-political tensions are causing many of the world’s navies to accelerate their adoption of UUVs into mainstream operations
  • Development of new systems based on government specifications can take an extended period of time and can be costly
  • Commercial systems with high performance capabilities have been in operation for 20+ years
  • Using our existing commercial systems as a starting point, Kongsberg has developed a commercially available LDUUV
  • Our approach has reduced risk and cost resulting in a vehicle that can accomplish many naval missions “out of the box”
     
  •  

     

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    12:15

    Networking Lunch

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    13:15

    Future Force Design with the Integration of Uncrewed Systems into the Royal Navy

    Mr Andy Mitchell, Deputy Director - Navy Capability Sponsor , Royal Navy

    • An overview of Royal Navy future force design and the ongoing integration of uncrewed capabilities into the underwater, surface, air, and space domains
    • The new strategic possibilities opened by progressively integrating uncrewed systems into the Royal Navy
    • Incoming capability and infrastructure changes designed to develop and integrate uncrewed systems in current and future Royal Navy platforms
    • The importance of the role of industry and academia in supporting the Royal Navy’s uncrewed systems and opportunities for new engagement through new initiatives

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    13:45

    Virtual Presentation - Developing Intelligent Swarming systems for the Royal Netherlands Navy

    • The transition from a disruptive technology to an operational capability
    • How to bridge the of valley of death
    • An exploration approach to connect the technician with the operator
    • General approach to facilitate unmanned autonomous systems to work together as a team

    Commander Pieter Blank, Innovator Program Manager, Royal Netherlands Navy

    Mr Ferdinand Peters, Naval Systems Architect, Ministry of Defence the Netherlands

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    14:15

    Afternoon Tea

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    14:45

    Session Reserved for Sponsor - SGS - Evolving the Maritime Mission: manned and unmanned dominance with AI

    Mr Rome Ruiz, VP for Maritime Systems, SparkCognition Government Systems (SGS)

    • Enabling and enhancing uncrewed Fleet Readiness with AI
    • Maritime-Domain Operations and AI – from Competition to Crisis
    • AI’s Role in Contested Logistics
    • Distributed unmanned/attritable systems: Asymmetric strategic advantage for fighting the fleet
    • Overview of SGS and its capabilities

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    15:15

    Ensuring Continuous Advancement of Unmanned Technology and Innovation in the Department of Defence

    Mr Richard Ast, Director, Unmanned Systems Technology UxST, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E)

    • Advisory function of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
    • Necessity of technological advancement to maintain operational superiority
    • Current critical technologies in development to counter emerging uncrewed arial threats

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    15:45

    Integrating C4ISR into Unmanned Maritime Systems

    Mr Mike Tall, Senior Scientific Technical Manager, Integrated Autonomous C4ISR, Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific

    • Developing Mission Autonomy for the Navy
    • Rapidly scaling the Navy’s operational systems through attritable designs and mission autonomy
    • Project Overmatch

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    16:15

    Chairman's Closing Remarks

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    8:30

    Registration and Coffee

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    9:20

    Chairman's Opening Remarks

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    9:30

    The Activities and Results of Task Force 59 - The Rapid Development of Maritime Uncrewed Systems to Achieve Maritime Domain Overmatch

    Captain Colin Corridan

    Captain Colin Corridan, Commander,Task Force 59, Commander, Unmanned & A.I. Integration, US Navy

    • The TF 59 Design Sprint and other innovation challenges of Task Force 59 for the development of UMS and AI capabilities
    • Challenges to integrating UMS and AI into fleet operations
    • The future of the Task Force and the roadmap to future integration and innovation with UMS

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    10:00

    NSWC Carderock: Advancing Maritime Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems through R&D and T&E

    Mr Robert Iannuzzi

    Mr Robert Iannuzzi, Director of Unmanned and Autonomous Systems Development and Integration, Naval Surface Warfare Center

  • Governance and regulatory challenges related to uncrewed systems and their deployment
  • Research and Development of new uncrewed capabilities
  • Modelling & Simulation, Testing, and Evaluation of UMS systems
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    10:30

    Morning Coffee

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    11:00

    Leveraging Unmanned Systems to Provide Persistent Surveillance

    Captain Josh Guerre, Program Manager for the Persistent Maritime Unmanned Systems Program Office PMA-262, US Navy

  •  Providing the fleet with expeditionary capabilities to increase oversea's operations
  • Conducting persistent ISR in the maritime domain
  • Refining tactics, techniques, and procedures to prepare for future UAS squadrons and the objective of the Navy Unmanned Campaign Framework  
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    11:30

    Future of NATO Maritime Air integration; role of UAV/MPA in future Maritime Situational Awareness

    Commander Marty Van Duin, Section Head Future Operations, NATO Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM)

    • Recent changes in NATO
    • Integrating UAV technology across multi-domains using NATO frameworks
    • NATO Maritime Air – the way ahead

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    12:00

    Evaluating, Testing and Intergrating Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems into the RAN

    Commodore Darron Kavanagh, Director General, Warfare Innovation Navy , Royal Australian Navy

      • An overview of RAN’s Robotic Autonomous Systems (RAS)
    Strategy 2040 and the RAS Campaign Plan 2025
    • A selection of RAS activities that are currently underway and
    how they are being conducted in a different manner from
    traditional platform acquisition projects
    • Key observations from the implementation of the RAN’s
    Strategy around governance, organisation, process, and
    behaviour to assist in the successful implementation of these
    disruptive innovations

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    12:30

    Networking Lunch

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    13:30

    Enabling U.S. Coast Guard with UxS

    Captain Thomas Remmers, Unmanned Systems Cross-Functional Work Group Lead, Assistant Commandant for Capabilities (CG-7 UxS), US Coast Guard

    • Published an Unmanned Systems Strategic Plan to pursue integrated and interoperable unmanned systems for the USCG
    • Overview of current USCG UxS capabilities and strategies
    • Discuss the USCG vision for UxS in the future.
    • The importance of UxS for future USCG maritime missions – increasing range, scope, and endurance and expanding collection of data to improve maritime domain awareness.

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    14:00

    The Future of UxS and Naval Oceanography

    Dr Christopher Ekstrom, Deputy Oceanographer and Navigator of the Navy, Technical Director OPNAV N2N6EB, Chief of Naval Operations, US Navy

    • Naval Oceanography Enterprise UxS history at a glance
    • Naval Oceanography partnerships with industry in support of UxS technologies
    • Importance of environmental modeling to maximize effect of UxS
    • Naval Oceanography way ahead with UxS data strategy

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    14:30

    Afternoon Tea

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    15:00

    Overcoming the Threat of Chinese Unmanned Maritime Capabilities

    Mr Kevin Pollpeter, Senior Research Scientist, China and Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Division, Center for Naval Analysis

    • The PLA is preparing for future warfare to be dominated by artificial intelligence and autonomy.
    • PLA researchers describe unmanned systems as the main type of combat force in future warfare that will lead to an expanded battlespace
    • The PLA is testing and developing a range of unmanned maritime capabilities, including autonomous vehicles, for future warfare

     

    clock

    15:30

    Deploying and Leveraging Unmanned Systems for Expeditionary Combat Operations

    Captain Cameron Chen, Branch Head, Navy Expeditionary Combat Branch (N957), Expeditionary Warfare Division (N95), US Navy

     • Current capabilities and success with of Mk-18 family of systems
    • Expeditionary UAS family of system for EOD and NCF rapid area reconnaissance
    • Next Generation UUVs – Lionfish and Viperfish to be employed by ExMCM Companies
    • Maritime Expeditionary Standoff Response (MESR) EOD ROV

    clock

    16:00

    Chairman's Closing Remarks


    Commander,Task Force 59, Commander, Unmanned & A.I. Integration
    US Navy
    Deputy Director - Navy Capability Sponsor
    Royal Navy
    Branch Head, Navy Expeditionary Combat Branch (N957), Expeditionary Warfare Division (N95)
    US Navy
    Commanding Officer, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Division Newport
    US Navy
    Unmanned Systems Cross-Functional Work Group Lead, Assistant Commandant for Capabilities (CG-7 UxS)
    US Coast Guard
    Commodore, Mine Countermeasures Group Three
    U.S. Navy
    Director of Unmanned and Autonomous Systems Development and Integration
    Naval Surface Warfare Center
    Director, Unmanned Systems Technology UxST
    Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E)
    Senior Scientific Technical Manager, Integrated Autonomous C4ISR
    Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific
    Director General, Warfare Innovation Navy
    Royal Australian Navy
    Section Head Future Operations
    NATO Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM)
    Innovator Program Manager
    Royal Netherlands Navy
    Naval Systems Architect
    Ministry of Defence the Netherlands
    Deputy Oceanographer and Navigator of the Navy, Technical Director OPNAV N2N6EB, Chief of Naval Operations
    US Navy
    Senior Research Scientist, China and Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Division
    Center for Naval Analysis
    Program Manager for the Persistent Maritime Unmanned Systems Program Office PMA-262
    US Navy
    Director, Business Development
    Ultra Maritime
    Director Rapid Prototyping and Experimentation
    U.S. Navy
    Director of Sales for Marine Robotics Defense
    Kongsberg Discovery
    VP for Maritime Systems
    SparkCognition Government Systems (SGS)

    Sponsors and Exhibitors

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    Sponsors and Exhibitors


    Forum Energy Technologies

    Sponsors and Exhibitors
    https://f-e-t.com/

    Forum Energy Technologies (FET) Subsea is a leading provider of subsea related products and services. FET’s extensive product line focuses on remote intervention technology with the capability to provide everything from a world class subsea trencher to tooling and individual components such as thrusters. The Perry® and Sub-Atlantic® range of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), tether management systems, tooling and components is one of most comprehensive and highly rated in the industry. Other subsea technology products include Dynacon winches, launch and recovery systems (LARS); Moffat engineering and subsea connectors; VMAX™ simulation software; and VisualSoft data acquisition software.


    Kongsberg Discovery

    Sponsors and Exhibitors
    https://www.kongsberg.com/discovery

    Kongsberg Discovery operates in the maritime domain from the deepest sea to outer space. While we are headquartered in Kongsberg, Norway, with the rest of Kongsberg’s business divisions, we have a global footprint, including local facilities and support in the United States. From commercial to military applications, our product portfolio offers a wide range of leading sonar, sensors, navigation, and autonomous systems. Our Uncrewed Platforms product group has been at the forefront of Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle (UUV) and Uncrewed Surface Vehicle (USV) development for over 30 years. Our HUGIN family of UUVs can be configured for a variety of capabilities and mission duration, from 24 hours to several weeks of autonomous operation. Equipped with the best sensor fit and navigation solution, HUGIN Superior is the most capable commercially available UUV today. HUGIN Endurance pushes this capability further, providing deep water operation capability for weeks at a time. Stop by to learn more!


    Silvus Technologies

    Sponsors and Exhibitors
    http://silvustechnologies.com

    Silvus Technologies develops advanced MIMO technologies that are reshaping broadband wireless connectivity for mission critical applications. Backed by an unmatched team of PhD scientists and design engineers, its technologies provide enhanced wireless data throughput, interference mitigation, improved range, mobility, and robustness to address the growing needs of its government and commercial customers. Silvus has demonstrated an aggressive product development cycle, with a focus on continually improving the size, weight, power, and cost–while simultaneously introducing next-generation features and capabilities. Silvus’ StreamCaster family of MIMO enabled mesh radio products are designed to address the growing demand for distributing video, voice and high-speed data in harsh tactical environments. StreamCaster radios, featuring MN-MIMO, join together to form a robust, self-healing, self-forming fluid mesh network to provide high-speed, reliable wireless video and data connectivity. Today, Silvus continues to innovate, with an ever-growing line up of R&D contracts, COTS products, and happy customers. The experience gained through our early research efforts made possible the StreamCaster radios, and new concepts currently incubating in our R&D labs will pave the way for tomorrow’s product breakthroughs



    SparkCognition Government Systems

    Sponsors and Exhibitors
    http://www.sparkgov.ai.

    SparkCognition Government Systems' (SGS) award-winning AI solutions solve the most critical challenges for government, national security, and defense. Using its patented AI, machine learning, and natural language technologies, SGS analyzes complex and diverse data in real time to inform and accelerate decision making, predict future outcomes, prescribe next-best actions, and augment human intelligence. We partner with organizations to ensure mission readiness, national security, and operational excellence. For in-depth information about SGS and its offerings, visit www.sparkgov.ai.


    Ultra Maritime

    Sponsors and Exhibitors
    https://www.ultra.group/gb/our-business-units/maritime/

    Ultra Maritime protects navies and nations through innovative and mission-ready solutions in anti-submarine warfare, radar & electronic warfare, and signature management and power. Our broad portfolio of capabilities is operational on naval fleets across the US, UK and allied navies worldwide and we employ over 2,300 people across the globe.

    Media Partners


    Asian Military Review

    Supporters
    http://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/

    Asian Military Review is ABC audited publication, read & discussed by key decision makers & advisors to Asia Pacific militaries. Published since 1993 it’s widely recognised as authoritative provider of unbiased & objective information to Asian military. Editorial content comprises capability analysis, special reports & relevant news coverage from the region. AMR provides information, opinion & facts allowing military professionals to track & understand defence developments worldwide, concerning equipment, training, organisation & doctrine issues. The magazine is a proven source keeping military professionals up to date on national & international defence & security issues.


    Armada International

    Supporters
    http://armadainternational.com

    ARMADA INTERNATIONAL is leading defence magazine which reports on and analyses defence systems, equipment and technology. Together with its Compendium supplements, ARMADA provides defence planners in the militaries, in government, in procurement and in the defence industry itself with the information they need to plan their strategies.


    EchoBlue Media Group

    Supporters
    http://www.echoblue.co.uk/


    Hilton Arlington

    950 North Stafford Street
    Arlington VA 22203
    USA

    Hilton Arlington

    HOTEL BOOKING FORM

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    WHAT IS CPD?

    CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development’. It is essentially a philosophy, which maintains that in order to be effective, learning should be organised and structured. The most common definition is:

    ‘A commitment to structured skills and knowledge enhancement for Personal or Professional competence’

    CPD is a common requirement of individual membership with professional bodies and Institutes. Increasingly, employers also expect their staff to undertake regular CPD activities.

    Undertaken over a period of time, CPD ensures that educational qualifications do not become obsolete, and allows for best practice and professional standards to be upheld.

    CPD can be undertaken through a variety of learning activities including instructor led training courses, seminars and conferences, e:learning modules or structured reading.

    CPD AND PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTES

    There are approximately 470 institutes in the UK across all industry sectors, with a collective membership of circa 4 million professionals, and they all expect their members to undertake CPD.

    For some institutes undertaking CPD is mandatory e.g. accountancy and law, and linked to a licence to practice, for others it’s obligatory. By ensuring that their members undertake CPD, the professional bodies seek to ensure that professional standards, legislative awareness and ethical practices are maintained.

    CPD Schemes often run over the period of a year and the institutes generally provide online tools for their members to record and reflect on their CPD activities.

    TYPICAL CPD SCHEMES AND RECORDING OF CPD (CPD points and hours)

    Professional bodies and Institutes CPD schemes are either structured as ‘Input’ or ‘Output’ based.

    ‘Input’ based schemes list a precise number of CPD hours that individuals must achieve within a given time period. These schemes can also use different ‘currencies’ such as points, merits, units or credits, where an individual must accumulate the number required. These currencies are usually based on time i.e. 1 CPD point = 1 hour of learning.

    ‘Output’ based schemes are learner centred. They require individuals to set learning goals that align to professional competencies, or personal development objectives. These schemes also list different ways to achieve the learning goals e.g. training courses, seminars or e:learning, which enables an individual to complete their CPD through their preferred mode of learning.

    The majority of Input and Output based schemes actively encourage individuals to seek appropriate CPD activities independently.

    As a formal provider of CPD certified activities, SAE Media Group can provide an indication of the learning benefit gained and the typical completion. However, it is ultimately the responsibility of the delegate to evaluate their learning, and record it correctly in line with their professional body’s or employers requirements.

    GLOBAL CPD

    Increasingly, international and emerging markets are ‘professionalising’ their workforces and looking to the UK to benchmark educational standards. The undertaking of CPD is now increasingly expected of any individual employed within today’s global marketplace.

    CPD Certificates

    We can provide a certificate for all our accredited events. To request a CPD certificate for a conference , workshop, master classes you have attended please email events@saemediagroup.com

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