DLA Energy Worldwide Energy Conference begins next week

More than 90 industry exhibitors and 1,900 people are registered to attend the Defense Logistics Agency Energy Worldwide Energy Conference at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center at National Harbor, Maryland, April 22-24.

This year's theme is Warfighter Readiness Through Stronger Partnerships.

"The conference promises to reach new heights as we engage with military, government and industry partners to discuss a multitude of energy issues," said DLA Energy Commander Navy Capt. Brian Anderson. "As we develop strategies to address challenges, we realize we simply cannot do it alone. Enhanced engagement, open and continuous communication, and collaboration with both our industry and customer partners will continue to be the cornerstone to our success."

DLA Director Army Lt. Gen. Mark Simerly has emphasized that DLA's close ties with industry are vital. During the Association of the U.S. Army's Global Force Symposium and Exhibition in Huntsville, Alabama, March 26, Simerly outlined DLA's four-pronged framework for transforming DLA's support: people, precision, posture and partnerships.

"We have to be able to partner with the services and the [combatant commands] to have a very precise view of requirements and then translate those with precision to industry. We can't afford to have vague, ambiguous requirements if we want to have specific performance on their part that's tied to a specific time, a specific place and in a specific way," he said.

This year, there will be more than 70 informative briefings and workshops. Topics include petroleum supply and distribution, aerospace energy, installation energy, climate change, sustainable fuels, and carbon pollution-free electricity. A Small Business Networking session will provide the opportunity for business owners to talk one-on-one with DLA Energy professionals.

Visit the WWEC webpage to learn more about the conference, view the schedule and see the various tracks offered.