Manufacturing | Technology | Talent

Join us on the Philadelphia Waterfront, birthplace of the U.S. Navy, as we celebrate the Navy and Marine Corps' 250th anniversary with the Innovation Pavilion - a three-day high-technology showcase, supplier conference, and workforce development event filled with energy, innovation, and opportunity.

SMALL BUSINESS DAY

Thurs, Oct 9 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Open to the Public - RSVP Required

Explore workforce and training opportunities, map out paths of engagement, and learn about small business opportunities within the MIB (Maritime Industrial Base), hosted by DVIRC.

RSVP

SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT DAY

Fri, Oct 10 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ticketed Event (Registration Required)

Hear from high-ranking naval officials, industry leaders, and best-selling author, David Marquet. Explore the trends and opportunities shaping the future of the maritime, defense, and manufacturing sectors. First 100 registrants will receive a signed copy of David's new book, "Distancing."

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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT DAY

Sat, Oct 11 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Free & Open to the Public

Meet employers, discover training programs, and experience live demonstrations.

ADD TO CALENDAR

CONFIRMED SPEAKERS

David Marquet

Former Nuclear Submarine Commander
Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author

David Marquet, former U.S. Navy submarine commander and bestselling author of Turn the Ship Around! and Leadership is Language, created the Intent-Based Leadership® model aboard the USS Santa Fe. He now teaches organizations worldwide how to empower leaders at every level through books, workshops, and coaching.

Matt Sermon
Jason Potter
Mr. Sermon is the Direct Reporting Program Manager for the Maritime Industrial Base Program. He is charged with strengthening U.S. maritime manufacturing capabilities by managing and implementing industrial base investments nationwide. He previously served as the Executive Director of Program Executive Office, Strategic Submarines, and led the Navy’s Submarine Industrial Base revitalization effort. Mr. Potter leads the Department of the Navy’s (DON) Research, Development, Acquisition, and Sustainment programs and the DON’s contracting community. In his role as Assistant Secretary, Mr. Potter has authority, responsibility and accountability for all acquisition functions and programs within the DON.


Erica Logan

Director of Workforce, Maritime Industrial Base Program Office

Drew Crowe

Founder, New American Manufacturing Renaissance

Antonio Merlo

President, Drexel

Beth Deuermeyer

Director, BlueForge Alliance

Vincent Jordan

Chief, Workforce Success, TMG

Mona Dexter

VP of Military and Veterans Affairs

Day 1 – Thursday, October 9 – Small Business Day

Free - RSVP Required | 11:00 – 4:00 PM

11:00 – 12:00 PM - Fueling Innovation: The Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) Investments in MEPs

12:00 – 2:00 PM - Unlocking Opportunity: Programs & Funding for Small Manufacturers

Talent Pipeline Program: How to Join & Why It Matters
. The Future is Now: AI & Tech Insights from the AI Center of Excellence

2:00 – 4:00 PM - Meet the Makers: Exhibitor Showcase & Round Robin

5:00 - 7:00 PM - Executive Reception (invite only)

Day 2 – Friday, October 10 – Supplier Development Day

Ticketed | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

8:30 – 9:30 AM - Registration, Breakfast, and Networking

9:30 – 9:45 AM- Opening Ceremony: National Anthem & Color Guard

9:45 – 10:00 AM - Welcome to Philadelphia

10:00 – 10:45 AM - Driving the Future: Technology & Innovation Panel

10:45 – 11:00 AM - Networking Break

11:00 – 11:30 AM - Speaker Session: Industry Insights

11:30 – 12:15 PM - Building Tomorrow’s Talent: Workforce Panel

12:15 – 1:00 PM - Lunch Break & Pavilion Exploration

1:00 – 2:00 PM - Charting the Navy’s Industrial Future: Keynote Address - Jason Potter, Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Navy

2:00 – 2:15 PM - Break

2:15 – 3:15 PM -Distancing: Learn Your Superpower — Keynote with David Marquet, Retired U.S. Navy Captain & Bestselling Author
*The First 100 registrants will receive a signed copy of Marquet's new book Distancing*

3:15 – 3:30 PM - Closing remarks

Day 3 – Saturday, October 11 – Workforce Development Day

Open to the Public | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Activities include:

Electric Hydroplane Demonstrations - The Future of High-Speed
Innovation

60-Foot Submarine Display - Explore the Depths of Maritime
Engineering

TMG Workforce Engagement Activities

11:00 AM & 1:00 PM – Building Careers in the Navy’s Maritime Industrial Base with Carrie Curtis, Workforce Development Education Initiatives Lead, Maritime Industrial Base

Discover how the Navy is building career pathways for the next generation of innovators, makers, and problem-solvers. Explore exciting opportunities in the Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) and learn about resources available to help students, educators, and communities connect with high-demand careers that support both the Navy and America’s future workforce.

Get Involved

This is a rare, high-visibility opportunity for businesses to engage directly with Navy leadership, defense contractors, and future talent over three full days. Purchase a 10' booth and exhibit your capabilities, build relationships, and position your company at the center of the Maritime industrial Base.

Scholarships available for small businesses and startups. Contact jdonahue@dvirc.org to learn more.

RESERVE A BOOTH

Support the future of American manufacturing and align your brand with the Navy's 250th celebration. Sponsorship packages are available for all budget levels and include high-visibility branding across all three days- on-site signage, digital promotion, and recognition throughout the event.

EXPLORE SPONSORSHIP

We Build Giants

We Build Giants connects job seekers with companies currently manufacturing the U.S Navy's next-gen submarines. Our site is your launchpad for building a lasting career and taking part in this historic effort.

VISIT BUILDSUBMARINES.COM

SAVE YOUR SPOT

RSVP OCTOBER 9TH REGISTER FOR OCTOBER 10TH

Learn More about the Military and H250

Exhibitors