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 | 12:00 Noon – 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 | 8:30 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."

GET YOUR TICKET

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

Joseph Welsh

Rhoads Industries, Inc.

Don Hairston

VP for Submarines & Advanced Technologies at AUSTAL USA

Cassidy Caldwell

Lead Strategic Partnerships, Education & Workforce Systems

Matt Bilsky, Ph.D., PE

Founder & CEO, Flx Solutions

Brian Deal

DVIRC Business Strategy Advisor

Sylvia Wower

DVIRC COO

Ken Jones

Co-Founder, Claritee AI

Sam Thevanayagam

CEO, DeVal Life Cycle Support

Nico Sousa Serro

DVIRC CI/Lean Consultant

Nigel Thijs

Technical Director, Naval Surface Warfare Philadelphia Division

Yolanda Mack, Ph.D.

Associate Dean, Industry Partnerships & Workforce Development, Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering, Rowan University

Chris Scafario

President & CEO, DVIRC

Jen Gilburg

Deputy Secretary, Technology & Innovation, PA-DCED

Jonathan E. Spanier

Hess Family Chair Professor and Head, Mechanical Engineering & Mechanics, Materials Science & Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Physics, Drexel University

Kyle Cobb

Advanced Manufacturing Technology Lead, NAVAIR NAWCAD LKE

Shari Sterling

Director, Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Rotary and Mission Systems, Lockheed Martin

Dr. Michael Winter

FRAeS, FAIAA – Chief Scientist, RTX

David Kim

CEO, Hanwha

Alice Langford

Lt., USN

Carrie Curtis

Lead Strategic Partnerships, Education & Workforce Systems, Maritime Industrial Base

INNOVATION PAVILION AGENDA

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