DIRECTED ENERGY PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY DE Test & Evaluation Joint Conference 18-21 May 2026 Albuquerque, New Mexico       Overview Background Conference Contacts Short Courses Attendee Info Location & Hotel Registration & Fees Companions Security Local Weather Presenter Info Call for Papers Submit an Abstract Promotional Opportunities Exhibits Sponsorships Catered Events Advertising   A Joint DEPS - ITEA Event The 2026 DE Test & Evaluation Joint Conference on T&E Support to Prototyping and Experimentation will focus on "Rapid Development and Deployment of Directed Energy Technology". Albuquerque Skyline This joint DEPS/ITEA conference leverages the DoD vision setforth in the DoD Prototyping Guidebook and the recent significant increases in prototyping and experimentation efforts to explore the role of T&E in prototyping, experimentation and other developmental activities. Key plenary speakers, panel discussions, and technical sessions will work together to identify challenges, solutions, innovations and a future state; all contributing to moving us closer to the creation of an infrastructure and principles conducive to testing and training in a more operationally realistic environment. This event is jointly sponsored by DEPS and the International Test & Evaluation Association. Conference Highlights Esteemed Speakers Technical Breakout Sessions at Open, CUI and Classified levels Exhibit Hall Professional Development Short Courses and Tutorials STEAMhack Challenge featuring teams from area High Schools Esteemed Speakers Chris Behre Director (Acting), JDETIM OUSW (R&E) Link to Bio Kelly Hammett Director & Program Executive Officer Space RCO Link to Bio Erin Pettyjohn Information & Spectrum Warfare Director AFRL/RF Hi-sing E. Silen Senior Test Integrator JIATF 401 Link to Bio Additional Esteemed Speakers Jim Gillies, Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic, N82 Timothy Anthony, PEO IWS 11   Tour of AV Facility's LOCUST Site DEPS has arranged guided tours of the AV facility, where the LOCUST Laser Weapon System (LWS) is manufactured and tested. This visit offers attendees a firsthand look at the end-to-end lifecycle of a directed energy system - including component integration, system assembly, and validation processes. Participants will be able to observe key stages of production and testing, gaining insight into performance verification and operational readiness considerations unique to high-energy laser systems. Designed to complement the technical sessions, the tour provides practical exposure to how advanced LWS capabilities are developed, refined, and prepared for deployment. Date: Two Tours on May 18 at 0900 or 1400 Location: AV DE facilities: 1300 Eubank Blvd SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico. No transportation provided, approx. 15 min drive to location Tour duration: 30-60 minutes Hosted by: Patchen Toser-Whitty, AV, Optical Engineer III, a key contributor to the design, build, testing, deployment, and sustainment of AV's LOCUST systems. Register for the tour when you complete your online registration or email Cynnamon Spain to get on the list. Note the tour is for U.S. Citizens Only Training Simulation on AV's LOCUST LWS The hands-on training simulation will focus on the operation and tactical employment of AV's LOCUST Laser Weapon Systems (LWS). Participants will be immersed in realistic engagement scenarios that replicate contemporary operational environments, including counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), sensor capabilities, and dynamic threat response. Attendees will interact with a high-fidelity simulation framework designed to model beam control, tracking, and neutralizing targets. The training emphasizes decision-making under operational stress, system safety protocols, and coordination across multi-domain platforms. Participants will gain practical insight into LWS performance trade-offs, rules of engagement, and mission planning considerations. By bridging theoretical concepts with experiential learning, this session aims to enhance operator readiness and inform best practices for the deployment and sustainment of directed energy capabilities in modern defense contexts. Date: May 20, 2026 1730 - 1830 Location: Carlsbad Room, Marriott Hotel Register for the tour when you complete your online registration or email Cynnamon Spain to get on the list. Seats are limited Note simulation is for U.S. Citizens Only Overview Agenda   Monday, 18 May Morning & afternoon Short Courses Morning & afternoon AV Locust Site Tour   Tuesday, 19 May AM Keynote and plenary speakers PM Technical Track sessions Morning & afternoon Exhibit hours Evening Exhibitor Reception     Wednesday, 20 May AM Invited speakers & STEAM Competition PM Technical Track sessions Morning & afternoon Exhibit Hall hours Evening AV Locust Simulation Training   Thursday, 21 May Space-Related DE Panel Classified Track session Conference adjourns   Conference Contacts     Conference Co-Chairs   Patchen Toser-Whitty, Michael Barton       Technical Co-Chairs   Zack George, Themistoklis "Tim" Andreadis       DOW and Service Experimentation and Prototyping Campaigns and Test Results   Zack George       T&E Capabilities for DE   Sean Ross       Testing Considerations for AI/ML Integration in Prototype Systems   Bonnie Johnson       Targets and Instrumentation for HEL and HPM Testing and Experimentation   Andrew Hall       HPM Sources & Sensors   Jeff Schleher       Atmospheric Characterization and Effects   Don Harris       Offsite Session   Christopher Wilcox       Technical Program Coordinator   Devona Valdez (505) 998-4910 devona@deps.org       Short Course/Tutorial Chair   Melissa McCrary (505) 998-4910 melissa@deps.org       Exhibits & Sponsorships   Cynnamon Spain (505) 998-4910 cynnamon@deps.org     Jenna Reza (505) 998-4910 jenna@itea.org       Conference Coordinator   Cynnamon Spain (505) 998-4910 cynnamon@deps.org       Registration and Receipts   Raheela Bokhari (505) 998-4910 raheela@deps.org       Security   Heather Chacon (505) 998-4910 Heather@deps.org       Presentations and Release Forms   Devona Valdez devona@deps.org     Copyright © Directed Energy Professional Society   DHTML/JavaScript Menus by OpenCube   DEPS Policies and Terms of Use Last updated: 25 April 2026