DEW SYSTEMS: THE SOLUTION TO REAL WORLD ISSUES
As the Directed Energy community continued a transition from years of Science & Technology to Programs of Record, the theme for the 2026 Systems Symposium is From Prototype to Arsenal: Delivering Directed Energy Capability to the Warfighter. View in-depth information on what to expect at a Systems event on the EVENT OVERVIEW page.
MOVING DIRECTED ENERGY FROM CONCEPT TO COMBAT
Discover what it takes to integrate, test, and field directed energy systems for critical missions. Systems Symposium brings together leaders, operators, and technical experts to explore the realities of transitioning DE technologies into operational use. Gain exclusive insight into the requirements, decisions, and challenges that shape deployment readiness. With focused sessions and high-level access, this event equips you to accelerate real-world transition.
DE TRANSITION EXPERTISE WITHIN REACH
Whether you integrate systems end to end, plan missions, evaluate readiness, or shape deployment decisions, the Systems Symposium provides you with the insights and access required for success. Designed for professionals charged with moving DE systems from concept to operational reality, it delivers content at the mission and system level. Engineers, analysts, operators, trainers, and program leaders will gain insights on ongoing activities and lessons learned from current fielding of DE systems. In order to facilitate discussions at the appropriate levels, CUI and classified information will be presented.
SYMPOSIUM HIGHLIGHTS
- Professional Development SHORT COURSES
- Tuesday All-Day Plenary Session
- System-Oriented CUI & Classified Breakout Technical Sessions
- Poster Session
- Exhibits and an Exhibitor Reception
- Tour(s)
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
TECHNICAL EXPERTS
Ideal for those designing, engineering, evaluating, or fielding DE systems.
- Military personnel interested in understanding the state-of-the-art in fieldable DE systems
- System integrators and system architects involved in subsystem and end-to-end solutions
- Engineers focused on lethality, reliability, safety, logistics, or interoperability, and fielding
- Those interested in understanding and influencing the policy and legal issues surrounding the operational use of DE weapons
OPERATIONAL PERSONNEL
Perfect for individuals preparing to use or support DE systems in the field.
- Operators and mission planners interested in or preparing for fielded DE capabilities
- Operators interested in TTP and CONOPS development for DE capabilities
- Trainers developing DE operational training requirements and sustainment activities
DECISION MAKERS
Suited for leaders determining the future of DE technology.
- Military personnel involved in identifying operational needs and possible solutions, and associated mission-planning activities
- Program managers overseeing development or transition of DE systems
- Those developing and conduction DE-related Mission Planning modeling & simulation
- Stakeholders evaluating readiness and operational viability
- Those guiding policy, legal, acquisition, or deployment activities
- Military and civilian personnel involved in the future integration of DE weapons along with existing kinetic capabilities in combat
INDUSTRY AND INTEGRATION
For companies and technical teams building, subsystems, or seeking collaboration.
- Industry partners involved in lethality investigations, or in search of lethality requirements to help guide system requirements understanding to help guide IRAD investments
- Industry partners develop developing DE components or supporting technology, and full-up DE systems
- Teams exploring integration teaming opportunities with the greater DE community
Event Committee
SYMPOSIUM CO-CHAIRS
- Bonnie Johnson
- George Che
DEPS Committee
SYMPOSIUM COORDINATOR
- Cynnamon Spain
REGISTRATION & PAYMENTS
- Raheela Bokhari
TECHNICAL PROGRAM COORDINATOR & PRESENTATIONS AND RELEASES
- Devona Valdez
SHORT COURSES
- Melissa McCrary
SECURITY
- Heather Chacon