Bringing together the test and evaluation community helping to field the next generation of directed energy capabilities. With prototyping and experimentation efforts growing at a rapid pace, this event explores how T&E reveals performance gaps, accelerates system maturation, and shapes operationally realistic development. Keynotes, panels, and technical sessions unite to examine challenges, uncover solutions, and chart the future of DE test and evaluation.
CONNECTING AND LEADING THE T&E COMMUNITY
If you work anywhere along the test, experimentation, or prototyping pipeline, this is the place to engage, learn, and help build the infrastructure needed for tomorrow’s operational environment. Test and Evaluation experts, engineers, analysts, program managers, developers, range personnel, and acquisition stakeholders will all find content tailored to their mission. Educators, students, and anyone interested in the evolving role of T&E in accelerating DE capability development will also benefit from the depth and collaboration this event offers.
RAPID DEVELOPMENT AND DEPLOYMENT OF DIRECTED ENERGY TECHNOLOGY
The 2026 DE Test & Evaluation Joint Conference on T&E Support to Prototyping and Experimentation was focused on "Rapid Development and Deployment of Directed Energy Technology". This event, jointly sponsored by DEPS and the International Test & Evaluation Association, leveraged the DoW vision set forth 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. The conference and its short courses were comprised of unclassified and classified sessions. Some sessions were open only to employees of the U.S. Government or its contractors, or employees of the Department of War or its contractors.
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 Middle and High Schools
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
TEST & EVALUATION PROFESSIONALS
Ideal for individuals conducting or supporting DE-related test activities.
- T&E personnel across government, industry, and academia
- Specialists engaged in structured test design and execution
ENGINEERS & DATA ANALYSTS
For technical teams developing T&E capabilities, or generating and interpreting performance insights.
- Scientists and engineers developing novel capabilities to support future DE-related T&E testing
- Engineers supporting design-of-experiment techniques and conducting DE T&E testing
- Analysts involved in data collecting, modeling, and analysis
PROGRAM & TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP
Perfect for those driving DE system development and ensuring those systems meet the requirements of the warfighters.
- Program managers developing and maturing DE technologies
- Stakeholders directing verification strategies and milestones
- Requirements and acquisition stakeholders
DEVELOPERS & INFRASTRUCTURE TEAMS
For those enabling real world performance assessment.
- Developers seeking T&E verification and methodology requirements
- Range operations and infrastructure personnel
EDUCATION & FUTURE CONTRIBUTORS
A broader community connected to the future of DE.
- STEM/STEAM educators, and students
- Anyone interested in T&E’s evolving role in accelerated DE development
Event Committee
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
DEPS Committee
EVENT COORDINATOR
- Cynnamon Spain
REGISTRATION & PAYMENTS
- Raheela Bokhari
TECHNICAL PROGRAM COORDINATOR & PRESENTATIONS AND RELEASES
- Devona Valdez
SHORT COURSES
- Melissa McCrary
SECURITY
- Heather Chacon