AFCEA sets dates for New Horizons Symposium Published Dec. 18, 2007 By J.C. Corcoran 66th air Base Wing Public Affairs HANSCOM AFB, Mass. -- The Lexington-Concord Chapter of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association, in conjunction with the Electronic Systems Center, will hold its annual New Horizons Symposium Jan. 23 and 24 at the Newton Marriott Hotel, Newton, Mass. Held annually since 1996, this yearly symposium has provided a forum for the Electronic Systems Center to exchange information with industry on new business directions and specific business opportunities. As part of the symposium, the Electronic Systems Center commander, Lt. Gen. Ted Bowlds, is currently scheduled to present the annual "State of ESC" address at a breakfast meeting on Jan. 23. "Maintaining open, positive communications with our industry partners is vital to the success of our mission," General Bowlds wrote in his guidance letter to managers. "New Horizons provides a forum to discuss issues such as acquisition reforms, program opportunities, and the potential of new technologies and processes. As always, it is vital that we share our collective lessons learned and innovative ideas," he said. Chapter President Joyce Sidopoulos said the symposium, "provides a forum for ESC to exchange information with industry on current and future business plans and will focus on specific and emerging new business." Plans for this year's symposium include discussions on how the Air Force is modernizing for the 21st Century. "We're focusing this year's symposium with laser-like intensity on the warfighter and technologies for the 21st century," said government liaison Ed Bohn. "We're confident that our panel discussions, our special presentations and the traditional ESC program briefings and state of ESC address by the ESC commander will spur both dialogue and innovation, all of which will result in an ESC-industry team that's better prepared to address and close capability gaps essential to our warfighter needs in 2008 and beyond," he said. According to Ms. Sidopoulos, "The symposium offers ESC an opportunity to get out a consistent message to all of industry at the same time and better prepares industry to partner with and take on ESC's work. Our keynote address and panel of distinguished Air Force senior officials will offer a variety of perspectives on this year's theme, 'Technology for the 21st Century Warfighter,'" she said. On tap this year, as part of the Warfighter Perspective, Air Force 2nd Lt. Gabe Brown, who fought in the Battle of Anaconda in Afghanistan will relate some of his experiences. Lieutenant Brown, before receiving his commission in the Air Force, served as a staff sergeant and a combat controller. Attendance to this year's event is limited and reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-serve basis. Early registration is highly encouraged. "The members of AFCEA have worked hard to put together what promises to be another world class event," said Sidopoulos. "Without their hard work and dedication, ESC would not have this single, large forum to easily and readily share information with industry," she said. For AFCEA members who are active duty military and government civilians, the registration fee is $165. Non-members $185. For industry, the registration fee is $480 for AFCEA members and $525 for non-members. For those wishing to attend only the State of ESC address on Jan. 23, the cost is $30 for Industry members and $15 for government. Separate registration and tickets are required to attend the breakfast. For more information or for on-line registration, go to the chapter's Web site at www.afceaboston.com.