The Air & Space Conference and Technology Exhibition 2008, with 35 speakers and more than 130 exhibits of the latest in aerospace and defense technology, along with the coinciding Air Force Association’s National Convention, wrapped up Sept. 17 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C.

An acclaimed list of speakers topped a packed schedule of events. The Conference was led off with the State of the Force address by Acting Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, and concluded with a Four Star Forum of leaders of the Air Force Major Commands.

At the Conference’s center was an important speech by Chief of Staff General Norton Schwartz on the theme of “Keeping the Promise.” General Schwartz commended the contributions of our nation’s Airmen, expanded on their vital role in the Global War on terror and other global missions, and said there will be additional steps ahead to keep the nation’s trust.

Other highlights of the three-day event included Assistant Secretary of Defense Michael Vickers and Central Intelligence Agency Director Michael Hayden. There were a variety of panel discussions, forums, professional development workshops, news conferences with senior Air Force leaders and countless networking opportunities. Journalist Peter Baker, Google’s Neil Daswani and best-selling author Dale Brown added to the prestigious line-up of defense and aerospace experts and academics speaking at the Conference.

Be sure to mark your calendars for our next Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition 2009, 14-16 September, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center