5TH ANNUAL DEFENSE NEWS CONFERENCE There’s a lot new about this year’s Defense News conference, now in its fifth year. There’s a new administration in town with new priorities and plans. Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks will speak on how the Defense Department is repositioning and rethinking its approach. Defense News has a newly redesigned website and a few more changes are on the way. We think our new look will help you find and enjoy more of our stories and better understand the breadth of our coverage. I’m also new. I joined the team as editor in late July and have been getting to know the talented staff here and how the work gets done. I have spent nearly 15 years covering defense and have already been impressed by my inside look at Defense News. The reporters, editors and staff here are knowledgeable, hardworking and eager to make sure readers are getting the latest and most comprehensive news on defense technology, policies and spending. This conference is a testament to that effort. We’ve gathered many of the top officials from the Pentagon and the military services, as well as some of the Defense Department officials leading the effort to find new technologies and companies. The Defense News conference is a unique opportunity to understand their priorities, the path forward and the potential challenges. We hope you enjoy it and learn something new. Marjorie Censer Editor, Defense News 3 I DEFENSE NEWS CONFERENCE