Crossing the Atlantic: Lessons learned from and for European small innovators entering the US Defence market

16 Apr 2026
New Horizons Theatre

Attendees will gain candid, practical insights into how allied innovation can enter and thrive in the U.S. defense ecosystem. The discussion will benefit small innovators considering expansion, U.S. acquisition professionals seeking to accelerate allied capabilities, and primes aiming to strengthen international partnerships.

Chairperson
Gary Waterfall CBE DL
Air Vice-Marshal (Retd.) Gary Waterfall CBE DL, Senior Defence Advisor - Clarion Defence & Security
Speakers
Eric Hannis J.D.
SES-2 Eric Hannis J.D., Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Strategy & Acquisition Reform) - Department of US Army
Greg Kolean
Greg Kolean, President - PBDC Federal Group
Niall Campion
Niall Campion, Managing Director - VRAI
Wink Bennett
Wink Bennett, Sr Tech Advisor Mod and Sim Eng SME - DAF Chief Modeling and Simulation Office HAF/SAF/SAM, KBR