Small to mid-size aerospace or defense companies looking to make connections in Georgia should plan to attend SOAR April 19 and 20^th at Middle Georgia State University.

What is it?

The Supplier Opportunities and Aerospace Resources conference is an opportunity to meet new players in the industry while enjoying informative educational sessions and powerful networking possibilities in a relaxed, positive atmosphere.

What can you expect?

The entire conference agenda is focused on connecting Georgia aerospace and defense suppliers with potential partners and resources to increase their capabilities to meet the needs of the global marketplace. Attendees can expect to:

• Promote your company's capabilities to gain new business and potential business partners
• Register to participate 1:1 in Fast Pitch sessions with Airbus, Delta Air Lines, General Dynamics Electric Boat, Lockheed Martin, Meggit and more
• Network with other suppliers, buyers, and resources from across Georgia and the Southeast
• Learn new skills and develop new markets in development sessions targeted to your real-world needs

Conference attendees will also enjoy a welcome reception on the evening of the 19th and complimentary lunch on the 20th, both at no additional cost.

The Agenda

April 19, 2017

• 5:30-7:00 p.m.: Welcome reception

April 20, 2017

• 8:00-8:30 a.m.: Registration and Networking
• 8:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. - Morning Session
• 8:30-9:00 - Welcome
• 9:00-10:30 – Industry panel, Airbus, Delta Air Lines, General Dynamics Electric Boat, Lockheed Martin, Meggitt
• 10:45-12:00 - Supplier Development Sessions
• 10:45-12:00 - Speed Networking ("Fast Pitch")
• 12:15-1:30 - Lunch (and networking)
• 1:30 p.m. – 3:30p.m. - Afternoon Session
• 1:30-2:30 - Development Sessions
• 1:30-2:30 - Speed Networking ("Fast Pitch")
• 2:30-3:30 - Development Sessions
• 2:30-3:30 - Speed Networking ("Fast Pitch")

Supplier Development Sessions

Development sessions are designed to cover a range of suppliers’ most common concerns, needs, and efforts.

The "Fast Pitch"

“Fast Pitch” is a matchmaking event that allows aerospace and defense suppliers to connect with purchasing managers through one-on-one speed networking sessions. If you want to participate, the deadline to apply for “Fast Pitch” ends March 31st at 5:00 pm. By creating your "Fast Pitch" profile, all of your information is guaranteed to be presented to all of the purchasing managers. So register, put together a killer “elevator speech,” and make sure to bring plenty of business cards and brochures to share with your new connections

Purchasing managers from companies like Airbus, Delta Air Lines, General Dynamics Electric Boat, Lockheed Martin, and Meggitt will select suppliers from their Fast Pitch Profiles to meet. Sessions are limited and the final companies will be selected by the OEMs. Don't miss this opportunity to grow your business by pitching your company and products to some of the aerospace industry’s most successful businesses.

Who’s behind the SOAR conference?

• The Georgia Center of Innovation for Aerospace
• The SOAR conference is made possible by a statewide partnership of public and private organizations interested in supporting this flourishing industry, including:
• Georgia Department of Economic Development
• Georgia Tech Manufacturing Extension Partnership
• Macon Economic Development Commission
• Georgia Tech Procurement Assistance Center
• University of Georgia Small Business Development Center
• Georgia Power
• The GUARD Initiative
• The National Defense Industry Association

Don’t waste any time! To register attend the SOAR conference and enjoy all the great benefits of this unbeatable educational and networking opportunity, visit the official page today: Bit.ly/SOARMACON.