The Aerospace Event will provide A&D industry suppliers and stakeholders with a top-level, confidential, informative, and exclusive venue for executives to learn and exchange ideas on common concerns and new developments in our rapidly-changing industry.
Our second event in 2026 will provide impactful, strategic discussions and contemporary debates on defense budgets, policy, RDT&E and procurement trends, tariffs and geopolitics.
Knowledge is essential. Intelligence is vital. Reengage and enhance your network. Join us in Beverly Hills, CA and secure your future success!
The Aerospace Event connects leaders in the global aerospace and defense industry by facilitating collaboration and modern thinking through spirited discussions, debates and experiences, to fuel thought leadership, drive interaction and relationships to achieve successful advancement in the industry.
Beverly Wilshire
Monday & TuesdayMarch 2-3, 2026


Hear from top leaders across the globe discuss important topics, market intelligence and viewpoints within the Aerospace & Defense industry.
SEE COMPLETE LIST OF SPEAKERS
Mr. Juan Carlos Ortiz has integral responsibilities over the management and P&L of the engineering business of Aernnova. Mr. Ortiz has a successful track record of over 30 years working in international aerospace programs with experience in areas such as Engineering, Business Development, Program Management, Supply Chain, Strategic Planning, Risk Management, M&A and Business Administration. Among prior leadership roles, he served for four years as Aernnova's corporate Senior Vice President of Customers & Business Development in North America, responsible for the global planning, business intelligence & marketing, and business development initiatives at group level. Prior to this role, he was the President and Managing Director of Aernnova Engineering USA, where he led the start-up and development of all engineering activities of Aernnova in North America. Also, he has served as CEO and Managing Director of a start-up company devoted to the design, development, certification and production of Light Sport Aircraft for the USA market. Before assuming those positions, he held engineering and management positions at Gamesa Aeronáutica. His career began at Boeing in Seattle as a stress engineer for the 737 NG and 757 programs and over the years has had the opportunity to participate in the design, development, certification, production and management of large aerostructures for many commercial aircraft programs and customers including Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Embraer, General Electric, Goodrich, Pilatus, and Sikorsky among others. Mr. Ortiz has been a key member of the multidisciplinary team in charge of the negotiations and acquisition of several companies in the USA and in Spain dedicated to the manufacturing, engineering and final processing of composite structures and metallic components.

Mr. Chris Stone has held a wide range of leadership positions at public companies, with a focus in manufacturing and supply chain management, business operations, production control, logistics and organizational transformation. Most recently, he served as Vice President & Chief Supply Chain Officer at Lockheed Martin from 2021 to 2024. Prior to joining Lockheed Martin, he was Vice President, Supply Chain & Material Management at Aerojet Rocketdyne from 2018 to 2021, and previously held various management positions at Textron companies, including Textron Marine & Land System and Bell Helicopter from 2005 to 2018.

Ms. Leslie Suffredini is the President of Consolidated Aerospace Manufacturing (CAM), within Stanley Black & Decker's STANLEY Engineered Fastening (SEF) business. CAM is a leading strategic partner in the supply of aerospace fasteners, fittings and engineered products. CAM's brands include Bristol, Aerofit, Voss, 3V Fasteners, Moeller, QRP, E.A. Patten (EAP), Prikos & Becker and Panalok. Ms. Suffredini has led the CAM team since joining the business in 2022 and has over 20 years of experience in the Aerospace industry. Prior to joining Stanley Black & Decker, she served as a Director of Operations for Howmet Aerospace, a global leader in engineered metal products. Over the course of her career, she has held positions across operations, with experience in quality assurance, engineering and multi-site plant operations.

Mr. Bruce Breckenridge is Founder and CEO of Enjet Aero, a leading supplier of critical machined and fabricated parts to the major engine OEMs of the A&D industry, specializing in complex components and assemblies for both commercial and military aircraft engines. Prior to founding Enjet Aero, he was a Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of Valent Aerostructures (acquired by LMI Aerospace), as well as Founder and CEO of the predecessor platform business that became Valent. Mr. Breckenridge has over 20 years of experience working in and with aerospace and defense-related businesses. His career began at Ernst & Young LLP, working more than eight years in the Entrepreneurial Services group.

Mr. Allen Paxson is responsible for the development of the company's commercial product strategies. Working closely with today's customers, products and partners, he assures that product strategies for the future are integrated into GE's enterprise ambitions. Mr. Paxson joined GE Aerospace in 1984 and has advanced through the Engineering organization, holding roles in new materials, advanced processes, structural design, new product certifications, and leadership of a global engineering team. As a product line general manager for both Commercial and Military programs at GE Aerospace, he was responsible for engine product operations, advanced marketing, airplane integration, and certification of the widebody GE90 and GEnx products. Mr. Paxson served as general manager for the Regional Engines & Services where he led product strategy, production, product support, and services for GE's CF34, Passport, and CT7 engine families. As general manager of GE's Military Turbofan and Turbojet Department, he oversaw GE's large military engines and tanker transport applications of GE and CFM commercial engines and oversaw the technical field programs, engine services & upgrade strategies, foreign military sales, and business partnerships. Prior to this appointment, he served as Vice President of CFM International. From 2014-2021, he was a member of the CFM Board of Directors and the primary interface for GE with its joint venture partner SAFRAN from. During this period, he played the key leadership role in the certification, production, and entry into service of the LEAP-1A, -1B and -1C engines. In 2018, he and the executive leadership of CFM launched an adjacent CFM technology maturation project to position CFM for the future narrowbody market and externally launched the new "RISE" program in 2020.

Mr. Tom Gentile assumed the position of CEO and President in May 2024 and was appointed as Chairman of the company's Board of Directors in December 2024. Prior to joining Hexcel, he served as President and CEO of Spirit AeroSystems, a global supplier of structures for commercial aerospace and defense platforms. Previously, he spent 19 years at GE. Mr. Gentile served as President and Chief Operating Officer of GE Capital, a $650 billion financial services institution. Before this role, he was President and CEO of GE Healthcare Systems, a $14 billion diagnostic imaging and medical device business. Also, he served as President and CEO of GE Aviation Services, a $7 billion global enterprise providing maintenance, repair, and overhaul as well as spare parts to GE Aviation's global fleet of jet engines for commercial airlines. His career began at GE in 1998, holding a succession of leadership roles across GE Capital in the U.S., France, and Australia. Earlier in his career, he held leadership and strategy roles with McKinsey & Company, U.S. broadcaster CBS, and General Motors.

"The A&D industry has been severely lacking a top-level, informative event for the middle-tier. The team at AeroLambda Group is uniquely qualified to provide the premiere events that the industry needs."

"Aerospace conferences that address OEM concerns have proliferated, but a considerable gap remains for an event that gets the right people in the right space with the right agenda. The Aerospace Event is that event."

"No one knows how to produce a premier aerospace event like Joanna Speed. This conference will undoubtedly be an industry smash hit for years to come — just like all of Joanna's conferences!"











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Three Pivotal Discussion Panels
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Join us in Washington, DC this fall!
Read moreThe Aerospace Event - Beverly Hills will be held on March 2-3, 2026. This premier event for professionals in the A&D industry is not to be missed. This is the perfect place to learn about the latest trends and connect with key decision-makers. Be sure to register today!
Please contact us with any questions about attending, promotional or speaking opportunities.