The 2019 Defense Logistics Agency Energy Worldwide Energy Conference and Tradeshow opened at the Gaylord National Hotel and Conference Center in National Harbor, Maryland, with record attendance May 20.
DLA Energy Commander Air Force Brig. Gen. Albert Miller presided at the conference opening ceremony to a crowd of more than two thousand industry professionals gathered to forge new working relationships.
"Our program today focuses on doing business with DLA Energy," Miller said. “This is an opportunity for the energy community to come together, the entire supply chain from petroleum refineries to the combatant commands.”
The 2019 WWEC theme is “Building Stronger Partnerships” and provides the opportunity for stakeholders, interagency and industry partners to gain insight into the future of energy industry.
During the three-day conference, a broad array of the energy community will collaborate in more than 100 different sessions on energy challenges facing the Department of Defense and federal agencies. Participants include representatives from petroleum refiners and brokers; providers of fuel and energy services and infrastructure providers; suppliers of natural gas, electricity, and missile propellants; providers of renewable energy; and companies providing utility services to military bases that will collaborate in more than 100 different sessions focusing on issues and challenges facing the DoD and federal agencies.
Miller recognized the support and commitment of the DoD and the industry worldwide energy supply chain and expressed his appreciation for their attendance.
“In today’s global energy market, it is even more imperative that we gather energy industry professionals from around the world to discuss how the federal government, specifically the DoD, develops strategies to meet future energy needs,” Miller said. “We are working with our partners to make the energy industry better every day.”
New at this year’s conference is an inaugural Small Business Connections session. Small businesses will have the opportunity to talk one-on-one with DLA Energy small business and acquisitions professionals. Our experts will be on hand during the Small Business Connections session to answer specific questions about what it takes to do business with DLA Energy.
“Conference attendees will have an incredible opportunity to hear top industry and military experts discuss the challenges we face, and how, by working together, we can forge ahead into the expanding energy future,” Miller added.
DLA Vice Director Mike Scott joined Miller to officially open the trade show ribbon-cutting ceremony and opening remarks.
“DLA and DLA Energy look forward to exchanging new innovative ideas as we work together to meet energy goals for the nation, DoD and most importantly, for the Warfighter and our customers,” Scott said. “I am certain that this event will enable you to explore new energy solutions and exchange valuable ideas with both government and private sector energy experts.”
Scott also highlighted the importance of DLA Energy as the DoD Executive Agent for all Bulk Petroleum.
"I am confident these next two days will be both educational and thought provoking, as we embark on an exchange of exciting energy information," Miller said.