NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. –
The 2024 Defense Logistics Agency Energy Worldwide Conference is underway at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, April 22-24.
Thousands of new and past attendees line up to get their name badges and start their journey through more than 100 breakout sessions. The conference, a first since 2019, is anticipated to reach new heights in coming days as engagements with industry stakeholders and customers will play an essential role in the success of collaborative partnerships.
“We’re here to answer questions. Use this opportunity to meet people, to grown networks, and to grow connections,” said DLA Energy Commander Navy Capt. Brian Anderson.
He encouraged conference goers to get engaged, get involved, and be curious.
“We need to do a better job with the two-way lines of communication with industry,” Anderson said. “This is not just DLA Energy’s journey over the next five or 10 years; we share this journey.”
The 2024 WWEC is a leading event for anyone involved in the energy supply chain sector. The conference draws high-level Department of Defense employees, contractors, and top industry experts to discuss current trends and initiatives in the petroleum, aerospace and renewable energy fields.
Air Force Master Sgt. Lance Giles is attending WWEC for first time. The fuel management specialist stationed at Travis Air Force Base, California, said he’s wanted to attend the conference for years.
“The conference provides an opportunity to foster relationships for improved communication between my organization and DLA Energy along with putting a face to a name regarding our industry partners who support our operations,” Giles said. “For mission support and execution, it’s important to know who my DLA points of contacts are to facilitate future operations.”
The 2024 WWEC is also an opportunity for industry professionals to gain insight about energy challenges and DLA Energy’s strategic path forward. The conference’s networking sessions aim to amplify the importance and value of networking for building and maintaining relationships with industry partners.
Doug Henry is a former DLA Energy Chief of Staff and is currently the operations senior manager for General Dynamics Information Technology.
“The great thing about the conference is that it’s like a family reunion,” Henry said. “You have an opportunity to further connect and build relationships with people you haven’t seen in a long time.”
For the retired Army colonel with 30 years of service, he said meeting with various government and industry partners is key to aiding with finding solutions to support the warfighter.
“By partnering together, we can best meet the department’s challenges,” Henry said. “We can’t do it alone.”
Visit the WWEC website for more information about the schedule of events.