SPADA

Learn. Connect. Advance.

Through showcases, executive forums and focused initiatives, SPADA gives partners real access to strategic relationships, industry insight and the resources that support growth.

Current

One Region. One Mission.

November 12 flyer: SPADA to host, in collaboration with DTI x BR-DGE and SpaceWERX. One Region. One Mission. Powering the next era of aerospace and defense in Southern California. Presentation: U.S. Space Force / SpaceWERX. Moderator: Chris Pimentel, Mayor, City of El Segundo. Panel 01, Competing in California: Mark Taylor, Boeing; Joe Ahn, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics; Senator Bob Archuleta, California State Senate; Dustin McDonald, California GO-Biz. Panel 02, Strengthening the Region: Bridget Hopkins, TOMI Engineering; Gina Woullard, Northrop Grumman; Ryan Reid, Boeing Defense, Space and Security; speaker to be announced from Lockheed Martin. Thursday, November 12, 2026, 2:00pm to 5:30pm, 777 Aviation Way, El Segundo, CA 90245. QR code to register. Members $50, non-members $75. Thank you to our sponsors, led by title sponsors TA Aerospace and Kathryn Barger. QR code: register for November 12 at spadalliance.org/services/p/nov12registrationScan to registerPoint your phone camera at the code, or tap it.

SPADA to host, in collaboration with DTI x BR‑DGE and SpaceWERX

Join regional aerospace and defense leaders as they tackle the issues that matter most to Southern California’s A&D industrial base: workforce, supply-chain resiliency, manufacturing capacity, and innovation, so companies can grow and compete in California.

Time
2:00pm to 5:30pm
Location
777 Aviation Way
El Segundo, CA 90245
Program

  • U.S. Space Force / SpaceWERX Presentation

  • Chris Pimentel Moderator

    Mayor, City of El Segundo

Panel 01: Competing in California (the policy landscape shaping A&D business)

  • Mark Taylor

    Senior Director, State Advocacy & Global Engagement, Boeing

  • Joe Ahn

    Director, Government Relations, Advanced Systems Programs, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics

  • Senator Bob Archuleta

    Chair, Senate Military & Veterans Affairs Committee, California State Senate

  • Dustin McDonald

    Business Development Manager, LA & Orange Counties, California GO-Biz

Panel 02: Strengthening the Region (workforce, supply chain, manufacturing, innovation)

  • Bridget Hopkins

    Vice President, Business Development, TOMI Engineering

  • Gina Woullard

    Vice President, Manufacturing Operations, Northrop Grumman

  • Ryan Reid

    Vice President & Deputy, Space Mission Systems, Boeing Defense, Space & Security

  • Speaker to be announced

    Lockheed Martin

Register now Download the flyer Add to calendar Get directions

Members $50, non-members $75. Member tickets are confirmed at check-in.

Upcoming

Coming events

  1. Coming soon

    Spring, date to be announced

    Spring Workforce Summit

    At College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita. Details are coming soon.

    Get the announcement
  2. Coming soon

    Date to be announced

    Scholarship and Community Aerospace Awards Evening

    Recognizing the students, educators and companies moving the regional industry forward, and awarding the year's SPADA scholarships.

    Get the announcement
  3. Coming soon

    Year end

    Affiliate and Sponsor Appreciation Gathering

    A thank-you to the members and Corporate Circle sponsors who carried the year, under the lights on the apron.

    Become a sponsor first
Past

Where we have been

  1. Advanced Manufacturing and Defense Showcase at Machina Labs
    Held, sold out

    Advanced Manufacturing and Defense Showcase at Machina Labs

    Industry leaders, government partners and academia on the robotics floor at Machina Labs, with SpaceWERX guidance on engaging U.S. Space Force programs.

  2. Held

    Aerospace Valley Career Fair at Boeing Plant 1

    SPADA took part in the 32nd annual Aerospace Valley Career Fair, A Salute to Youth, busing students to meet more than 50 exhibitors.

  3. Held

    SPADA launch event

    Students met U.S. Congressman George Whitesides and OJ Sanchez, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, in an open Q&A on aerospace careers and policy.

The full record on our impact page

From the floor

SPADA members touring the Machina Labs robotics floor Advanced Manufacturing and Defense Showcase at Machina Labs Networking at a SPADA event Panel discussion at a SPADA event Audience at a SPADA presentation

Questions

Who can become a member?

SPADA has a place for students, professionals, industry leaders and companies. See the membership levels for how to get involved.

How do I become a member?

Sign up on the membership page, or write to info@spadalliance.org and a board member will follow up.

How can I donate?

Use the donate page, or contact us at info@spadalliance.org.

What are the benefits of joining?

Strategic networking with aerospace and defense decision-makers, access to regional supply chains and partnership opportunities, executive briefings, roundtables and technical forums, a stronger talent pipeline, and brand visibility within a trusted, mission-aligned alliance.