The Black Hills Defense and Industry Symposium is coming to The Box Elder Convention Center, April 10- 11, 2024. This annual event will bring leaders of academia, research, industry, military, and the Black Hills communities together for meaningful dialogue on the importance of defense investment in western South Dakota. Leaders will discuss how attendees can contribute to solutions for stronger national defense and bolstered regional economic development.
The 2024 Symposium will feature high level discussions and breakout sessions regarding PFOS/PFOA, critical minerals, Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), and partnerships between general contractors, military family quality of life, and the DOD, along with important information regarding the B21. We encourage all Black Hills residents to register and attend.
The Symposium will officially kick off on April 10th, following preliminary PFOS/PFOA and War Games sessions at 4:30pm, open to all attendees. Following the opening presentation, all guests and dignitaries are invited to the South Dakota School of Mines Welcome Reception, beginning at 5pm.
The Perils of Theater Nuclear Escalation War Games will feature panels of participants actively participating in a war game simulation. Panels will consist of military and civilian panelists. Simulation will demonstrate the complexity of a potential conflict with a peer nation and the challenges the United States would encounter.
Thursday brings a full day of discussions around defense entrepreneurship, development, national security, military quality of life, critical minerals, and local defense industry opportunities. Featured speakers will include members of the US Congress, South Dakota National Guard, and the US Air Force.
The event will include many industry vendors, highly desired door prized drawings, and special off-property events Thursday evening, which include a tour to Mt. Rushmore with dinner or a guided tour of the South Dakota Mines Lab.
The Black Hills Defense & Industry Symposium is brought to you by many key sponsors and supporters who believe in the importance of community engagement and growth.
Ticket includes access to all sessions, including pre-symposium sessions, both days of the event.
Mission
The Black Hills Defense & Industry Symposium is a 2-day long regional conference featuring discussions around defense entrepreneurship, development, national security, military quality of life, critical minerals, and local industry opportunities. We feature key leaders from the US Congress, Department of Defense, US Air Force, National Guard, US Army Corps of Engineers, and many more. We expect approximately 500 attendees at this event. This is an opportunity to be a part of a premier event focused on the growing defense industry of the area.
Events
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
4:30-5:00pm
5:00-7:00pm
In-depth pre-symposium sessions, April 10. Open to all symposium attendees.
8:30-4:00pm
1:00-4:00pm
Thursday, April 11, 2024
7:00am
8:00am
8:15am
9:00am
10:00am
11:00am
12:00pm
1:30pm
2:30pm
3:30pm
4:00pm-5:00pm
5:30pm
