Vanguard Magazine

indusTRy eventS www.vanguardcanada.com DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018 55 T his is a two-day conference that amalgamates local and interna- tional companies to provide a plat- form to discuss Canadian defence procurement, requirements, future technology trends and value proposition. It also provides ample opportunity for small- to medi- um-sized enterprises (SMEs) to network with key players in the industry. "Best Defence 2017 offered two days of ex- cellent presentations that talked about the inno- vation agenda and new programs from Innova- tion Canada, BCIP and DRDC who presented on IDEaS followed by sessions on doing busi- ness with the U.S. DoD," stated Heather Pilot, president of Pilot Hill Ltd. "CADSI President, Christyn Cianfarani, held their inaugural SME Round Table the morning of November 1, in which 20 companies were invited to participate. It was overwhelmingly positive, and there was ample discussion about the procurement pro- cess and examination of the needs of SMEs." Pilot Hill Ltd. invited all participants to take full-advantage of the B2B/I2I networking area at the conference that aimed to facilitate pre- scheduled meetings in a advantageous environ- ment. Those that attended thought it was an exceptional meeting ground to conduct busi- ness and build networks. "The Best Defence 2017 conference was a big success for us," said Jean Michel Filion, CEO of Uncharted Research and Development In- corporated (URND). "At the conference, we forged new business relationships with both key and emerging players in the defence sector. We also learned about new government programs that will be extremely helpful for us as we ma- ture our projects though the research and devel- opment phases and launch them as products on the market. Meeting face to face with the right people is still the best way to close the deal." Uncharted Research and Development Inc. featured innovative sonar technology that would ensure monitoring of every ship entering or exiting Canadian waterways. They were one of the 11 novel and innovative tech companies that made their debut at this year's Tech Show- case. Two years in the running, this showcase launched a networking platform for small- to mid-sized enterprises whose innovative ideas ranged from 3D printing, holographic weapon sight, ship hull imaging, cyber protection and drone technology. "The technology showcase provided the op- portunity for 11 novel technology companies to do a 4-minute pitch and was very well received," commented Pilot. "Quite a few of those compa- nies came away with potential and actual business opportunities." The keynote address was given by General the Hon. Andrew Leslie, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, on Canada-U.S. relations. He discussed how the relationship be- tween the two countries has been strengthened in many ways, and despite recent challenges in NAFTA, how a great deal of teamwork has emerged to bring businesses together in a non- partisan function, and how it will continue to thrive. He went on to talk about how the two economies are co-joined and have become mod- els of efficiency and integration where "our bor- ders are essentially transparent"; explaining the advantages of "thinning" the Canadian-U.S. border to "thicken" the exterior. In the General's final comments, he declared, "We're increasing defence spending because it's time, and because it's needed. It's needed not only domestically to help thicken the exterior perimeter with our friends and allies, but it's also needed internationally because Canada has a role to play in the world." There were mini outlooks given by Captain Ja- son Armstrong, Director of Naval Requirements; Colonel Nicolas Pilon, Director Land Require- ments; and Colonel Steve Chouinard, Director Air Requirements that highlighted how the long- term investments will enhance the Armed Forces' capabilities to support peace and security. "Many of the speakers who had not attended Best Defence in the past indicated that their or- ganization needs to return next year," said Pi- lot. "Others felt the conference brings together the right blend of speakers, vendors, technology showcase pitches and B2B meetings for net- working, information sharing, and best practices in a safe environment." In this modern, rapidly changing and unpre- dictable world, the Best Defence conference in- corporates integral factions of the defence com- munity to provide a secure and safe nation while becoming more engaged globally alongside con- ventional priorities. This is The sixTh yeaR since incepTion ThaT The besT defence confeRence has Taken place in london, onTaRio, and The second To have been oRganized by piloT hill lTd., a business consulTing company esTablished by heaTheR piloT ThaT specializes in connecTing businesses foR sTRaTegic paRTneRships. By Michelle currie Captain Jason Armstrong, Director Naval Requirements, gives the mini outlook from the Navy General the Hon. Andrew Leslie, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, discusses the keynote address Heather Pilot, displays one of Canada's defence vehicles Photos: Mike Taylor

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