VIP registrations go “stratospheric”

Wed 4 May 2016 @ 10:31

Take-off

MAST’s total perspective approach to covering maritime operations/technology issues has always boasted a good number of papers and exhibits relating to the air/space domain in connection to maritime/naval operations. MAST Asia in Japan (Japan’s only international defence trade-show) had a significant number of air force (JASDF) participants take part.

Following invitations from Lieutenant General Alexander Schnitger, Commander Royal Netherlands Air Force, several Chiefs of Airforce have already confirmed their participation at MAST Europe 2016 this June in Amsterdam.

Combining this with the Chiefs of Navy accepting invitations from Commander of Royal Netherlands Navy, Lietenant General (RNLMC) R. (Rob) Verkerk, this year’s VIP/delegate profile will be as diversified by domain as it is geographically.

Most importantly to regular MAST delegates/visitors and exhibitors, expansion of the VIPs acceptances in all domains will promote discussion/networking between operators and technologists from naval undersea, surface and naval-air domains enabling MAST to truly present the “total network picture” of maritime security.

Quoting the acceptance letters of just a couple of VIPs (names deliberately withheld in this news):

  • “Undoubtedly, operations in the Air and Space Domain are tightly linked to Sea environments and interconnections among domains will very likely become even more intense in the near future.”
  • “The expansion of this previously Maritime-based event to embrace more fully the inextricably linked Maritime-Air environment is indeed a real opportunity.”

So far, MAST Europe’s hosted VIPs includes some 33 senior level operators, technologists and procurement leaders from Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, UK, and USA.