WHAT TO WATCH
Key events this week
In recent months, several Washington-area companies — including VT Group in Gaithersburg and McLean-based Science Applications International Corp. — have been beefing up their capacity for supplying pilotless aircraft to the military. But now, in light of possible cuts in defense spending, the big question is: Will the government have the same appetite for unmanned vehicles in the long-term?
That’s one issue likely to be addressed Tuesday to Friday by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International . The Arlington-based group’s Unmanned Systems North America 2011 conference is expected to draw 6,500 contracting firms, suppliers, academics and military officials from 35 countries. Participants will get an opportunity to learn about the latest unmanned technology through 500 exhibits and hear from speakers, including Wes Bush, chief executive and president of Northrop Grumman.
Still, several military officials, including Frank Kendall, principal deputy undersecretary of defense for acquisitions, technology and logistics, are expected to discuss the future of the program given the budget constraints. For those firms that already are thinking about diversifying their client base, other sessions will focus on using unmanned vehicles in nonmilitart public safety efforts, such as fighting fires.
The conference is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Pl. NW in the District.
Donald J. Trump typically generates strong feelings — either admiration from people who want to emulate his success or scorn from others who consider him a self-promoter and disdain his tactics. From Thursday to Sunday, the real estate mogul and realty TV star will be in town hosting what he calls the “Live Your American Dream” conference aimed at people who are interested in paying nearly $500 for an opportunity to sell his line of products consisting of nutritional supplements and cosmetics.
Trump, whose firm recently sparked headlines with news of its possible interest in converting the underused Old Post Office Pavilion into a luxury hotel, asserts on his Web site that the marketing venture can be a “springboard for a lifetime of wealth.” The program appears to be similar to Amway in which a person earns money based on selling the products and recruiting others to do so.
The conference is slated to begin at 8 a.m. and will also take place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
Other events of note:
MONDAY, AUG. 15 TO SUNDAY, AUG. 21
The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington is sponsoring D.C. Restaurant week, an annual event in which more than 200 eateries offer lunch and dinner discounts.
THURSDAY, AUG. 18
The Arlington Chamber of Commerce is planning its regular after-work networking event beginning at 5 p.m. at the group’s office, 6111 Arlington Blvd. in Falls Church.
— V. Dion Haynes
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