AeroDef Manufacturing 2018: How Real is Your Mixed Reality? January 24, 2018 by SME Communications Conference and exhibition returns to Long Beach in March 2018 (LONG BEACH, Calif.) – SME’s AeroDef Manufacturing event will bring together the leading companies and executives from aerospace and defense manufacturing to explore current technologies and coming trends March 26 to 29 at the Long Beach Convention Center. This annual technical conference and exhibition not offers only an up-close look at solutions for aerospace and defense manufacturers, but also provides compelling presentations and unique content synonymous with and available only at AeroDef. Manufacturing in the Age of Artificial Intelligence Artificial Intelligence is transforming the aerospace and defense industry. On March 28, Michael Grieves, PhD, executive director, Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Innovative Design, Florida Institute of Technology, will moderate a discussion on the latest artificial intelligence (AI) thinking, what the state of AI technology currently is and how it is progressing. The panel will focus on AI’s application to aerospace and defense, both in the products themselves and in the manufacturing equipment and methods to produce those products. Immerse Yourself in Mixed Reality AeroDef is showcasing mixed reality this year. Attendees have a chance to be a part of live, participative demonstrations of augmented and virtual reality technologies in the Mixed Reality Solution Center. Starting from design engineering all the way through maintenance and repair, participants can test capabilities and see firsthand the benefits of these technologies. Additionally, attendees are encouraged to join the Mixed Reality in Manufacturing panel discussion on Tuesday, March 28 to learn how leading companies are applying the technologies throughout the supply chain. AeroDef Manufacturing also features multiple panels, workshops, facility tours, networking receptions and 100+ technical sessions. Early-bird ticket rates end on Feb. 23. To learn more, visit aerodefevent.com. There, you can view the event schedule and see the list of exhibitors and speakers. Get involved in the conversation before the event by following AeroDef on Facebook, @AeroDefMfg on Twitter or joining the discussions on LinkedIn. About AeroDef Manufacturing AeroDef Manufacturing is a leading technical conference and exposition for the aerospace and defense manufacturing industry. Produced by SME, in partnership with industry OEMs, its mission is to foster innovation across the extended enterprise to reduce costs, expedite production times and maintain U.S. competitiveness in the global economy. Learn more at aerodefevent.com. About SME SME connects manufacturing professionals, academia and communities, sharing knowledge and resources to build inspired, educated and prosperous manufacturers and enterprises. With more than 85 years of experience and expertise in events, media, membership, training and development, and also through an education foundation, SME is committed to promoting manufacturing technology, developing a skilled workforce and attracting future generations to advance manufacturing. Learn more at sme.org, follow @SME_MFG on Twitter or facebook.com/SMEmfg. ### If you have questions about the press release or need additional information, please contact SME Public Relations at communications@sme.org.