WEST 2020 Sponsorship and Branding Opportunities


AFCEA and the U.S. Naval Institute have developed an enhanced sponsorship program for WEST 2020 that will offer maximum visibility to those who participate! What better way to make sure you stand out and increase your exposure than at this foremost event in which industry leaders can learn about military requirements and connect with decision makers and operators, where senior military and government officials can gain feedback from sea service warfighters, and where industry thought leaders will discuss and demonstrate sea service solutions? Sponsorship opportunities are offered at a several investment levels, ensuring your ability to participate.

Browse available options below, or jump to specific categories: Patron Packages, Individual Sponsorships, Advertising Opportunities, Branding Opportunities.

About WEST Conference


WEST imageThe premier naval conference and exposition on the West Coast, WEST is now in its 30th year of bringing military and industry leaders together. Co-sponsored by AFCEA International and the U.S. Naval Institute, WEST is the only event in which the makers of platforms and the designers of technologies can network, discuss and demonstrate their solutions in a single locale.

One recurring highlight of WEST is a town hall discussion among the Chief of Naval Operations, the Marine Corps Commandant and Coast Guard Commandant. In addition to the main program, WEST offers three Engagement Theaters: Marine, General, and Information Warfare. These smaller, more intimate venues allow military, government and industry professionals to drill deeper into specific topics and issues. More information about WEST speakers and panel presentations is available online.

WEST Frequently Asked Questions

  Who attends WEST?

Click here to view the 2019 Verified Attendee report.

WEST connects the industry professionals who design and build the platforms, equipment and weapons with the designers of communications and technical systems. To complete their missions successfully, more than 150,000 professionals in the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard who live in the San Diego area depend on the open discussions and valuable networking WEST provides.

Senior military and government officials talk directly to the operators to gain valuable feedback directly from them. Industry leaders attend because they can connect with decision makers and operators over the three-day event.

  When and where does WEST take place?

The event takes place March 2-3, 2020, at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California.

  Visiting the Exhibit Hall

Exhibit Hours
Monday, March 2 - 9:15 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday, March 3 - 9:15 AM - 4:45 PM

Visit the online floor plan to see which organizations and agencies are participating, and plan your trip to the exhibit hall

  When will WEST take place in the future?

WEST 2021 will take place February 16-18, 2021 and will be held at the San Diego Convention Center.

WEST 2022 will take place February 15-17, 2022 and will be held at the San Diego Convention Center.

WEST 2023 will take place February 14-16, 2023 and will be held at the San Diego Convention Center.

WEST 2024 will take place February 13-15, 2024 and will be held at the San Diego Convention Center.

  Who to Contact?

Are you looking for more information? Please visit the Contact Us page if you have questions regarding general conference information, attending, exhibiting or sponsoring.

  What is the Conference Theme?

The WEST 2020 theme is "Are We Ready to Confront Great Power Competition?"


Registration & Program Questions

  How much does it cost to attend WEST?

Attendee and Exhibitor Registration is now available for WEST 2020 and can be found on the Categories and Fees page. Sign up today to attend!

  What additional professional development opportunities are available?

WEST’s commitment to professional development includes keynotes, panels and special presentations on the issues affecting today’s Sea Service community.

The Continuing Education page for WEST 2020 is now available.

  Can I earn reserve credits for attending WEST?

Members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Reserve have been authorized to earn one point retirement credit for attendance. Reserve and National Guard (Army and Air Force) personnel may participate on a non-pay credit basis with approval of their unit commanders. Bring unit forms to the conference operations office located in the Knowledge Center on the exhibit floor for validation.


Know Before You Go

  Where do I pick up my badge?

Badges can be picked up at the registration desk on show site. All registrants will receive a confirmation notice via email. If you do not receive a confirmation, please contact the WEST Registration Center at (703) 449-6418 or westregistration@spargoinc.com.

  Is parking available?

A limited amount of parking is available on site at the San Diego Convention Center. Additional information about area parking is available online.

Parking coupon available for active duty military and current government employees only with appropriate ID.

  Who should I contact if I need assistance at the conference?

AFCEA and the U.S. Naval Institute support the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Attendees with special needs should call (703) 631-6126 or email events@afcea.org.

  Novel Coronavirus Update

The WEST Conference continues to monitor and assess new developments pertaining to the Novel Coronavirus originating in China. The health and safety of our attendees and exhibitors is our top priority. Read more

The San Diego Convention Center is also closely monitoring the international outbreak. For more information from the SDCC visit their Official FAQ.

  What is the recommended attire?

Attendees:
Professional business attire is suggested. Military personnel are encouraged to wear the appropriate uniform of the day.

Speakers:
Active duty military speakers are encouraged to wear Army Service B Uniform (USA), Air Force Service B Uniform (USAF), Khaki Uniforms with Ribbons (USN), Service B “Bravo” (USMC) or Tropical Blue (USCG). Civilian presenters are encouraged to wear equivalent professional business attire.

  Photography/Videography/Audio Recording Policy

Photography/Videography/Audio Recording Policy

Attendees are not permitted to photograph, record, or videotape any portion of the WEST conference proceedings. Working members of the press are required to preregister and check in at the press desk at registration to photograph and/or videotape at the show.

Exhibit personnel may photograph and/or videotape only their personnel and equipment within the confines of their booth.

Failure to comply with this policy will result in confiscation of devices or material and administrative action under applicable government guidelines.

Attendees understand that AFCEA, the U.S. Naval Institute, and their authorized representatives (show management) may conduct interviews and may take photographs and/or videotape in any part of the WEST conference and exhibit hall. These photographs, videos, and recordings are for use by show management in publications or other media material produced for the purposes of conference promotion, including but not limited to: brochures, invitations, books, newspapers, magazines, television and websites. Attendee and exhibitor registration grants show management permission and consent for use of this photography and video.


Exhibiting & Sponsor Information

  How can I become a WEST exhibitor?

Exhibit information is available online, or contact:

WEST 2020 Exposition Management
c/o SPARGO Inc.
11212 Waples Mill Road, Suite 104
Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone: 703-631-6200
Fax: 703-818-9177
westexhibits@spargoinc.com

  How can I see this year's floor plan?

WEST 2020 will be held at the San Diego Convention Center. To view this year's floor plan, click here.

  Does Event Management or the Event's hosts provide attendee lists to third parties?

WEST and SPARGO, Inc. (Event Management) encourages you to be aware of organizations who claim to have access to the WEST Attendee List, as they may try to sell this list to you. Please note neither the conference co-hosts, AFCEA International and the U.S. Naval Institute, nor SPARGO distributes an attendee list or any attendee information and DOES NOT offer list rental services. Like many successful trade shows today, WEST is targeted by unethical businesses that scrape email addresses from websites to contact participants about list rentals, hotels and other sales offers. WEST and SPARGO take data security, your privacy and privacy of the attendees very seriously.

  Who do I contact to exhibit and sponsor?

Who do I contact?

Sales Questions?

Companies that begin with the letters #-F should contact:

Walid Mansoor
Exhibit and Sponsorship Sales
703-679-3779
walid.mansoor@spargoinc.com

Companies that begin with the letters G-P should contact:

Jenn Donovan
Exhibit and Sponsorship Sales
571-385-4267
jenn.donovan@spargoinc.com

Companies that begin with the letters Q-Z should contact:

Jessica Neiers
Exhibit and Sponsorship Sales
703-679-3961
jessica.neiers@spargoinc.com

Exposition Management Questions?

Emily Amador
Exposition Management
571-418-5338
emily.amador@spargoinc.com

Judy Spargo, CEM
Exposition Management
703-631-6200
judy.spargo@spargoinc.com

Sponsorship Fulfillment Questions?

Gina McGovern
Senior Director, Industry Programs
703-631-6236
gmcgovern@afcea.org

  How can I be a WEST sponsor?

Sponsorships are no longer available for WEST 2020.

WEST 2020 Sponsorship Sales
c/o SPARGO Inc.
11212 Waples Mill Road, Suite 104
Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone: 703-631-6200
Fax: 703-818-9177
westexhibits@spargoinc.com

  Additonal questions about exhibitor resources?

Exhibitor Resources

Need some help before WEST 2020? Check out our Exhibitor Resources for helpful tips on exhibiting.


Prepare to be Aware

Conferences present opportunities for America's adversaries to target U.S. government employees, academia, defense industry and other personnel to collect our critical information. Be a hard target! Use good OPSEC practices to protect yourself and your organization's mission.

Recommendations:

  • Be aware of your surroundings when discussing sensitive unclassified critical information during the conference and after hours, in common/public areas (e.g. social gatherings, networking mixers, etc.).
  • Be suspicious of strangers. Even though they sound like they belong at the conference, don't assume they are there for the same purpose as you.
  • Use caution when sharing information with someone you don't know. Ask others to confirm a person's identity before sharing critical information about your organization's past, ongoing or future operations/activities/events. Protect your personal information, such as your room number and daily schedule. Don't give out your business cards freely, particularly when outside the United States. Remember, phishing is still the #1 adversary threat vector into your personal and government computers/devices/networks.
  • If you use a laptop or other portable electronic device (personal or government-owned), use it cautiously. Disable the Bluetooth and WLAN/Wi-Fi connections when not in use, and if you use this type of connectivity, understand that you may expose personal and work-related critical information to an adversary. Be especially cautious when using unencrypted/unsecure WLAN/Wi-Fi hotspots.

BE SMART! BE SAFE! PRACTICE GOOD OPSEC!