San Diego Defense Tech Leaders and Military Veterans to Gather for Post-Veterans Day Happy Hour

Defense Tech is a booming industry in Southern California. Is there sufficient talent locally to build these companies here? Find out more Nov 17 in Carlsbad

SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES, October 14, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Veterans from the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Army will join leaders from San Diego's defense technology sector for a Defense Tech Happy Hour on Tuesday, Nov 17, 2026 from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. in San Diego.

The free, buy-your-own-drink networking event is designed to connect transitioning and established military veterans with executives building the next generation of defense technology companies in the region.

Registration is now open at www.peopletalentagency.com

Held just days after Veterans Day, the event brings together veteran talent and industry leadership at a moment when San Diego and Southern California's defense tech ecosystem — long anchored by the region's aerospace and defense heritage — is expanding rapidly and competing for skilled engineers, technologists, and finance professionals.

San Diego's defense sector currently supports nearly 357,000 jobs and contributes $61.3 billion to the regional economy — accounting for 22.2% of San Diego's Gross Regional Product — according to the 2025 Military Economic Impact Report from the San Diego Military Advisory Council and UC San Diego's Rady School of Management. Statewide, California's broader aerospace and defense industry supports approximately 358,800 jobs, with Southern California receiving the largest share of the state's defense contract activity.

"This region has always been a center of gravity for aerospace and defense," organizers noted. "What's changing is the scale and speed of growth in defense tech specifically, and that means a real, ongoing need for talent that understands both the mission and the technology."

Confirmed guests and speakers include:
• Daniel Gabel, Chief Financial Officer, OSS
• Keegan Evans, former U.S. Marine Corps helicopter pilot, now with Euda
• Capt. Mike Saum, former U.S. Navy Captain, now with AECOM
• Mike Chiv, Proven Recruiting, which specializes in identifying and placing military-trained, business-ready executives into defense and technology roles
• Van Lai-Dumone, CEO, workSmart Advantage. Van helps work teams discover their curiosity and build success together. She is a member of the Volunteer Faculty at The Honor Foundation.
• Lars Rathje, Senior Vice President, Lockton Insurance. Lars helps executives manage risk, develop benefits packages to recruit top talent, and insure against loss in the volatile defense tech industry.

Attendees can expect candid conversation about career pathways from military service into defense technology, the specific skill sets companies are hiring for, and how the sector's growth is reshaping opportunity across San Diego and the broader Southern California economy.
The event is free to attend, with a no-host bar. Space is limited, and advance registration is encouraged.

Event Details:
What: Defense Tech Happy Hour
When: Tuesday, November 17, 2026 | 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Where: San Diego, Calif. (venue details provided upon registration)
Cost: Free to attend (no-host bar)
Register: www.peopletalentagency.com

About the Event
The Defense Tech Happy Hour is a networking gathering connecting military veterans with leaders across San Diego and Southern California's defense technology industry, supporting the region's growing need for engineering, technology, and finance talent.

John Lockhart
People Media Worldwide, Inc.
+1 8006007111
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