WEST is a naval conference and exposition co-hosted by the U.S. Naval Institute and AFCEA International, now in its 36th year. This three-day event serves as the leading platform for the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and their supporting industry partners to discuss maritime operations, naval technology, and sea service priorities. The conference brings together senior DoD and DHS officials, military leaders, government decision-makers, and industry professionals to explore cutting-edge technologies, platforms, and capabilities crucial to maritime operations. WEST features keynote addresses, panel discussions on critical naval challenges, professional workshops, and a comprehensive exhibition hall showcasing the latest defense technologies and networking capabilities. Attendees engage in discussions about joint warfare, operational capabilities, evolving threats, and strategic partnerships. The event emphasizes the unique issues confronting sea services in an era of great power competition, providing opportunities to network with peers, explore dynamic exhibits, and devise solutions to enhance operational capabilities. More than 150,000 professionals in the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard depend on the open discussions and valuable networking WEST provides.