Join us on the Philadelphia waterfront, birthplace of the U.S. Navy, as we celebrate the Navy and Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary with the Innovation Pavilion – a three-day high-technology showcase, supplier conference, and workforce development event filled with energy, innovation, and opportunity.
INNOVATION PAVILION
Part of the Navy & Marine Corps 250th Anniversary
Cherry Street Pier, Philadelphia
OCTOBER 9 – 11, 2025
MANUFACTURING | TECHNOLOGY | TALENT
SMALL BUSINESS DAY
Thurs, Oct 9 | Noon – 4:00 PM
Open to the Public – RSVP Required
Explore workforce and training opportunities, map out paths of engagement, and learn about small business opportunities within the MIB, hosted by BFA and DVIRC.
Features an update for MEP Centers on new investments from the BFA into the MEP Network.
SMALL BUSINESS DAY
Fri, Oct 10 | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Ticketed – Registration Required
Featuring senior Navy & DoD Leaders, major defense contractors, and keynote speaker Capt. David Marquet, USN (Ret.), author of Turn the Ship Around. This is a ticketed high-energy event designed to rally manufacturers, honor supply chain heroes, and build momentum for the mission.
Seating is limited and filling fast. Make sure to register!
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT DAY
Sat, Oct 11 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Open to the Public – No RSVP Needed
A public celebration featuring demonstrations, employers, and partners introducing the next generation to maritime and manufacturing careers. Experience live demonstrations, including Electric Boat, the Build Submarines NASCAR car, and a 60-foot submarine display.
CONFIRMED SPEAKERS
DAVID MARQUET
Former Nuclear Submarine Commander
Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author
David Marquet, former U.S. Navy submarine commander and bestselling author of Turn the Ship Around! and Leadership is Language, created the Intent-Based Leadership® model aboard the USS Santa Fe. He now teaches organizations worldwide how to empower leaders at every level through books, workshops, and coaching.
DREW CROWE
Founder, New American Manufacturing Renaissance
Andrew “Drew” Crowe is one of the most influential people in manufacturing today. Drew strives to ignite and energize American manufacturing by exposing youth, community, political leaders, and underserved communities to this industry. His mission is to ensure that we put our best innovators, creators, and thinkers in spaces where they can thrive and grow.
GET INVOLVED
EXHIBIT
This is a rare, high-visibility opportunity for businesses to engage directly with Navy leadership, defense contractors, and future talent over three full days. Purchase a 10′ booth and exhibit your capabilities, build relationships, and position your company at the center of the Maritime Industrial Base.
Scholarships available for small businesses and startups. Contact jdonahue@dvirc.org to learn more.
SPONSOR
Support the future of American manufacturing and align your brand with the Navy’s 250th celebration. Sponsorship packages are available for all budget levels and include high-visibility branding across all three days—on-site signage, digital promotion, and recognition throughout the event.
ADMISSION & RATES
SCHEDULE
Free – RSVP Required | 12:00 – 4:00 PM
- 11:00 – 12:00 PM – Report out on Blue Forge investment in MEPs
- 12:00 – 2:00 PM – Building awareness around BFA-supported programs and funding
- Talent Pipeline Program – how to join & benefits
- AI & Technology discussions with the AI Center of Excellence for Manufacturers (AiCE)
- 2:00 – 4:00 PM – Exhibitor booths open to the public – with round robin
Ticketed | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- 8:30 – 9:30 AM – Registration, Breakfast, and Networking
- 9:30 – 9:45 AM- Welcome & National Anthem & Color Guard
- 9:45 – 10:00 AM – Welcome to Philadelphia
- 10:00 – 10:45 AM – Panel Discussion on Technology & Innovation
- 10:45 – 11:00 AM – Break
- 11:00 – 11:30 AM – Speaker Session #1
- 11:30 – 12:15 PM – Panel Discussion on Workforce & Talent
- 12:15 – 1:00 PM – Lunch Break & Pavilion Exploration
- 1:00 – 2:00 PM – Presentation from David Marquet, Retired U.S. Navy Captain and bestselling author of Turn the Ship Around
- The First 100 registrants will receive a signed copy of Marquet’s new book Distancing
- 2:00 – 2:15 PM – Break
- 2:15 – 3:15 PM – Speaker Session #3 – Keynote
- 3:15 – 3:30 PM – Thank you & closing remarks
- 3:30 – 5:00 PM – Networking Reception & Happy Hour
Open to the Public | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Activities include:
- NASCAR showcase
- Electric hydroplane demonstrations
- TMG workforce engagement activities
Homecoming 250
Celebrating the Services who secured 250 years of independence
October 9–16 • November 10
This fall, the Philadelphia area becomes the only place in the world where visitors can step into history and experience an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime celebration of the Navy and Marine Corps’ 250th birthdays.
The upcoming Navy & Marine Corps 250th Celebration, hosted by Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps (Homecoming 250™), is a must-see event marking the 250th anniversaries of America’s maritime services with unforgettable experiences visitors won’t find anywhere else. The Navy and Marine Corps have chosen the upcoming celebration to proudly serve as the national commemoration of their 250th anniversaries.
The historic event also will be the grand opening of events honoring America’s Semiquincentennial. Taking place from October 9 to 16, with special events continuing on November 10, the event stands as the nation’s largest tribute to the military and Veterans, drawing tourists from across the country to experience Philadelphia’s historic role in shaping the nation’s legacy.
Highlighted Events
October 9
Parade of Ships on the Delaware River + WHYY screening of Ken Burns’ The American Revolution
October 9-11
Innovation Pavilion at Cherry Street Pier
October 10–15
Ship Tours including the Olympia and Battleship New Jersey + musical performances by military bands
October 10
Army-Navy Cup at Subaru Park
October 11
Navy vs. Temple Football at Lincoln Financial Field + Navy 250 Gala
October 12
All-Veterans Picnic + Victory at Sea Concert & Flyover
October 13
Memorial at Christ Church + Salute to Youth Parade + Navy 250th Commemoration + Blue Angels Flyover
November 10
Marine Corps Commemoration + Recreation of The Tun + 100th Marine Corps Birthday Ball
All public events are free unless otherwise noted.
Get connected to the thousands of employers and training opportunities dedicated to the mission of constructing the next generation of U.S. Naval submarines.