ROM26: A Day of Innovation, Expertise and Practical Strategy for an Accelerated World
ROM26 returns on 19th March 2026, bringing together leaders from defence, aerospace, manufacturing, procurement and supply‑chain management to examine one of the most urgent challenges facing our industry: Accelerated Lifecycles Due to Rapid Innovation. The evening before, on 18th March, delegates are welcome to a relaxed networking dinner – an opportunity to connect with peers, speakers and partners ahead of a day filled with valuable industry perspectives.
The seminar opens with a welcome from Rebound Electronics COO, Raj Keshava, before our host Marijana Abt introduces the first keynote of the morning: Dr Matt Darkin, Head of Obsolescence at the UK Ministry of Defence. Dr Darkin will address the pressures facing DE&S strategic planning, including design‑for‑manufacture, procurement complexity, AI’s expanding influence, and the need for robust frameworks as lifecycle windows continue to shorten.
We then move into global intelligence and analytics. Greg Jaknunas (Accuris) and Ruth Gray (Z2Data) will discuss market shifts, AI‑enhanced BOM analysis, evolving risk priorities and how these developments shape obsolescence decision‑making.
Next, Frank Krökel (Intercept) will outline the technical and environmental advantages of modern corrosion‑management technologies, and how well‑structured LTB and LTS strategies can reduce cost and risk across long‑term programmes.
Before lunch, the stage turns to an IIOM‑led interactive panel, chaired by Manu Grundy and joined by Ruth Gray and Emma Armstrong (In2Tec). This session will explore practical challenges and solutions across geopolitical pressures, regulatory impact and sustainability‑driven component recovery, demonstrating how organisations can strengthen resilience in a rapidly changing environment.
After lunch, the focus shifts to AI and future‑readiness. Our afternoon keynote, Bob Booth (Hailion AI), will present Gen AI – Three Years On, covering capability evolution, procurement‑focused applications and what lies ahead with physical AI, quantum and other emerging technologies.
We then welcome Baljit Virdee (ID8), who will compare open vs closed‑environment LLMs and guide a live AI project build.
Following this, Karen Salmon (Force Technologies) will share approaches for building genuine semiconductor resilience as lifecycle compression accelerates.
The day concludes with a semiconductor market update, summarising current supply trends and what organisations can expect in 2026 and beyond.
ROM26 promises a full day of learning, collaboration and forward‑looking thinking – and we look forward to welcoming you.
Mike Fitzpatrick – Director of Group Services
