Just a few days away from the 27th Annual Showcase for Commerce, companies looking to win defense contracts are gearing up for the event.

“We want to know, particularly in the defense sector, where is that purchasing going to happen over the course of the next few years and how does it impact our local companies,” said Linda Thomson, President & CEO of JARI.

The annual showcase has always focused on government and defense industries, but with the White House administration’s plan to increase defense spending, excitement is high this year.

“Members in both the House and Senate want to see an increase in defense spending because of national threats we face everyday. When you have everybody in agreement, it then becomes a matter of where do you find the resources to do that,” said Ed Sheehan, President & CEO of Concurrent Technologies Corporation and chairman for Showcase for Commerce.

Sheehan hopes they’ll find those resources in Central Pennsylvania.

The showcase will take place Tuesday, May 30th through Thursday, June 1st. More than 100 companies and thousands of people will attend, looking to make connections and see what opportunities are available.

Over the past 27 years, the showcase has brought in more than $7 billion and thousands of jobs to the region.

“Overall, the defense industry is an important contributor to economic development within this region. It employs a number of people and also affords people to contribute back to the community because of the work that defense companies do in this area,” Sheehan said.

Twenty-three new companies and nine government agencies will attend this year. Showcase organizers said the connections formed give companies in the region a foot-up.

“It’s that repetitive attendance and participation, making sure that you make the most out of it every year that will help you build relationships that will ultimately allow  you to win contracts or sub-contracts,” Thomson said.

During the showcase, they also plan to announce new defense contracts that have been awarded to companies in the area.