WASHINGTON - The focus of the nation may have shifted from the wars overseas to the economy, but hundreds of vendors competing for military contracts are still paying plenty of attention.

The Association of the United States Army's annual meeting is the largest defense-related exposition in the nation. Crowds of soldiers as well as civilians packed into the Walter E. Washington Convention Center over the course of the three day event.

And weapons weren’t the only reasons the forum had such a huge turnout. Each day various panel discussions took place regarding everything from military strategy to tips for veterans on finding employment when they come home.

The U.S Army’s continual focus on developing and implementing new weapons gives companies like Rockwell Collins and Raytheon a chance to show off their latest innovations.

The AUSA’s 2009 Aviation Expo will be in Arlington in January.