The Air Force Association will hold its 2020 Air, Space & Cyber Conference virtually amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the association announced July 6.
The online event will take place beginning Sept. 14 and will last at least three days, featuring a mix of live and on-demand conference sessions focusing on air, space, and cyber operations and issues. Sessions will include live addresses from senior leaders, support question-and-answer interaction, and provide unique opportunities to engage with Air Force, Space Force, and industry leadership.
The event will include a virtual exhibit hall highlighting cutting-edge industry developments and demonstrations, online meetings, and interactive presentations.
AFA’s president, retired USAF Lt. Gen. Bruce “Orville” Wright, said the decision to shift from the traditional in-person event to an online experience was “extremely arduous,” but under current circumstances, it would be impossible to host “a safe, high-caliber, in-person” conference for 12,000 attendees.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, state and county directives, and “feedback … from prospective speakers, attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, Airmen, and Space Professionals” all factored into AFA’s decision, Wright said.
“Our goal is to continue AFA’s long tradition of hosting the premier event for defense and aerospace professionals around the world,” Wright said. “Our virtual Air, Space and Cyber conference will offer the same exceptional line-up of speakers, world-class exhibits, professional development opportunities, and networking opportunities for industry, government, media, academia, and the public.”
Details will emerge in the coming days and weeks as AFA posts updated information on the agenda, registration, exhibition, sponsorship, and participation details on its website.