Frequently Asked Questions

 

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

  1. What does it cost to attend the AFA Warfare Symposium in person and what does the registration fee include? 
    Registration prices can be found on the "Symposium Rates" tab of registration. Symposium registration includes in-person sessions; March 6 Welcome Reception; in-person exhibit hall access during open hours, (during which lunch is served); coffee breaks; and virtual access to symposium sessions through our virtual platform until March 22. Regarding virtual access: Main sessions will be streamed during the day on March 7-8; all sessions will then be archived as on-demand recordings within one business day of airing. All sessions will be available to view exclusively through the virtual platform through March 22, 2023.

    Please Note: A favorable opinion by the SAF Ethics Office has allowed us to waive conference fees for a class consisting of all U.S. DoD civilian employees and uniformed military personnel. The term "uniformed military personnel" is defined as Active, Guard, and Reserve members of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard, including Academy and ROTC cadets. 
     
  2. Is there a virtual-only option to participate in AFA Warfare Symposium?
    Yes, registrants have the option to only participate virtually. Registration includes virtual access to symposium sessions. Main sessions will be streamed during the day on March 7-8; all sessions will then be archived as on-demand recordings within one business day of airing. All sessions will be available to view exclusively through the virtual platform through March 22, 2023.
     
  3. Is there anything I need to know about connecting to the virtual platform?
    Registrants will only be able to log in on one device at a time. No software or applications need to be downloaded to access the virtual platform; however, it is highly recommended that you whitelist AWS2023.us.chime.live to alleviate any security connection issues. It is recommended that participants use current versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Safari to view AWS. Additionally, it is recommended participants do not connect via a VPN. The entire platform is mobile-friendly, so you can watch on the go from your phone or tablet.
     
  4. Where do I find login information for AWS’s virtual platform?
    Starting the morning (EST) of March 2, login instructions for virtual content will be sent to the registrant’s email provided during registration by our service provider. It may take up to 5 minutes to receive the login instructions after completing your registration. PLEASE NOTE: ONLY the primary email address on your registration record will receive the email with login instructions, a unique password, and the link to AWS's virtual content. Any alternate email address on record will receive all other email communication with the exception of the platform login instructions. Please make sure to add mobilesolutions@chime.live to your “Safe Sender” list (not spam) in your email account.

    If you need help accessing the virtual platform starting March 2, please email supportcenter-CHIME@encore-us.zendesk.com with specific details regarding the issue. For technical help, once you are already logged in to the platform, please look for Help Desk on the left-hand menu options.
     
  5. Can I add an additional person to my symposium registration?
    Yes, you can add a person to your registration, if they meet the following criteria.
    Please note the following criteria do not apply to group exhibitor registrations:
    "Add a Person" is provided as a courtesy to our registrants to allow spouses and "significant others" to participate in the Symposium and ancillary events to the same degree and at the same per-person price as the registrant. As such, it may be used only for spouses or bona fide "significant others." It may not be applied to registration for a co-worker, colleague, friend, or family member other than a spouse.
     
  6. What does it cost to cancel?
    Registration changes can be made online until Feb. 27, 2023. Cancellations through Feb. 27, 2023, will receive a full refund, minus a $25 processing fee, and any membership fees and/or donations. No refunds will be issued for changes and cancellations starting Feb. 28, 2023. No refunds will be issued if you do not attend the event. If not able to attend in person once registered, please consider updating your registration to virtual-only before cancelling your registration.  You will be refunded for the difference in registration rates. No substitutions are allowed for paid registrations. This policy does not apply to exhibit booth sales. Please refer to the application/contract form for the exhibit booth cancellation policy.
     
  7. What does it cost to attend ONLY the Technology Exposition?
    There is no charge to attend the Technology Exposition during exhibit hall hours. You may pre-register online. Employees of exhibiting companies, please answer ‘yes’ to the ‘Are you an Exhibitor?’ question to register for your exhibitor badge instead of registering for the Technology Exposition. 
     
  8. Are minor children allowed to attend the Symposium, Technology Exposition, Welcome Reception, and/or Rock the Rockies Reception? 
    Children aged 16 and over may attend the Technology Exposition provided they are accompanied by an adult at all times. No one under the age of 18 is permitted in the exhibit halls during installation and dismantling hours. Unfortunately, children will not be permitted to attend the Symposium, Welcome Reception, or Rock the Rockies Reception.
     
  9. Where do I pick up my badge/tickets?
    Badges and tickets may be picked up from the AFA Registration Desk at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center beginning at 8:00 am on Monday, March 6. Please be prepared to show valid identification: Driver's license, Military ID, U.S. Government ID, or Passport. AFA Registration will be located at the Valley Foyer located straight ahead as you enter the Convention Center.
     
  10. What are the registration hours?
    Registration is open:
     
    • Monday, March 6: 8:00 am - 6:30 pm ~ Welcome Reception 6:00 pm  - 8:00 pm (Exhibit Hall)

    • Tuesday, March 7: 7:00 am - 6:30 pm ~ Rock the Rockies Reception 6:00 pm - 7:45 pm  (Mountain Pass Sports Bar & Ski Village - ticketed event)
      Wednesday, March 8: 7:00 am to 11:30 am

  11. What is the Rock the Rockies Reception?
    This informal event on Tuesday evening will provide a networking opportunity among military, academia, retired military, and defense industry.
     
  12. How much does it cost to purchase an individual ticket or group package for the Rock the Rockies Reception?
    The cost for an individual ticket to the Rock the Rockies Reception is $225. Group packages can also be purchased through registration for 17 people at $3,300. Ten of the tickets will be kept by the organization; the seven remaining tickets will be returned to AFA to support U.S. military and DoD guests. If you are interested in amplifying your visibility at the Rock the Rockies Reception through larger-scale high-visibility sponsorships, please contact Christy Sitter at csitter@afa.org for further information regarding options.

    For U.S. military and DOD guests, tickets will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the allotment of guest tickets has been depleted, DOD registrants will have the opportunity to purchase a ticket at a price of $185.
  13. Do I have to be a member of AFA or the military to attend?
    No. If you are not a member of AFA and/or not currently serving Active duty military or reserves, or a current Department of Defense civil service employee, please choose the Non-Member category when registering.
     
  14. How can I communicate any special Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or dietary needs? 
    There are two separate questions during the registration process to address any special ADA or dietary needs.
     
  15. When is online registration closed?
    Online registration is open throughout the event. We will only be down for a short time while we set up on-site. If at any time our registration website message states we are down for maintenance, please check back as we will be back up again soon. As always you will also have the option of registering on-site. 

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COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS

  1. What do I need to know about COVID-19 requirements to attend AWS in person?
    AFA continues to monitor COVID-19 closely and will take all necessary precautions to support the well-being of our attendees. We are not requiring registrants to be vaccinated or to present PCR test results. However, everyone must sign the Well-Being Agreement and Liability Waiver when registering. 
     
  2. Is AFA in compliance with State and Federal law?
    Yes. The 2023 AFA Warfare Symposium will be held in total compliance with all U.S. national and Colorado state laws. AFA is following established best practices for reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission and working closely with the Department of the Air Force and our industry partners to ensure a safe operating environment for both military and civilian attendees. Registration is open and individuals may attend in person or virtually. AFA is working with the Gaylord Rockies, as our Colorado venue, and both are committed to full compliance with all applicable laws. 

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SYMPOSIUM ATTIRE

  1. What is the dress code for the AFA Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition? 
    The attire for the Welcome Reception, Symposium, and Technology Exposition is business casual for civilians and UOD/OCPs/Flight Suits for the military, including speakers and moderators. The attire for Tuesday evening's Rock the Rockies Reception event is casual. (Casual attire for men: nice slacks/jeans, polo shirts, button-down shirts, nice shoes. Casual attire for women: nice pants/jeans, skirts, polo shirts, nice blouse or top, casual dress, nice shoes.) 

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AGENDA

  1. Will the AFA Warfare Symposium schedule be the same as in previous years?
    The full detailed symposium agenda can be found here. The Welcome Reception in the Exhibit Hall will again take place on Monday, March 6 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. On Tuesday, March 7, AFA will hold the Rockin' Rockies Reception beginning at 6:00 pm.

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TRANSPORTATION & PARKING

  1. Does AFA have recommended airlines?
    AFA recommends AFA members book travel through AFA’s partner Booking Community, which offers discounted airfare and other travel deals. You must be an AFA member to access the website.
     
  2. How do you get from the Denver International Airport (DIA) to the Gayord Rockies Resort & Convention Center?
    Shared ride services, taxis, Uber, and Lyft are recommended. A one-way fare can cost $30 depending on service and traffic conditions.

    For driving directions, visit the Gaylord Rockies website.
     
  3. Will there be a shuttle to/from Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center?
    The hotel does not provide a shuttle service or from other area hotels. Taxis and ride share services (Uber, Lyft) are available. The estimated taxi fare is $30 USD one way.
     
  4. How does it cost to park at Gaylord Rockies?
    Self-parking at Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center is discounted for AFA attendees to $19 per day and valet parking is $39 per day.

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EXHIBITORS

  1. I am interested in being an exhibitor at the AFA Warfare Symposium.
    Please contact Ron Bates at 703-683-8500 ext. 230 or rbates@ntpevents.com.
     
  2. I am already an exhibitor, where can I get more details?
    Please check out this site.
     
  3. When is the exhibit hall open to the public?
    • Monday, March 6:  6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
    • Tuesday, March 7:  9:10 am - 4:30 pm
    • Wednesday, March 8:  7:00 am - 11:45 am

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  1. I am interested in being a sponsor during the AFA Warfare Symposium.
    Please contact Christy Sitter, Director of Sales, at 703-247-5837 or csitter@afa.org.  
      
  2. What else do I need to know?
    Send your questions to AWSHelp@afa.org. That helps us improve this FAQ page.

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