AFA Wraps Up Successful 2020 virtual Air, Space & Cyber Conference

September 18, 2020

AFA Wraps Up Successful 2020 virtual Air, Space & Cyber Conference

The Air Force Association (AFA) held its annual National Convention, September 12-13; and its first-ever virtual Air, Space & Cyber Conference, themed, “Aerospace Nation: Air, Space & Cyber Forces in the Fight,” September 14-16.

The virtual event has garnered more than 9,900 registrants so far, 82 exhibitors, 94 distinguished speakers, and 30 panels and presentations, including remarks from President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Mark Esper.

One of the highlights included CSO Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond leading a virtual swearing-in of 300 officers, and enlisted members into the U.S. Space Force during his remarks on Sept. 15.

Registration for the event remains open at www.afa.org, allowing additional attendees to access all content online.

With AFA’s National Convention cancelled for 2020, AFA held its first virtual Field Development event, “AFA 20/20: A Celebration of Where We’ve Been, Where We Are and Where We’re Going.” The two-day event attracted 432 AFA Field Leaders who took advantage of keynote speakers, leadership addresses, 22 learning labs and 35 hours of leadership development opportunities.

AFA elections were conducted electronically this year and votes were cast for the National Officers for AFA.

The following National Officers were elected for one-year terms:

• Gerald Murray, Kings Mountain, NC, Chairman of the Board
• Jim Simons, Minot, ND, Vice Chairman of the Board, Field Operations
• Jim Hannam, Burke, VA, Vice Chairman of the Board, Aerospace Education
• Rick Hartle, Layton, UT, National Secretary
• Chuck Martin, Ft. Mill, SC, Treasurer

The following National Directors were elected for three-year terms:

• Mac MacAloon, Nashua, NH, National Director, East Geographical Area
• Len Vernamonti, Clinton, MS, National Director, At-Large
• Steve Gourley, Aurora, CO, National Director, At-Large

AFA’s 2021 Aerospace Warfare Symposium (formerly Air Warfare Symposium) will be held February 24-26 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel in Orlando, FL. Registration is projected to open in early November 2020. To learn more about sponsorship and exhibit opportunities, please contact Fred Ullman at fullman@afa.org.

The 2021 Air, Space & Cyber Conference will be hosted at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, September 20-22, 2021. Information regarding exhibit opportunities and registration can be found at www.afa.org.