ASC21 Wrap Up

More than 12,500 registrants were treated to three days of informative speaker sessions and more than 150 exhibitor booths covering 62,410 square feet at AFA’s 2021 Air, Space & Cyber Conference, Sep. 20 – 22. Themed “Air and Space Leadership for Our Nation: Today and Tomorrow,” highlights included Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., and Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond. Returning as a live, in-person event, this year’s event adhered to strict DAF mask and vaccination requirements, while allowing virtual attendance possible via live streaming and on-demand options.

This year’s conference celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Air Force Association with guest speakers such as United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, and “The Bomber Mafia” author Malcolm Gladwell continuing in the footsteps of AFA’s record-breaking attendance and high profile speakers such as the Vice President of the United States, Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, Elon Musk, Sir Richard Branson, Jeff Bezos and Mark Cuban.

The AFA National Convention was held Sept. 18 – 19 where 139 delegates voted on national officers, discussed possible new bylaws, and conducted other important business.

Election Results:

• Gerald Murray – Chairman of the Board
• Jim Simons – Vice Chairman of the Board, Field Relations
• Stephen Gourley – Vice Chairman of the Board, Aerospace Education (newly elected)
• Mike Liquori – National Secretary (newly elected)
• Chuck Martin – Treasurer
• Bobi Oates – National Director, West Area (newly elected)
• Susan Mallett – National Director, Central Area
• Mac MacAloon – National Director, East Area
• Mark Tarpley – National Director, at Large (newly elected)
• Jackie Trotter – National Director, at Large (newly elected)
• Joe Burke – National Director, at Large
• Molly Mae Potter – National Director, at Large
• Len Vernamonti – National Director, at Large

AFA’s Air, Space, & Cyber Conference is the leading professional development event for Air Force and Space Force officers, enlisted members, civilians, veterans, and defense industry leaders and representatives. Our conference brings together top Air Force and Space Force leadership, industry experts, and government officials to discuss challenges facing the aerospace and cyber communities today and in the future.