2023 Air, Space & Cyber Conference | FAQ

Registration Information and Costs

1. What does it cost to attend the 3-day Air, Space & Cyber Conference and Technology Exposition, and what does the registration fee include?

Full 3-day registration prices can be found on the “Conference Rates” tab of registration. Conference registration includes in-person sessions; in-person exhibit hall access during open hours during which lunch is served; coffee breaks; and virtual access to main ballroom sessions that will be streamed during the day 9/11, 9/12, and 9/13; all sessions will be archived as on-demand recordings within one business day and available to view through the virtual platform through September 29, 2023.

Our DoD conference attendees will also be offered the opportunity to select up to two tickets (see question 4 related to applicable guests) of their choice (until capacity is reached) to either the Outstanding Airmen of the Year Heritage Reception & Dinner or AFA’s USAF Birthday Celebration Reception.  The reserve of guest tickets for the evening events is limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Once our allotment of reserved guest tickets has been met, registrants will be offered tickets at cost until which time the event sells out.  Attendees may also inquire about cancellations and the availability of a ticket at the AFA registration desk on the day of the event.

Please note: In accordance with 5 C.F.R. § 2635 204(c), we are waiving the 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 one-only option to attend the Air, Space & Cyber Conference and Technology Exposition?

Registrants have the option of a one-day pass for all registration categories. The daily rate can be found on the “Conference Rates” tab of registration. Single-day registration on the selected day includes in-person sessions; in-person exhibit hall access during open hours, during which lunch is served; coffee breaks; and virtual access to main ballroom sessions that will be streamed during the day 9/11, 9/12, and 9/13; all sessions will be archived as an on-demand recording within one business day and available to view through the virtual platform through September 29, 2023.

Please note: In accordance with 5 C.F.R. § 2635 204(c), we are waiving the 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.

3. Is there a virtual-only option to participate in Air, Space & Cyber Conference?

Yes, registrants have the option to participate virtually. Virtual conference registration includes all main ballroom sessions that will be streamed during the day 9/11, 9/12, and 9/13; all sessions will then be archived as an on-demand recording within one business day. All sessions will be available to view through the virtual platform through September 29, 2023.

4. Can I add an additional person to my conference registration?

You can add a person to your registration if they meet certain criteria. (Please note the following criteria do not apply to group exhibitor registrations). “Add a Person” is provided as a courtesy to our registrations to allow spouses and “significant others” to participate in the conference and ancillary events to the same degree and at the same per-person rate 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 coworker, colleague, friend, or family member other than a spouse.

5. Are minor children allowed to attend the Conference, Technology Exposition, and/or Dinner and Receptions?

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 hall during installation and dismantling hours. No one under the age of 18 is permitted to attend the conference or evening events.

6. What does it cost to attend the Technology Exposition ONLY?

There is no charge to attend the Technology Exposition during exhibit hall hours (see below). You may pre-register online. Employees of exhibiting companies – please register as an exhibitor. Note: If you are registering for either the full 3-day conference or a single day of the conference, admission to the exhibit hall is included. There is no virtual exhibit hall option.

7. What are the Technology Exposition exhibit hall hours?

  • Monday, September 11 ~ 11:55 am – 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Outstanding Airmen of the Year Heritage Reception & Dinner — Ticketed Event)
  • Tuesday, September 12 ~ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
  • Wednesday, September 13 ~ 9:00 am – 4:10 pm

8. Can I substitute for someone?

Substitutions are not permitted. Individuals may be cancelled (see cancellation policy below) and new individuals may register under their own e-mail address.

9. What does it cost to cancel?

Registration changes or cancellations can be made online until September 7, 2023. Cancellations prior to September 7, 2023, will receive a full registration refund less a $25 processing fee to cancel and any membership fees and/or donations. No refunds will be issued for changes and cancellations starting September 8th. Refunds will be credited back to the original credit card used for payment. No refunds will be issued if you do not attend the event. Substitutions are not allowed for a paid registration, please cancel registration and register new participants. Starting September 8, please address cancellations to the attention of Katie Storm by email to kstorm@afa.org. This policy does not apply to exhibit booth sales. Please refer to the application/contract form for the exhibit booth cancellation policy.

10. Where do I pick up my badge/tickets?

All badges and tickets may be picked up on-site at the AFA Registration Desk (Location: Cherry Blossom Ballroom) at the Gaylord National Hotel beginning at 7:30 am, Saturday, September 9, 2023.

Please bring a photo ID. Acceptable forms of ID are as follows:

  • Driver’s License
  • Military ID
  • U.S. Government ID
  • Passport

Note: At this time, badges may be picked up for a colleague Saturday 9/9, and Sunday 9/11 only (see parking and shuttle information below for free 30-minute parking information) provided you bring a copy of the colleague’s registration or registration number. This is subject to change. Specific details will follow in the final “Know Before You Go” Email.

11. What are the registration hours?

National Convention and Air, Space & Cyber Conference Registration Hours (Location: Cherry Blossom Ballroom):

  • Saturday, September 9  – 7:30 am to 6:00 pm
  • Sunday, September 10  –  8:00 am to 6:00 pm
  • Monday, September 11  –  6:00 am to 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday, September 12  –   7:30 am to 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday, September 13  –  7:30 am to 7:00 pm

12. When does online registration close?

Online registration is open through 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.

13. What is the Outstanding Airmen of the Year Heritage Reception & Dinner?

This dinner honors and recognizes Airmen from all major air commands and operating agencies that have displayed the Air Force values within their fields, as well as the heritage of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam, and will take place on Monday night (9/11). The Outstanding Airmen were chosen from nominations made by all Air Force Commands based on their “unique, unusual or outstanding individual involvement and achievement within the preceding 12 months”. The event begins with a cocktail reception in the exhibit hall directly followed by dinner in the ballroom.

14. What is AFA’s USAF Birthday Celebration?

This event celebrates the birthday of the United States Air Force. The event will be reception-style in the Potomac Ballroom with open seating, food stations, and beverages.

15. 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 current Department of Defense civil service employee please choose the Non-Member category when registering.

Attire

1. What is the dress for the Air, Space & Cyber Conference sessions, exhibit hall, and evening events?

AFA has received updated guidance on appropriate attire for military members. The following guidance is now in effect:

  • Conference Sessions and Exhibit Hall: Uniform of the Day (e.g., OCPs, flight suits, blues)
  • Speakers, moderators, and awardees: Service Dress
  • Evening Events: Monday’s Outstanding Airmen of the Year Heritage Reception & Dinner and Wednesday’s AFA’s USAF Birthday Celebration Reception: Service Dress

Attire for non-uniformed attendees for Air, Space & Cyber sessions, exhibit hall, and the Monday and Wednesday evening events is business attire.

 Additional Information

1. Will masks be required?

AFA continues to monitor COVID-19 closely and will take all necessary precautions to support the well-being of our attendees. Currently, AFA does not require masks. However, should this change we ask that registrants be prepared to wear masks if necessary.

2. Where can I find information about shuttles, parking, and group transportation?

For full details on shuttles, parking, and ground transportation, please click here.

3. My company is interested in exhibiting at the Air, Space & Cyber Conference; how do I book space?

Click here for more information or contact Ron Bates with National Trade Productions at 703-706-8230 or email Ron at rbates@ntpevents.com for availability and pricing.

4. My company wants to be a sponsor at the Air, Space & Cyber Conference; what are my options?

Please click here to see our current sponsorship opportunities. To secure your sponsorship, please contact Christy Sitter at 703-247-5837 or by email at csitter@afa.org for availability and pricing.

5. What else is in the National Harbor neighborhood?

Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center is one of the anchors to the whole National Harbor project. National Harbor is nearing completion and will be home to over 500,000 square feet of office space, over a dozen shops and a dozen restaurants, two art galleries, a marina, and much more. Please visit their website, www.NationalHarbor.com, for more information.

8. What else do I need to know?

Send your questions to ASCHelp@afa.org. This will help us think of additional items to add to this FAQ.

We look forward to your participation during AFA’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference!