Welcome to the Air Force Association’s 2019 Air, Space & Cyber Conference

On behalf of 96,000 members of the Air Force Association worldwide, welcome to the 71st annual Air, Space & Cyber Conference and National Convention! We are delighted that you are joining us for the premier professional development event for air, space, and cyber-power advocates, allies, industry partners, DOD leaders, and Airmen for Life.

“Expanding the Competitive Edge,” this year’s theme, captures a critical national imperative reflected in the National Defense Strategy. Our theme reflects how the best Air Force the world has ever seen needs to even more closely partner with industry and others to even further improve our capabilities across every domain to counter the very real threats our nation faces.

We are excited to welcome for the first time to our conference Acting Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Donovan, who will address the conference on “The State of the Force” on Monday afternoon, and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General David Goldfein, who will deliver his “Air Force Update” on Tuesday morning. Also, we are pleased to have the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Kaleth Wright deliver his address “Connecting Airmen to The Flight: Leading with Purpose” on Wednesday morning.

This year we are thrilled to have as our first conference keynote speaker Virgin Group Founder, Sir Richard Branson. He will discuss how innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit is rapidly transforming the business world and how that spirit can help our United States Air Force even better achieve its critical mission. The Secretary of Defense, the Honorable Mark Esper, will take the stage on Wednesday morning to provide his vision for the Air Force.

While you’re with us, we encourage you to explore the 100,000 square feet of exhibit space in our exhibition hall, where nearly 140 companies are displaying cutting-edge technologies and capabilities. Please give special attention to our first small businesses pavilion as you visit the hall. Also, be sure to stop by the many charitable and service organizations that support our Airmen and their families, located outside of the main ballroom in the Potomac Foyer.

We also invite you to attend the 28 panels and speaker sessions covering groundbreaking topics in air, space and cyber. AFA is proud to host many outstanding speakers throughout this event, including several Major Command Commanders, Airmen of all ranks, and industry thought leaders.

And please be sure to visit AFA’s booth outside the main ballroom to learn more about your Air Force Association Join the Fight with us in our mission to support the Total Air Force family. It is an honor for us to hold professional development events like this conference.

We are glad you are here.