Montgomery to host IT, cyber security conference Aug. 26-28

The Department of the Air Force Information Technology and Cyberpower Conference (DAFITC) will be hosted in Montgomery on Aug. 26-28.

The conference will feature top military leaders, IT professionals, and cybersecurity experts.

"Last year’s conference was a major success, drawing over 4,000 attendees, occupying 7,400+ hotel room nights, and contributing an estimated $8.6 million to the local economy," said a press release from the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce.

"This year’s DAFITC is expected to surpass those numbers, boosting Montgomery’s economic footprint and reinforcing the city’s growing reputation as a center for technological innovation and strategic defense initiatives."

The 2024 event will feature more 150 breakout sessions along with more than 210 vendor booths for networking and collaboration. The theme this year is “Reoptimizing IT & Cyber: Posturing the DAF for Great Power Competition,” about how data and cyber technologies are affecting national defense strategies and global power. 

"Montgomery’s commitment to supporting the Air Force is unwavering, as the city’s business community and elected leaders continue to drive innovation and growth in partnership with the military," said the press release.

"As the host of DAFITC, Montgomery is facilitating critical discussions and positioning itself as a vital player in the future of national defense and cybersecurity."

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See below for a schedule of events: 

• Dates: August 26-28, 2024
• Location: Renaissance Hotel & Convention Center, Montgomery, AL
• Attendees: Estimated 4,000+ attendees and 210+ exhibitors.
• Media: A media check-in table will be set up.
• Event Details: www.dafitc.com
• Resources for visit to Montgomery: experiencemontgomery.com/dafitc

• 8:05 AM – 9:20AM: Al Burse, Elected Officials, Experience Montgomery comments
• 8:35 AM: Ms. Venice Goodwine, DAF CIO (Keynote) – A highly respected leader, Ms. Goodwine serves as the Department of the Air Force Chief Information Officer, where she oversees the IT and cyber operations of the Air Force and Space Force.
• 9:10 AM: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to begin the conference

• Women’s Leadership Luncheon: Hosted by the Office of Minority Affairs onTuesday, August 27, from 11:30 AM to 1 PM at Ravello Ristorante. Featuring a fireside chat with Toni Townes Whitley, CEO of SAIC, and Alexis Bonnell, former Google executive, moderated by Keysha Webb from the USAF CIO’s office. (Invitation only)
• Innovate DAFITC Hackathon & Cyber Challenge: Hosted by SAF/CIO, TechMGM, AFCEA Chapter Education Foundation on Wednesday, August 28, from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM at the Renaissance Ballroom. This education-focused event will engage high school and college students in STEM and IT career paths. (Register on techmgm.com)
• AFCEA High School Education Day: Hosted by Montgomery AFCEA Chapter Education Foundation on Wednesday, August 28, from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM, occurring simultaneously during the Hackathon – Renaissance Ballroom.
• HBCU ROTC & Minority Officer Mentoring Session: Hosted by TechMGM, AFCEA IDEA, Montgomery Techlab on Wednesday, August 28, 2-4 PM at the Renaissance Ballroom. A panel discussion and breakout sessions featuring current and retired minority officers to provide valuable insights for future leaders. 
  
• BLACKS IN TECH – HBCU & GREEK MIXER: Hosted by the Alabama Collective, AFCEA, Montgomery Techlab, Innovate Alabama on Wednesday, August 28, 5-8 PM at the Alley Station and Rooftop. Opportunity to network and engage with members of NPHC organizations and HBCU students, alumni, and faculty.
• STEM Fest: Hosted TechMGM, 1-85 Regional Stem Learning Ecosystem onFriday, August 30, from 9 AM to 12 PM at the Multiplex at Cramton Bowl. This event will feature over 60 hands-on interactive stations for elementary students, showcasing various STEM activities. Last year’s event hosted around 1,200 students.