The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) hosts some of the world’s most valuable and instructive technology and cyber events. AFCEA has been building relationships among the armed forces, private sector enterprises and educators for more than 70 years.
In addition to my role at Telos, I am proud to be the executive vice president of the Alamo AFCEA Chapter, a chapter dedicated to the ethical sharing of ideas and information between industry and government, serving our members by promoting the exploration of IT-related issues relevant to supporting the defense, homeland security, and intelligence communities. The Alamo AFCEA Chapter also puts an emphasis on the rapidly changing cybersecurity, homeland security and education and training landscapes. It was in support of this mission that AFCEA’s Alamo Chapter inaugurated its Alamo AFCEA Chapter Event (ACE) ten years ago.
Next week, November 18-21, the Alamo AFCEA Chapter will host the Alamo ACE at the La Cantera Resort in San Antonio, Texas. The theme of this year’s event is “Sharpening the Warfighter’s Edge – Creating the Future Today.” The event provides access and insight to both US government and Department of Defense and industry leaders’ perspectives regarding current developments in cyberspace, intelligence, information technology and related disciplines. This year, more than 2,500 participants will attend, including 850+ from USG and DoD organizations. In addition to registered guests, the 2019 ACE will host 55 corporate sponsors and 120 exhibitors, including 15 government organizations.
The 2019 event celebrates the Alamo ACE 10-year anniversary. From a humble beginning, the ACE has grown exponentially, fueled by growth in attendance, government participation and corporate support. Early ACE programs focused somewhat narrowly on communications networks and medical and training IT. As the event has grown in scope and attendance, it has evolved to integrate cyber and intelligence as well as electronic and information warfare, other warfighting domains, and the technologies and capabilities that enable operational dominance.
The 2019 ACE program has broadened the discussion framework to incorporate a good deal more Intel, EW and other disciplines. The ACE website illustrates that in addition to traditional cyberspace thought leaders, presenters include: Commander, Air Combat Command (ACC); the newly established 16th Air Force; National Security Agency (NSA) Texas; the ACC Directors of Intelligence and Electronic Dominance; Office of the Director, National Intelligence; and U.S Army Futures Command.
I’m proud to note that Telos Corporation holds the unique distinction as the only company that has participated every year at the highest level – Diamond Medallion – since the inaugural Alamo ACE in 2010. Telos has also provided compelling content over the years, as CEO John Wood has served as an ACE keynote speaker and other Telos personnel have participated as panelists, introducing thought leadership in the areas of cybersecurity, cloud technologies and enterprise network management. Telos Corporation’s long-standing support has played a key role in establishing Alamo as AFCEA’s fourth-largest chapter worldwide with nearly 1,300 members.
And lastly, it’s important to mention that the Alamo AFCEA Chapter continues to make local and national impacts by providing numerous scholarships and awards to students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Since 2014, the Alamo Chapter has donated nearly $1.5 million to STEM education and Wounded Warrior beneficiaries. The chapter is a registered c(6) non-profit organization that contributes to affiliated c(3) Education Foundation and Wounded Warrior & Military Families beneficiaries. At this year’s Alamo ACE, all proceeds of the opening golf tournament will benefit the Alamo AFCEA Wounded Warrior and Military Families Endowment Fund.
I look forward to seeing old and new friends at next week’s ACE.
