Finding the right events to connect with like-minded professionals in the defense industry can be a challenge. Trade shows, conferences, and symposiums are great opportunities for government and industry leaders, academia, and other national security minded individuals to meet and collaborate on advanced technological capabilities to improve global security. For those looking for such opportunities, Second Front Systems™ has curated a list of some of the top defense tech events. Browse the list below to find the right event for you.
AFCEA West San Diego
Where and When — WEST 2023 will be held in San Diego from Feb. 14-16.
Who and What — Hosted by the Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association (AFCEA) International and the U.S. Naval Institute, WEST is a leading naval conference and expo on the West Coast. 2023 marks the 33rd year of WEST connecting military and industry leaders. WEST 2023 provides the opportunity to hear from the Sea Service Chiefs, including the Chief of Naval Operations, the Marine Corps Commandant and the Coast Guard Commandant. The conference also features three Engagement Theaters: Marine, General, and Information Warfare, providing a more intimate setting for military, government, and industry professionals to discuss specific topics.
Why — WEST 2023 is designed to bring together platform makers, technology designers, military, government, and industry professionals to discuss specific topics.
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Rocky Mountain Cyberspace Symposium 2023
Where and When — The Rocky Mountain Cyberspace Symposium 2023 (RMCS23) will be held in Colorado Springs, CO from Feb. 20-23.
Who and What — RMCS23 is hosted and organized by the Rocky Mountain Chapter of AFCEA. This year, the theme of the symposium is "Post-Pandemic Zero Trust." RMCS23 is about rethinking how security teams monitor user activity, reduce risk exposure, and eliminate unnecessary access and privileges across critical systems. The exhibit hall will showcase cutting-edge cyber tech, giving attendees the opportunity to learn and share ideas with peers from across the nation. There is no entrance fee for military and government attendees, and the event has a long history of giving back to the community through scholarships and STEM-related activities.
Why — RMCS23 invites attendees from government, industry, and academia to explore the current requirements, best practices, and case studies in the application of zero-trust and similar technologies.
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2023 AFA Warfare Symposium
Where and When — AFA Warfare Symposium 2023 will be held March 6-8, at Gaylord Rockies in Aurora, CO. Virtual attendance options are also available. Meet the 2F team at our booth to learn more about Game Warden®.
Who and What — Hosted by the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA), AFA Warfare Symposium 2023 is a unique opportunity for attendees to hear from senior leaders in the Air Force and Space Force as well as industry experts. The theme of the symposium, "Dominant Air & Space Forces to Deter, Fight & Win," explores the latest developments in air and space warfare and the crucial role these forces play in maintaining national security. The event offers a range of activities for attendees to take part in, including presentations from top leaders, networking opportunities with military members, spouses, and industry professionals, and a visit to the exhibit hall featuring over 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest technology.
Why — AFA Warfare Symposium is designed to provide an opportunity to explore the latest developments in air and space warfare and the crucial role these forces play in maintaining national security. This is a chance for attendees to learn about cutting-edge advancements and connect with experts in the field.
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South by Southwest (SXSW)
Where and When — SXSW 2023 will be held from March 10-14 in Austin, TX. 2F representatives will be participating in panel discussions for SXSW from March 11-13. Stop by and meet the 2F team at Capital Factory for our Happy Hour on March 13, from 4:30-6:00pm.
Who and What — SXSW is organized by SXSW, LLC, a company that specializes in organizing conferences, trade shows, festivals, and other events. This year marks the 37th edition of the SXSW Conference and promises to be a world-class event filled with opportunities for discovery, learning, and networking. At SXSW, attendees can expect to experience a diverse range of activities including conference sessions, film and TV festival screenings, music festival showcases, exhibitions, competitions, award ceremonies, and much more.
Why — The purpose of SXSW is to bring together professionals from various industries, including film, music, interactive technologies, and more, to network, attend panels and discussions, showcase their work, and learn about the latest developments and trends in their fields.
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Sea, Air, and Space Exposition
Where and When — The Sea, Air, and Space Exposition 2023 will be held at Gaylord National Harbor, Fort Washington, Maryland from April 3-5.
Who and What — Owned and produced by the Navy League of the United States, the Sea, Air and Space Exposition attracts maritime leaders from around the world, making it an unmissable event for anyone interested in the future of the maritime sector. At the Sea-Air-Space Exposition, attendees have access to a wide range of opportunities for networking and business-generation, guided VIP tours of the exhibit floor, and professional development sessions that provide the latest information on the defense industry and a glimpse into the future. The exposition also features dynamic luncheon and keynote speakers who share up-to-the-minute information and provide a realistic picture of what's to come.
Why — The Sea, Air and Space Exposition is designed to be a premier platform for the defense industry, private-sector companies, and key military decision-makers to come together and discuss the latest developments and trends in the maritime sector.
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Space Symposium
Where and When — The Space Symposium 2023 will be held from April 17-20 at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, CO.
Who and What — The Space Symposium, hosted by the Space Foundation, is a highly anticipated annual event with representation from all sectors of the space community, including: military and national security organizations, government agencies, research and development facilities, educational institutions, space entrepreneurs, and private space exploration and commercial travel providers. It is a platform for the exchange of ideas and information regarding critical space issues and developments.
Why — Space Symposium was started to bring together the global space community to address critical space issues and promote dialog.
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RSA Conference 2023
Where and When — The 2023 RSA Conference will be held in San Francisco, CA from April 24-27. Register by March 24 to take advantage of early bird savings of up to $900*.
Who and What — Hosted by RSA, a subsidiary of Dell Technologies, the conference will bring together cybersecurity experts, professionals, and enthusiasts from around the world to exchange ideas, make lasting connections, and learn from each other. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend expert-led track sessions, inspiring keynotes, and innovation programs, as well as participate in hands-on learning labs and interactive Capture the Flag experiences.
Why — The RSA Conference 2023 provides a unique opportunity to learn, network, and drive progress in the global cybersecurity community. This year’s theme, “Stronger Together”, emphasizes the importance of collaboration and exchange of ideas in the ever-evolving cybersecurity industry.
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TechNet Cyber
Where and When — TechNet Cyber will be held from May 2-4 in Baltimore, Maryland.
Who and What — TechNet Cyber, hosted by AFCEA, is an event for the global cybersecurity community that brings together top leaders in the policy, strategic architecture, operations, and command and control (C2) of cyberspace to address the urgent need for action in the face of persistent attacks and simultaneous sophisticated campaigns. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from key leaders in the industry, including U.S. Cyber Command, DISA, the DoD CIO, and numerous industry and academia partners, who will lead the conversation and deliver solutions to meet the global security challenges of the digital environment.
Why — TechNet Cyber serves as a platform for participants to exchange ideas, share their success stories and examine their failures, and work together to create the next breakthrough in cybersecurity.
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SOF Week 2023
Where and When — SOF Week 2023 will be held from May 8-11, in Tampa, FL. Meet the 2F team at our booth to learn more about Game Warden.
Who and What — The former Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC) was a successful annual program for the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). In partnership with the Global SOF Foundation and Clarion Events, SOFIC’s expansion into “SOF Week” builds on that success by unifying the geographically, operationally, and Service dispersed SOF enterprise and offering a variety of programs for its many stakeholders and supporters. The SOF Week 2023 campus in downtown Tampa features a larger exhibit hall, organized by USSOCOM PEO areas, and offers more extensive programming and activities for attendees to learn, network, and engage. Increased physical and digital security measures have been implemented to ensure the safety and security of all participants.
Why — SOF Week 2023 allows the global special operations community to learn, network, and engage in order to collaborate on the future of special operations.
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Offset Symposium
Where and When — Offset Symposium will be held May 16, in Washington D.C. Join us at our flagship event highlighting our customers hosted at the Ronald Reagan Building.
Who and What — Second Front Systems’ (2F) Offset Symposium is 2F’s major annual event that brings together key players from the U.S. and Allied national security ecosystem. The conference is designed to create valuable connections and foster collaboration between a diverse group of attendees, including venture capitalists, defense companies, startups, academic experts, and government representatives.
Why — The purpose of the Offset Symposium is to provide a platform for discussion, idea sharing, and innovation in the field of defense and national security. It is dedicated to strengthening the relationship between the high-tech sector and the national security community, with a focus on leveraging the venture capital ecosystem to drive innovation and progress.
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GEOINT Symposium
Where and When — GEOINT 2023 will be held in St. Louis, MO from May 21-24. Meet the 2F team at our booth to learn more about Game Warden.
Who and What — The GEOINT 2023 Symposium, presented by the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF), is a must-attend event for geospatial intelligence professionals. Attendees of the GEOINT 2023 Symposium will include representatives from government, military, industry, and academia, as well as other parties passionate about geospatial intelligence. The theme of this year's symposium, "GEOINT: From Maps to Metaverse," reflects the evolution and growth of the discipline over the past 20 years and the wide range of sub-disciplines that it encompasses.
Why — The GEOINT 2023 Symposium is a unique opportunity to connect with the largest gathering of geospatial intelligence professionals in the nation.
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Black Hat USA 2023
Where and When — Black Hat 2023 will be held Aug. 5-10, at Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV.
Who and What — Black Hat USA is an annual gathering of the world's leading information security professionals. The conference is attended by a diverse range of individuals, including cybersecurity experts, researchers, consultants, government representatives, and executives from across the public and private sectors. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities, including keynotes, technical sessions, hands-on training, and interactive workshops. With a focus on the most technical and relevant information security research, attendees will gain a deep understanding of the latest developments, trends, and challenges in the industry.
Why — The event is designed to inspire growth and collaboration among information security professionals across all fields and from around the world.
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TechNet Augusta
Where and When — Technet Augusta 2023 will be held from Aug. 14-17, at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center, Augusta, GA.
Who and What — TechNet Augusta, created by AFCEA, is a conference that brings together leaders and operators from the DoD to discuss the procurement challenges faced by the military and government in today's rapidly changing technology landscape. Focusing on the importance of the network, security, and training, TechNet Augusta 2023 will explore the ways in which these key components can enable operational forces to modernize and be ready for the challenges of the future.
Why — Whether you are military, government, or industry, TechNet Augusta 2023 is the ideal event to gain a deeper understanding of the current state of the cyber domain and to shape its future.
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AFA Air, Space, and Cyberspace
Where and When — The Air Force Association's 2023 Air, Space & Cyber Conference will be held in National Harbor, MD, from September 11-13, 2023. Meet the 2F team at our booth to learn more about Game Warden.
Who and What — Attended by top military and civilian leaders, defense industry executives, and air and space professionals, AFA's Air, Space & Cyber Conference is the premier event for the air, space, and cyberspace community.
Why — The Air, Space & Cyber Conference provides first-class professional military development, facilitates sharing of emerging requirements and technologies, and helps fuel connections that advance the cause of air and space power.
Email us if you'd like to set up a meeting.
Association of the United States Army’s Annual Meeting (AUSA 2023)
Where and When — AUSA 2023 will be held from Oct. 23-25 in Washington, D.C.
Who and What — Whether you are a military professional, a member of the government, or an industry expert, AUSA 2023 is an event for anyone who is passionate about land power and dedicated to advancing the cause of the Army. Attendees can expect to participate in informative and relevant presentations on the State-of-the-Army, panel discussions and seminars, and a variety of networking opportunities. With 700+ exhibitors on the show floor, attendees will have hands-on opportunities to see the latest technology in action and identify the solutions that meet their needs.
Why — The AUSA conference is one of the three key communication platforms used by the Army to educate and inform government, academic, civic, and veteran advocates, as well as leadership, on Army priorities and issues of today.
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Air force vs Army Game
Where and When — The Air Force vs Army Game will take place on Nov. 4 in Denver, CO
Who and What — Fans from both sides can expect a fierce competition as the Air Force Falcons and Army Black Knights battle it out on the field. This annual game is one of the most popular events in college football, attracting fans from all over the country. Ticket sales will begin Feb. 2023. All Air Force football season ticket holders will receive tickets to the game as part of their season ticket purchase. Each season ticket holder will also receive a complimentary parking pass, allowing for a seamless experience at the stadium.
Why — Join thousands of fans and experience the excitement of the 2023 Air Force vs. Army football game at Empower Field at Mile High. Get ready to show your support and cheer on your team to victory!
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Prodacity
Where and When — Prodacity 2023 will be held in Washington D.C. from Nov. 6-8.
Who and What — Prodacity, created and organized by Rise8, is an event for government technology innovators and change agents who are seeking to push boundaries in their field. This year's symposium promises to be a curated journey of discovery and learning about the topics of people, process, and technology. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from experienced and knowledgeable professionals who have a passion for delivering meaningful change in the public sector. With a focus on hands-on learning, attendees will gain practical insights into the critical methods, practices, and mindset needed to create impactful government software organizations.
Why — Prodacity 2023 is designed for both newcomers and veterans who want to start, scale, and improve their government software initiatives. The conference is all about sharing knowledge and experience, so there will be no sales pitches or theatrical performances.
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KubeCon + CloudNativeCon
Where and When — KubeCon + CloudNativeCon North America 2023 will be held from Nov. 6-9, in Chicago, IL.
Who and What — “KubeCon + CloudNativeCon” is the Cloud Native Computing Foundation’s (CNCF) flagship conference that brings together developers, architects, technical leaders, CIOs, CTOs, press, and analysts from all over the world to further the education and advancement of cloud native computing. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the industry’s top developers, end users, and vendors, including some of the largest public cloud and enterprise software companies, as well as innovative startups.
Why — The goal of the event is to gather adopters and top technologists from leading open source and cloud native communities to further the education and advancement of cloud native computing.
What events do you think we should add? Email us to let us know.
