AFITC demonstrates, enhances military capabilities Published Sept. 3, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Christopher S. Stoltz Air University Public Affairs MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- The Air Force Information Technology Conference 2010 in downtown Montgomery this week showed thousands of attendees how new technologies are changing the Air Force. The event, themed "Dominance at the Speed of Need," ran Monday through Thursday and was organized by the Air Force Program Executive Office for Enterprise Systems in conjunction with the city of Montgomery. It showcased technological aspects of the Air Force and new products from different companies this year, providing Air Force servicemembers with ideas and future potential business opportunities. "We had a great group of speakers come in," said Jason Bishop, event spokesman, about the list of presenters that included high-ranking members of both the Air Force and private communication and electronics companies. Mr. Bishop said the conference required the work of a 50-person committee and about 300 volunteers. "Our office goes to 15 events a year that are similar to AFITC, but they can't compare to our conference - the size, the enthusiasm of the attendees and the vendors," he said. The conference allowed vendors and Air Force personnel from different parts of the globe to interact and view products which could be used in the military, helping build business relations between the Air Force and businesses who hope to provide their products for Air Force use. It also allowed various Air Force units to display their military prowess. "It is great we can be at the AFITC to demonstrate our capabilities," said Staff Sgt. Morgan Walker, Joint Communications Support Element. "We provide communications support for military operations and humanitarian relief efforts, and having the best technology for the mission is vital. By coming to the AFITC, we have a chance to spend time with businesses and see if there is any room for improvement." Small businesses were highlighted during the conference and hosted events including town-hall style meetings and match-making sessions allowing small businesses to share how they can meet the needs of the Air Force. "We hope to be at the AFITC again next year," said Staff Sgt. Walker. "This conference allows us to maintain our level of excellence as a unit, it provides us perspective and it keeps us on our toes. The United States Air Force is the greatest air power in the world, and we plan on doing our part to keep it that way."