MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --
Air University and the Business and Enterprise Systems kicked off the 25th Air Force Information Technology and Cyberpower Conference, today in Montgomery, Alabama.
The AFITC is bringing together individuals from various backgrounds including military, business and academia to contemplate innovative ways to maintain safety and security in a technology and cyberspace dominant world. This year’s theme is America: Living Free, Secure and Productive in a Cyber World.
“We are extremely proud of the relationships between industry, government and academia and believe that this year’s 25th conference will provide exceptional opportunities to network, build or renew relationships, collaborate or perhaps do some critical thinking and engage in a national dialogue to help support this year’s theme,” said Scott Johnson, AFITC chair.
Kicking off the event, Montgomery Mayor, Todd Strange welcomed attendees to the city of Montgomery and expressed his excitement for the revival of the conference.
Strange said that since AFITC ceased five years ago, city officials have been anxious to see its revival.
Lt. Gen. Steven Kwast, Air University commander and director, shed light on a more serious note exemplifying the dangers and vulnerabilities that come with technology and cyber dependence. He ensured the crowd that our enemies are emerging and it is up to us to formulate innovated ways to enhance cyber security.
“The tools are sitting right in front of us. Those who can figure out how to put those tools together, to innovate more affordably, are the ones who will be the big winners,” said Kwast.
The agenda for today’s events included speakers, Lt. Gen. William Bender, Information Dominance chief and Chief Information Officer, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force; Brig. Gen. Mitchel H. Butikofer, 24th Air Force vice commander, Air Forces Cyber deputy commander and Joint Force Headquarters-Cyber deputy commander; Dion Weisler, HP Incorporated president and CEO. The event included several breakout sessions to better enhance participation and the sharing of ideas.
A live streaming of the conference can be watched on the Maxwell Air Force Base and Air University Facebook pages.