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Luncheon, Awards and guest speaker

We are pleased to welcome Pete Greany as our June Luncheon speaker. Mr. Greany is currently the PEO for Services Acquisition in the Center for SOF AT&L at U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. He is responsible for the oversight and management of USSOCOM service acquisitions, including support to USSOCOM Headquarters, Component Commands, and Theater Special Operations Commands, in executing approved service requirements that will be awarded in accordance with the contracting authority of the Acquisition Executive worldwide.

Last year we explored the physical infrastructure underpinning national security - cleared spaces, energy, facilities. This event tackles the other side of the coin: the digital threats targeting defense contractors, federal networks, and the industrial base that supports the warfighter. Nation-state actors are increasingly targeting the defense supply chain through sophisticated cyber campaigns, and companies of all sizes are navigating a rapidly evolving compliance landscape. With a dense concentration of defense contractors and federal facilities across the region, this conversation hits close to home.Format: Panel discussion + networking (evening event)Key Topics:- The evolving cyber threat landscape targeting the defense industrial base - nation-state actors, ransomware, and supply chain attacks- CMMC 2.0 compliance: what defense contractors need to know and how to prepare- Protecting sensitive data across the defense supply chain - from primes to small business subcontractors- CISA Region 7's role in supporting the defense community and private sector- Insider threats, zero trust architecture, and the convergence of IT and OT security in defense manufacturingWhy this is important to Kansas City: The region is dense with defense contractors navigating CMMC, and the concentration of sensitive manufacturing and federal facilities makes cyber defense a daily reality, not an abstract concept. This positions AFCEA KC as a practical resource for the companies that make up the local defense industrial base.

Join us for a high-impact discussion on the frontlines of acquisition reform, where policy meets battlefield urgency. The Fight to Buy Smart: Reforming Acquisition for Strategic Advantage brings together senior leaders from the Department of War and industry to explore how the defense ecosystem can break through bureaucracy without breaking the rules. Attendees will gain insight into the latest compliance shifts, emerging acquisition authorities, and bold approaches to speed, scale, and sustainment because equipping the warfighter shouldn t be the slowest part of the mission. Whether you're a policy maker, program manager, or tech innovator, this luncheon will sharpen your understanding of what it truly takes to buy smarter, faster, and in alignment with the Department of War and DHS.

Learn how to deploy offline agent meshes, automate functional validation, measure modernization success and more.

Join us for a fun evening of networking and socializing with fellow AFCEA members.. and giveaways!AFCEA offers an opportunity to gather with fellow members and prospective members at Stella's Elixir Lounge's rooftop bar on the 3rd Tuesday of every month. It is a free event, Buy Your Own Beer. Bring a friend! Bring your business cards! We have giveaways!

Reception for Sponsors to conclude 2025-2026 chapter year.

Enjoy a networking happy hour connecting with industry peers, exchanging ideas, and strengthening relationships!When: Wednesday, June 105pm-7pmWhere: Fort Ben Pub5645 North Post RoadIndianapolis, IN 46216Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/afcea-indiana-networking-happy-hour-tickets-1990000277399?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Join Emerging Leaders on the second Wednesday of the month from 5-7pm for an informal networking event with light refreshments, offering opportunities to connect with established industry professionals for mentorship and relationship-building.

Gain a foundational knowledge of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), understand its role in the DOW supply chain and take away proven best practices to avoid traps and map a realistic path to success.