In November, the chapter hosted its 17th Annual TechNet Conference. The theme focused on Bulgaria's land, air and naval sovereignty and Shengen Agreement requirements as an external border to the European Union. More than 170 individuals and 37 companies from government, industry and technical universities attended the event. Presentation topics included technologies and solutions for the military, external and internal security, border control, disaster and crisis management, information security and integrated information systems. Rita Lewis, acquisition director of the NATO Consultation, Command and Control Agency, served as a featured speaker. Her presentation focused on how to do business with NATO. H.E. Tsvetan Tsvetanov, deputy prime minister of the Republic of Bulgaria, presented on the political and legal aspects of the Shengen Agreement requirements and how the Ministry of the Interior has fulfilled those obligations. International companies such as Microsoft, Siemens and EADS shared their experiences and proposed their solutions to current problems. Bulgarian companies also presented their solutions, recommending collaboration and partnership between industry and government. Vice Adm. Emil Ljutskanov, BU A (Ret.), former first deputy chief of general staff, received the 2009 Medal of Merit in recognition of his contributions to the chapter. Pavlin Dimitrov, deputy prime minister and deputy minister of the interior; Tsvetanov; and Lt. Gen. Anyu Angelov, BU A (Ret.), deputy minister of defense, received honorary AFCEA memberships.

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