Chapter Hosts Live Tech Expo 2021

The Tech Expo's return to the ArkLaTex region was met with great success. Hosted at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, in July, the Tech Expo involved 35 vendors and attracted over 170 local attendees as one of the first live events since the pandemic emerged last year. Social distancing restrictions have gradually eased over the last few months, allowing the much anticipated event to occur.

The event featured unique technologies and opportunities to interest and engage attendees. Vendors highlighted products and projects from deployable communication technologies, artificial intelligence, augmented reality and virtual reality, and cybersecurity. "This was a great event as it was nice to see so many people show up to check out the different technologies, vendors, and organizations. A few of my favorite things was seeing the robot dog from Boston Dynamics chase the bone, going hands-on with VR and getting munitions training on a virtual flight line, and learning about the new innovations in computer tech from the various businesses. It was also nice to see people take interest in our AFCEA ArkLaTex chapter booth and we even got some new members signed up!" said Capt. Kebin Umodu, USAF, chapter executive vice president.

Additional highlights included two briefings: "The Leader in 5G Puts First Responders First," presented by T-Mobile; and "Mixed Reality Lightweight Training Ecosystem," presented by Lumen Technologies.

Event Photographs: