The chapter held its first conference at Hickam Air Force Base in 1986 with six exhibitors and 200 attendees. AFCEA International became a co-host of the conference in 1998. This collaboration will continue to bring together military, industry and academic stakeholders as we prepare to host the 40th TechNet Indo-Pacific conference at the Hawaii Convention Center, October 28-30, 2025.
Forty years ago, military and industry partners concluded that a conference to showcase industry solutions that could meet military communication requirements should be held in Hawaii. Four chapter members founded the conference in 1986. Those members were: Capt. Kenneth Wiecking, USN (Ret.), Thomas Lawrence, Donna Russell and Timothy Moe. Major exhibitors were AT&T, GTE Hawaiian Tel, Northrup Grumman and Hughes Aircraft Company. One of the key speakers that year was Col. William (Bill) Johnston, USA (Ret.), the then J64 at U.S. Commander in Chief, Pacific Command, or USCINCPAC, (now U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, or USINDOPACOM). Johnston is currently a consultant and still attends this conference regularly.
Today, TechNet Indo-Pacific (TIP) is the largest strategic event of its kind in the Indo-Pacific Rim. USINDOPACOM works closely with partners to enable resilient, survivable and secure collaboration across a spectrum of contingencies. TIP features speakers and panel discussions, many qualifying for continuing education unit credit, on how industry, academia and government can address and solve regional challenges. Exhibitors demonstrate hardware, software and service solutions to meet the military's requirements.
TIP 2024 moved to the Hawaii Convention Center which resulted in a record-setting 305 exhibitors and 4,792 attendees. The move to the Hawaii Convention Center in 2024 offered TIP more space to increase the number of exhibitors, clearing the waitlist. Increased booth space for many of the chapter exhibitors was another bonus. As in the past, TIP provided meeting spaces for all on-island commands to use while on-site. Three theaters on the exhibit floor showcased theme-related topics throughout the conference. The success of TIP is historically attributed to the partnership between the chapter, the USINDOPACOM J6 and the on-island combatant commands.
TIP 2024 keynote speakers included Adm. Samuel Paparo, USN, commander, USINDOPACOM. Panel sessions, which included a series of noncommissioned officers/warrant officers educational offerings from the J6, addressed the theme of the conference and were all well received. Tech talks and workshops were offered by both on-island commands and industry partners. STEM events, including robotics, capture the flag and drone demonstrations were also highlighted and featured students from local schools.
The affiliation between AFCEA International and the chapter, as well as their relationship with Department of Defense, industry and academia counterparts, made each TIP a huge success. Forty years of successful conferences have enabled the chapter to grow its commitment and contributions to its education programs, mentoring, STEM scholarships and grants within the Hawaii community. |
At the Gate: Maj. Gen. Robert G. Lynn, USA, U.S. commander in chief, Pacific Command (USINCPAC), J6, in 1986, (second from r), stands at the gate with others in 1986. Lynn's son, Lt. Gen. Alan Lynn, USA, also went on to lead the Defense Information Systems Agency, or DISA. |
