The Exchange: A DAFITC After-Hours Unconference

Schedule

Mon Aug 24 2026 at 05:00 pm to 08:00 pm

UTC-05:00
Location

Historic Kress Building, 39 Dexter Ave, Montgomery, AL 36104 | Montgomery, AL

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After-hours DAFITC exchange connecting defense, industry, academia, art, and civic leaders to spark partnerships, innovation, and talent.
About this Event
Event Photos

The Exchange is a DAFITC after-hours, unconference-style networking and collaboration event hosted by The Eagle Institute in cooridnation with Air University's Innovation Accelerator (AUiX), I85 Tech Corridor, Map360, AlanaEnfinity, and DAFITC during the Department of the Air Force Information Technology and Cyberpower (DAFITC) Conference. Designed to complement the formal conference agenda, the Exchange brings together leaders and practitioners from government, industry, academia, art and civic organizations, startups, and regional innovation ecosystems in a relaxed, relationship-focused environment.

Rather than traditional presentations, participants engage in meaningful ignite-style presentations and conversations, share emerging ideas, explore common challenges, and identify opportunities for collaboration. Discussion topics may include defense innovation, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, workforce development, applied research, technology-enabled creativity, art innovation, and talent development.

The goal of the Exchange is to accelerate connections that lead to tangible outcomes, including strategic partnerships, pilot projects, technology demonstrations, research collaborations, student engagement opportunities, workforce initiatives, and pathways for transitioning innovative solutions to meet Department of the Air Force and national security needs. By fostering cross-sector collaboration, The Eagle Institute aims to strengthen the regional and national innovation ecosystem while advancing mission-focused solutions.

For more information on the event, visit us at auix.org. For any additional questions, please email DeVanté Snell, Chief of Partnerships & Programming, at [email protected].


PARKING DETAILS: Please park on Dexter Avenue or Monroe Street. The Historic Kress Building has two entrances on both of these streets.


Event Photos
Agenda

🕑: 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Happy Hour Social & Networking

Info: Heavy Hor Dourves and No-Host Wine/Beverages at Prevail Union (Same Building—39 Dexter Ave, Suite 102)


🕑: 06:00 PM - 06:20 PM
Welcome & Partner Introductions

Info: Event framing, desired outcomes, and brief introductions from participating organizations.


🕑: 06:20 PM - 07:15 PM
Ignite Talks and Working Sessions

Info: Rapid presentations followed by facilitated discussions focused on shared opportunities, barriers, available capabilities, and potential collaborations.


🕑: 07:15 PM - 07:40 PM
Report-Outs and Opportunity Mapping

Info: Each track will identify priority ideas, potential partners, responsible stakeholders, and recommended next steps.


🕑: 07:40 PM - 08:00 PM
Follow-Up Connections

Info: Targeted introductions and identification of follow-on meetings or collaborative activities.


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Where is it happening?

Historic Kress Building, 39 Dexter Ave, Montgomery, AL 36104, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

USD 0.00

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