AFCEA Huntsville launches inaugural TechNet Rocket City for Nov. 4-5

AFCEA Huntsville will host the first TechNet Rocket City on Nov. 4-5, 2026, in Huntsville, Alabama, bringing together government, industry, academia and military leaders around acquisition, cyber, AI and mission technology. The event is meant to connect Redstone Arsenal stakeholders with technology providers and accelerate national security modernization.

Why it matters: - TechNet Rocket City is designed to link mission needs with available technology, which can help speed procurement, collaboration and fielding of new capabilities. - The conference brings together federal, military, industry and academic stakeholders in one place, increasing the odds of new partnerships across Huntsville’s defense ecosystem.

What happened: - The AFCEA Huntsville Chapter announced the inaugural TechNet Rocket City conference for Nov. 4-5, 2026. - The event will be held at the Huntsville Marriott at the Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. - Registration is now open at More information. - The conference theme is “Connecting Redstone. Accelerating Mission Advantage.”

The details: - Organizers say the program will focus on the current acquisition environment, commercial solutions, cost-type and firm-fixed-price contracting, and data rights. - Planned topics also include workforce development and training, quantum technologies, AI and counter-AI, cybersecurity and zero trust, data analytics, and CIO views on the pacing threat. - The agenda will also cover the organic industrial base, scaling industry, intelligence mission advantage across domains, cognitive electronic warfare and data. - Government registration is complimentary. - Industry and government contractor registration is available, with discounted rates for AFCEA members. - Organizations can also apply to sponsor or exhibit at the conference. - Sponsorship and exhibit inquiries go to Taylor Clifton at TClifton@eventPower.com. - The event website says attendees can register, explore participation opportunities and view the agenda at the conference website.

Between the lines: - Huntsville’s concentration of defense, space, missile defense, intelligence and federal engineering organizations makes the city a natural setting for a conference built around cross-mission problem-solving. - The lineup of subjects suggests the event is aiming to move beyond general networking and into practical discussions about acquisition, delivery and operational integration. - Jessica Washburn, president of the AFCEA Huntsville Chapter, said the chapter wants to bring together CIOs, CDAOs and AI/cyber subject-matter experts on Redstone to discuss how to accelerate mission advantage for national defense. - Col. Joseph L. Heyman (Ret.), chair of TechNet Rocket City, said the conference is intended to turn conversations into practical connections that help solve mission challenges. - Adam Perlman, vice chair of TechNet Rocket City, said mission engineering and cyber must work together to turn emerging technologies into capabilities that meet operational needs.

What's next: - Organizers are encouraging early registration and ongoing checks of the event website for program updates. - Sponsors, exhibitors and participants will use the conference to connect with leaders, program offices and acquisition professionals across Redstone Arsenal and the broader Huntsville defense community. - AFCEA Huntsville said the event is part of its broader mission to connect government, military, industry and academia through professional programs, networking, education and scholarship initiatives.