March 8  1:00pm – 2:00pm
Austin Convention Center, Room 12AB
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Tech and innovation companies are eager for talent without STEM degrees and backgrounds. Notably, aerospace companies want people to reimagine our conceptions of rocket scientists and astronauts. Learn what skills help enable flight or launch a satellite into orbit. Join experts from the biggest aerospace groups as they highlight the value of bringing the humanities to space and the critical role the thousands of non-engineers hold in fulfilling their missions to go higher, faster, and farther.
SXSW EDU Badge Required
March 10, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
JW Marriott, Salon D
Just as humankind is responsible for a sustainable future on Earth, we are also responsible for a sustainable future in space. Millions of pieces of space junk orbit our planet, threatening everything from our phone GPS to our ability to monitor and respond to natural disasters. As Earth’s orbit becomes increasingly cluttered, this debris also endangers our future off-planet as we continue to explore the final frontier. Join a panel of experts to discuss what is being done, and what needs to be done, to promote orbital sustainability and take out the space trash.
March 12, 11:30am – 12:30pm
JW Marriott, Salon AB
Providing the earliest images of our universe, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has pushed the frontier of space technology and deep-space imaging. These images and data have fundamentally changed our understanding of the universe. Hear from the people behind the telescope to discuss the incredible images and innovations made possible by the JWST and what these discoveries mean for the future of humankind.
March 14, 11:30am-12:30pm
Austin Convention Center, Room 6AB
Critical advancements in aerospace technology and an influx of investment are helping to forever alter how we travel. The advanced air mobility revolution will soon allow us to move people and cargo locally and regionally faster and more efficiently than ever before. Faster deliveries of perishables, improved medical transportation, and shorter commute times are on the horizon. Hear from a diverse group of experts as they explore our future in the sky.
Leaders in military and government innovation join forces to explore the future of Defense. Engage with speakers from the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, Army Futures Command, DARPA, Capability Prototype Office (formerly RTTO), the Office of Strategic Capital, and SBA as they share their priorities for 2023 and beyond.
With Austin quickly becoming the center of gravity for space and defense innovation, the communities will come together during SXSW like never before.Â
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This highly-curated reception will bring innovators together for an exclusive event featuring forward-thinking leaders in the space and defense innovation sectors globally, to facilitate expanding networks with ideal contacts. Apply here to attend.Â
Capt. Garrett Custons, AFWERX Spark Cell (U.S. Air Force)
Bonnie Evangelista, Chief Digital and AI Office CDAO, Acquisitions Directorate
Col. Robert "Bert" Giovannetti, Air Force CyberWorx
Zeke Topolosky, Army Research Laboratory
Capt. Casey Plew, Office of Naval Research
Trish Martinelli, Defense Entrepreneurs ForumÂ
Scott Willoughby, VP & Program Manager, James Webb Space Telescope, Northrop Grumman Â
Kenneth Harris II, Senior Project Engineer, The Aerospace Corporation 
Camille Elizabeth Bergin, Space influencer (@TheGalacticGal), Business Development at Orbit Fab  Â
Loren Grush, Space Reporter, Bloomberg Â
Optiv invites cyber and defense community leaders for a night of networking, music, dancing and plenty of entertainment. Request an invite to attend here.
Get a first look at new robotics technology from startups and others companies who are working with the DOD right now — all at the nation’s first land, sea, & air robotics co-working space, accelerator & lab! This hands-on demo will feature robotic technology from startups, corporations, universities, and government entities through a pub-crawl-style experience including live UAS demos throughout the day.
Learn more and Apply to Pitch live in front of technical and business experts from Amazon, AWS Partners, VCs, Startups and more on the Pitch Competition Registration Page.
Judges:
Tyler Sweatt, Second Front Systems
Marco Concha, Amazon Kuiper
Jeff Crusey, Farpoint
Moriba Jah, Privateer
Ilsa Mroz, Aerospace Industries Association
Tom Soderstrom, AWS
Open bar, great DJ, and pictures of Earth from space. What more could you want? Register now for the SkyFi Summit, no SXSW credentials required.
For over 100 years, the aerospace and defense (A&D) industry has moved, connected, secured, explored, and inspired the world. From the first time humans took flight to our journey to the Moon and beyond, the innovations and achievements of the A&D industry have shaped modern life.
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AIA has been the voice of the industry since voice since 1919. Our work as an advocate and convener is essential to shaping policy, shedding light on the industry’s impact and empowering its future.
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Learn more at www.aia-aerospace.org
