Air Force Association National Convention

The Air Force Association’s Annual National Convention is an exciting opportunity for AFA members from around the country and abroad to come together and play a pivotal role in shaping our Association. As defined by AFA’s Constitution, the Association is governed by its National Convention body, which passes its authority to an elected Board of Directors for required actions between National Conventions. If you are interested in joining fellow AFA members as a delegate, please contact your State President for more information. 

See the Background Material for Delegates

In addition to being the primary forum for conducting official AFA business, the National Convention offers exciting opportunities for members and guests to come together for networking, additional training, Congressional engagement, and social activities. A few highlights of the 2012 National Convention include

• AFA Field Awards Dinner
• A new schedule of activities for delegates, spouses and guests designed to add a bit of fun to the Convention and take advantage of the Washington, DC venue.
• A memorial service and wreath laying at the Air Force Memorial;
• Additional training for current and potential AFA Field Leaders; and
• Many other activities for the 2012 National Convention aimed to have AFA delegates and guests make the most of your visit to National Harbor and the Washington D.C. area. View the full Delegate Agenda here.

Of course, you may also want to continue your stay a few more days and attend AFA’s prestigious Air & Space Conference and Technology Exhibition, September 17 – 19. This is truly a one-of-a-kind event where the Air Force Association brings together Air Force leadership, industry experts, and academia from around the world to discuss the issues and challenges facing America, the aerospace community, and our US Air Force today. At this time, the confirmed speakers include: Leon Panetta, Secretary of Defense; General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Columnist Charles Krauthammer; and noted New York Times reporters Thom Shanker and Eric Schmitt. Complete information can be found here. AFA offers an at-our-cost rate of $125/day for delegate attendance at the conference, but if you want to attend the Monday Conference Opening and National Awards ceremony, that is free with only delegate registration. You may also obtain admittance to the exhibit hall free here.

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Special Hotel Pricing for AFA Delegates

The Air Force Association worked tirelessly again with the Gaylord to get a further discounted rate for our delegates. We need your support in booking this rate so we can negotiate a similar deal for future years. For Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, the hotel has agreed to a $156 rate plus tax (roughly $181 with tax). The hotel is only offering us a limited number at this rate so don’t delay in making your arrangements. On nights other than Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the AFA is again able to extend the government per diem rate of $226 plus tax (roughly $262 with tax). Included in both rates is the resort fee, which covers high speed internet in your room, 2 bottles of water in your room each day, fitness center access, newspaper, and local/toll free telephone calls. If you have any questions about your hotel reservations, please contact Sarah Piggott at spiggott@afa.org. Please make your reservations now to ensure you get these rates. Reservations will be accepted on a first-in basis until the block is full or until Friday, August 24, 2012 by noon, whichever comes first. To reserve your hotel room, you must first register for the Convention/Conference. At the end of the registration process, your Internet browser will display a registration confirmation page. Scroll to the bottom of the page to click the button ‘Make a Hotel Reservation’ and then input the appropriate information. NOTE: Do not call the hotel directly; this is the only avenue available for you to make your hotel reservation at this rate. Please also note that this rate will only be extended to convention delegates.