TechNet wraps up after pumping millions into local economy
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The TechNet Augusta conference and expo wrapped up Thursday, but the criminal investigation continues into a mysterious odor.
The affected areas on Wednesday underwent tests for hazardous materials, and authorities said it was safe to proceed with the conference.
Fall armyworms are starting to appear across the region
The armyworm is about an inch in length, gray with white markings, and is usually first seen in late summer. It is known for damaging lawns and other home landscapes.
The annual three-day conference brings together cyber industry experts – largely with high security clearances – for communication, networking, education and problem solving.
Participants are exploring how to transform, align and accelerate to meet global pacing challenges to both cyber offense and defense. They’re also discussing the procurement challenges the military, government and industry face during a time of uncertain budgets and runaway technology advances.
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Held at the Marriott Augusta, the Augusta Convention Center and the Georgia Cyber Center, it’s put on by the Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association in cooperation with the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence and industry experts.
Even though it’s a pretty specialized event, it’s a huge boost to the economy.
Last year alone, it brought nearly 6,000 attendees to the city, with more than 3,700 traveling from outside Georgia and South Carolina.
It contributed over $5.4 million in economic impact, according to Destination Augusta.
“Since 2013, Augusta has been proud to host this esteemed event, which brings together some of the brightest minds in technology, defense, and cyber security,” said Bennish Brown, Destination Augusta president and CEO. “TechNet Augusta has become a cornerstone of our city’s annual calendar, not just for the wealth of knowledge exchanged, but for the significant connections made right here in our community.”
AU conference focuses on impact of AI, cybersecurity and more
Artificial intelligence, propaganda and information online are all hot topics in the cyber world. Augusta University held a conference to discuss those things in our everyday lives.
Paul Fredenburgh, executive vice president for National Security of Defense AFCEA, said: “The military, government, our industry partners and our academic partners, those are the folks that are going to work together to develop, design, create, invent capabilities and technologies that we need for our national security. And we’re bringing that whole community together here in Augusta.”
The event had thousands of people staying in hotels, going to restaurants and ing local businesses.
Rafael Gonzalez, Boll Weevil Cafe general manager, said: “Everyone’s just kind of flooding in here, trying to have everyone be as patient with us as possible. You know, trying to cook the best food for them as quickly as possible. It’s not the easiest thing to do, but we’re doing our best.”
It brings business to places all around Broad Street.
“Thanks to the hotel, we do have a lot people coming in, like I said, from all over you know, we are a little off the beaten path a little bit when it comes to Broad Street,” said Gonzalez.
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