AFWERX Fusion Base of the Future Virtual Event & Showcase


The Challenge

AFWERX Fusion Base of the Future Virtual Event & Showcase

Established in 2017, AFWERX serves as the catalyst to drive innovation for the U.S. Air Force and the Department of Defense, solving some of the toughest challenges that the Air Force faces through collaboration amongst our nation’s top subject matter experts. AFWERX removes barriers to entry for public and private sector businesses and industry to unleash new approaches for the USAF through a growing ecosystem of innovators.

The AFWERX Fusion 2020 Base of the Future virtual event and showcase (July 28-30, 2020) is their annual flagship event that drew a record number of attendees from across the globe. Historically AFWERX Fusion is held in-person, but due to the global pandemic in 2020 was forced to go virtual.

The event featured keynotes, panels, and fireside chats with internationally renowned speakers, celebrity guest appearances and a virtual tradeshow featuring solutions for the DOD to innovate and modernize the USAF. Keynote speakers joined from Google, Duke University, MGM Resorts International, Friday Pulse, Totem Block, USAF, DOD, iRobot, The Recording Academy and special celebrity cameos the likes of which included Jay Leno, Daymond John, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, and co-hosts: actress and singer Krista Kleiner and Colonel John Flynn of the U.S. Air Force & MGM Resorts International.

Concurrently, the AFWERX Fusion 2020 Showcase featured 370 exhibitors, selected from more than 1,600 submissions received from around the globe for the Base of the Future Challenge. Participating teams represent entrepreneurial startups, small businesses, large enterprises, academic institutions, and research labs all vying to build the Base of the Future.

AWERX Fusion Base of the Future

The Challenge

AFWERX Fusion Base of the Future Virtual Event & Showcase

Established in 2017, AFWERX serves as the catalyst to drive innovation for the U.S. Air Force and the Department of Defense, solving some of the toughest challenges that the Air Force faces through collaboration amongst our nation’s top subject matter experts. AFWERX removes barriers to entry for public and private sector businesses and industry to unleash new approaches for the USAF through a growing ecosystem of innovators.

The AFWERX Fusion 2020 Base of the Future virtual event and showcase (July 28-30, 2020) is their annual flagship event that drew a record number of attendees from across the globe. Historically AFWERX Fusion is held in-person, but due to the global pandemic in 2020 was forced to go virtual.

The event featured keynotes, panels, and fireside chats with internationally renowned speakers, celebrity guest appearances and a virtual tradeshow featuring solutions for the DOD to innovate and modernize the USAF. Keynote speakers joined from Google, Duke University, MGM Resorts International, Friday Pulse, Totem Block, USAF, DOD, iRobot, The Recording Academy and special celebrity cameos the likes of which included Jay Leno, Daymond John, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, and co-hosts: actress and singer Krista Kleiner and Colonel John Flynn of the U.S. Air Force & MGM Resorts International.

Concurrently, the AFWERX Fusion 2020 Showcase featured 370 exhibitors, selected from more than 1,600 submissions received from around the globe for the Base of the Future Challenge. Participating teams represent entrepreneurial startups, small businesses, large enterprises, academic institutions, and research labs all vying to build the Base of the Future.

OUR APPROACH

KDC developed a comprehensive and multi-faceted media relations strategy targeting national, regional, and industry trade media to accomplish several goals: Drive awareness around the first-of-its-kind virtual event; Promote the keynote speakers, panel discussions, fireside chats and event highlights; Promote the Base of the Future Challenge and the innovative solutions featured in the Showcase; Foster national awareness of the AFWERX brand and the impact the organization has on the Air Force; and Change the way innovation is perceived within the Air Force.

 

Results

KDC organized a media preview virtual press conference with a panel of speakers from AFWERX, the USAF and the DOD where 28 reporters and media outlets from regional, national and industry media joined for interview opportunities and a moderated Q&A session.

More than 3.83 Billion press impressions were garnered across more than 750 media outlets through KDC’s earned media efforts including: YahooNews, YahooFinance, POLITICO, Daily Herald, International Business Times, Market Watch, AP News, Star Tribune, Las Vegas Review Journal, Boston Herald, Buffalo News, Pittsburg Gazette, Chicago Daily Herald, National Defense Magazine and Air Force Technology News to name a few.

 

Billion Press Impressions

Over the course of the three-day virtual event attendees joined from across four digital platforms-including YouTube, Facebook, AFWERXFusion.com and AFWERX.af.mil, rallying more than 25,000 viewers from vast regions of North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and other allied countries.

The Fast Company Editor-in-Chief, Stephanie Mehta also joined for special live announcement naming AFWERX to the Best Workplaces for Innovators 2020 list, honoring the top 100 businesses that demonstrate a deep commitment to innovation. AFWERX came in at #16 ranking in the top 20 alongside brands such as Microsoft, Google and Amazon.

 

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Phone: 702.737.3100
Email: info@kirvindoak.com

Phone: 702.737.3100
Email: info@kirvindoak.com