Sheppard to participate in AETC Symposium

  • Published
  • By Capt. Brittany Martin
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The sixth annual Air Education and Training Command Symposium kicks off in San Antonio, Texas, Jan. 12 with the theme "Develop America's Airmen Today...for Tomorrow."

The symposium offers two days of keynote speakers, panels, breakout sessions and access to more than 100 exhibitors and vendors in the Exposition Hall. The focus will be sharing information on current practices and innovation in recruiting, training and educating Airmen.

Gina Johnson, Sheppard Training Operations deputy director and Wing Staff Agency's booth point of contact, has attended each of the five previous symposiums.

"The largest benefit is the cross share and networking opportunities you have with other technical training locations and entities in AETC," she said. "It gives you the ability to reach out to people and work toward common goals."

Sheppard will send more than 160 exhibitors and attendees to the symposium. Slots for attendees were allocated by group, said Capt. Shannon Hunt, Logistics POC for the 82nd Training Wing.

Once at the symposium, attendees will not only listen to keynote speakers and panels, but will also have the opportunity to choose among more than 70 presentations during five breakout sessions. Seminar tracks include Leadership, Communication, and Recruiting; Operational Issues; National and International Security Issues; Educational Innovations; and Training Innovations.

In addition to sending attendees, Sheppard will join the cross-flow conversation by hosting 12 booths in the Exposition Hall, showcasing both wings and all groups.

This is the second year the 82nd TRW and 80th Flying Training Wing will present together as Team Sheppard. Sheppard's booths will reflect the recent changes in training with a display by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal schoolhouse and the loss of the 882nd Training Group.

Additionally, the Mission Support Group will host a booth for the first time, showcasing their mission; Public Affairs is also a first-time exhibitor with an emphasis on social networking.

For information and video on what's happening at the symposium, follow Sheppard's social media feeds.