About CERTS

AFCEA International is hosting the Cyber Education, Research and Training Symposium (CERTS) in Augusta, Georgia, home of Fort Gordon, the Army Cyber Center of Excellence, and Army Cyber Command. CERTS brings government, education, research, and industry leaders together to focus on advancing cyber workforce development, training, retention, and support. The theme for 2022 is “Developing Our Cyber Workforce to Meet Current and Future Challenges.” Leaders from the Joint Cyber Community, along with Industry, Government, and Academic experts will discuss how senior leadership are developing the nation’s Cyber Workforce to prepare and address challenges of today and tomorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions

  When/where does the symposium take place?

The event takes place May 9-11, 2022, at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center in Augusta, Georgia.

  What is the Symposium Theme?

The theme for 2022 is “Developing Our Cyber Workforce to Meet Current and Future Challenges.”

  When/where are the exhibits and demos?

Monday, May 9 | 8:45 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday, May 10 | 8:45 AM - 4:00 PM

Olmstead A & B
Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center
Two Tenth Street, Augusta, GA 30901

  Where can I find the symposium agenda?

The Symposium Agenda is now available here.

Know Before You Go

  How do i register?

Registration is now open for CERTS 2022 and is simple! Find the pricing option that fits your needs on the Categories and Fees page, then click 'Register' and follow the prompts to complete your registration.

Contact the CERTS Registration Center with any further questions at (703) 631-6200 or ATSDReg@spargoinc.com.

  Is there a cost to attend?

Registration is now available for CERTS 2022 and pricing can be found on the Categories and Fees page.

  Where do I pick up my badge?

All badges must be picked up on site at the registration desk on the lower level in the Olmstead Foyer. All registrants will receive a confirmation notice via email. If you do not receive a confirmation, please contact the Registration Center at (703) 631-6200 or ATSDReg@spargoinc.com.

  Where can I park?

Military/Government Attendees: Free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the Marriott Lot 2, located off Burum Lane (between 8th St and James Brown Blvd).

All Attendees: Nearby parking is available, while space lasts each day, in the Marriott lot/garage, Georgia Cyber Center garage and other downtown Augusta garages. Rates vary by garage. We do NOT validate parking.

  What is the recommended attire?

Attendees:
Business casual attire is suggested. Military personnel are encouraged to wear the appropriate uniform of the day.

Speakers:
Active-duty military speakers are encouraged to wear Service Dress Uniform. Civilian presenters are encouraged to wear equivalent professional business attire.

  Where can I find health and safety information?

Full Health and Safety Plan is available here.

  Who should I contact for accessibility assistance?

AFCEA supports the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Attendees with special needs should call (703) 631-6238 or email events@afcea.org.

  Photography/Videography/Audio Recording Policy

Attendees are not permitted to photograph, record or videotape any portion of the event proceedings. Working members of the press are required to check in at the press desk at registration to photograph and/or videotape at the show. Exhibit personnel may photograph and/or videotape only their personnel and equipment within the confines of their booth. Failure to comply with this policy will result in confiscation of devices or material and administrative action under applicable government guidelines. Attendees understand that AFCEA and their authorized representatives (show management) may conduct interviews and may take photographs and/or videotape in any part of the conference and exhibit hall. These photographs, videos and recordings are for use by show management in publications or other media material produced for the purposes of conference promotion, including but not limited to: brochures, invitations, books, newspapers, magazines, television and websites. Attendee and exhibitor registration grants show management permission and consent for use of this photography and video.

Prepare to be Aware

Conferences present opportunities for America's adversaries to target U.S. government employees, academia, defense industry and other personnel to collect our critical information. Be a hard target! Use good OPSEC practices to protect yourself and your organization's mission.

Recommendations:

  • Be aware of your surroundings when discussing sensitive unclassified critical information during the conference and after hours, in common/public areas (e.g. social gatherings, networking mixers, etc.).
  • Be suspicious of strangers. Even though they sound like they belong at the conference, don't assume they are there for the same purpose as you.
  • Use caution when sharing information with someone you don't know. Ask others to confirm a person's identity before sharing critical information about your organization's past, ongoing or future operations/activities/events. Protect your personal information, such as your room number and daily schedule. Don't give out your business cards freely, particularly when outside the United States. Remember, phishing is still the #1 adversary threat vector into your personal and government computers/devices/networks.
  • If you use a laptop or other portable electronic device (personal or government-owned), use it cautiously. Disable the Bluetooth and WLAN/Wi-Fi connections when not in use, and if you use this type of connectivity, understand that you may expose personal and work-related critical information to an adversary. Be especially cautious when using unencrypted/unsecure WLAN/Wi-Fi hotspots.

BE SMART! BE SAFE! PRACTICE GOOD OPSEC!