Invasion 2021 featured three different content tracks that corresponded with the three pillars of VetsinTech’s mission: education, employment, and entrepreneurship.
The nonprofit welcomed an array of incredible speakers, with U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dennis McDonough, opening the first day of the conference. Other keynotes came from Michèle Flournoy, co-founder and managing partner of WestExec Advisors, and Resilience Chief Operating Officer Mike McNerney. In total, 70 speakers joined the conference program to share their insights and expertise.
The first day of sessions primarily featured advice from recruiting executives on topics like how veterans can transition to a role in cybersecurity and the basics of business law. The second day centered around demystifying tech careers with workshops on web development and cybersecurity, and a look at fundraising opportunities for entrepreneurs.
VetsinTech hosted recruiters from more than 20 tech companies, including Disney and Amazon. LinkedIn’s head of military and veteran programs also led a 45-minute session on how to best use the social media network for job hunting, and veterans who are already in tech careers discussed their experiences in the industry.
Attendees were encouraged to introduce themselves through the event’s chat, where they could connect with technology partners and share resumes directly. Sponsors like Nasdaq and Google made the most of their customizable booths with downloadable content and panel discussions to prompt audience interaction. Invasion 2021 closed with a popular hour-long after party with live music.