From March 13–15, 2026, the Army Applications Lab activated the AAL Stage at Capital Factory House as part of SXSW 2026 in Austin, Texas—a globally recognized convergence of technology, media, and innovation.
The AAL Stage was designed as an open, public-facing environment where government, industry, and nontraditional partners could engage directly with Army stakeholders. Programming included:
- Curated panels featuring Army leaders and industry experts
- Office hours enabling one-on-one engagement with innovators
- Release of the Army Applications Lab’s Annual Performance Report
- Informal networking moments designed to extend conversations beyond the stage
At its core, the activation reflected AAL’s broader mission: connecting nontraditional companies to real Army problems and accelerating the transition of technology into the hands of Soldiers.
My Role
I supported the execution of the AAL Stage by:
- Coordinating panel logistics and ensuring speaker alignment across topics and timelines
- Managing communications with speakers and stakeholders to maintain clarity and readiness
- Supporting the design and delivery of office hours to facilitate meaningful engagement
- Ensuring daily execution stayed on track across programming, transitions, and stakeholder expectations
