Between a free concert, sweating (or walking) it out, and meeting with top Army leaders, attendees will find there’s something for everyone at this year’s Association of the United States Army meeting.

More than 26,000 people are expected to attend this year’s event, which packs into three days what would take months of traveling and scheduling to participate in normally, said retired Lt. Gen. Patricia McQuistion, AUSA’s vice president for membership and meetings.

“Our intent is to provide the venue to allow all of these different connections to occur in a three-day timeframe,” she said.

The show at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., boasts almost 700 registered exhibitors, three military family forums and two Department of Homeland Security breakout sessions. There will also be hundreds of attendees from 64 countries in attendance, McQuistion said.

Here’s a closer look at some of the highlights at this year’s show:

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis

Mattis, the retired Marine general famous for his razor-sharp quotations, is the keynote speaker for this year’s Opening Ceremonies.

You never know what Mattis will say, but you can expect it to inspire.

“I’m excited and honored to have Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis speak at the Opening Ceremony of AUSA’s Annual Meeting,” said retired Gen. Carter Ham, president and CEO of the Association of the U.S. Army. “I had the privilege of serving alongside him while we were both in uniform. He is a superb leader, one who thinks strategically, but also one who is always looking out for how decisions will affect junior leaders across the joint force. This is a tremendous opportunity for us to hear his views about the future of America’s Army.”

New Army acting secretary

Ryan McCarthy, a former Army Ranger and former Lockheed Martin executive, became the acting secretary on Aug. 3.

Among the events McCarthy will participate in, he’ll be part of the third family forum on Oct. 10, the second day of AUSA. He will be one of the panelists, alongside Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley and Sergeant Major of the Army Dan Dailey.

McQuistion said McCarthy demonstrated “a lot of enthusiasm and interest” in attending

Free country concert

On Oct. 10, country musician Mark Wills will perform a free concert from 7:30-9 p.m. in the convention center’s ballroom.

Wills, who has been performing since 1996, is an Academy of Country Music Awards winner and multi-platinum selling artist. Country music fans will probably recognize his song “19 Somethin’,” which reached Number 1 on the Billboard country charts in 2002-03.

The U.S. Army Band Downrange will also be preforming.

“We wanted to be able to have an entertainment venue for folks on Tuesday night,” McQuistion said. “Something that so many people could stay in the convention center and participate in something that will be a fun event.”

AUSA app

For the first time, attendees at the AUSA meeting can download an official app from either the AppStore or Google Play for free.

The app lets you connect with other people who are there, use a map of the exhibit halls to find the quickest way from one booth to another, and sign up for some of the challenges.

For more information, visit www.ausa.org/mobile.

Walking Challenge

“Every year, the thing that people remember while they are there is how much they walked,” McQuistion said. “So since we’re walking so much, why not recognize the benefits of walking?”

Through the app and special kiosks around the convention center, participants can log their steps and plug them into a leader board. One winner will be announced at the end of each day, and the person with the overall highest number of steps will be recognized on Oct. 11. More information will be posted on the app, McQuistion said.

Prizes will include donations from AUSA’s sponsors as well as monetary awards, such as gift cards.

Battle Challenge

If you’re looking for something a little more fast-paced, then check out the Battle Challenge.

This obstacle course will test participants’ strength, marksmanship skills and ability to perform military-related tasks.

“It’s a way to kind of get physical and put yourself in the role of soldier,” McQuistion said.

Stop by Booth #4000 in Hall C to watch competitors — including SMA Dailey — perform the nine tasks, or register to compete yourself.

Veterans hiring event

Warriors to the Workforce will help veterans connect with major companies for a chance to chat with potential employers, submit information and even have on-the-spot job interviews. Check out Booth #261 in Hall A to see who’s hiring.

Homeland Security pavilion

Key leaders from the Department of Homeland Security will discuss the different elements that make up the department. From the Secret Service to the Coast Guard to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the pavilion will feature demonstrations and information on job opportunities. The pavilion is in Hall A at Booth #225.

Innovators Corner

Chat with senior leaders from the Army’s Science and Technology program to see what new capabilities are being cooked up. Find the innovators at Booth #2361 in Hall B.

About Charlsy Panzino

Charlsy is a Reporter and Engagement Manager for Military Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.

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