Are you in for Fed Supernova?

Here are all the events you want to check out while in Austin. The Capital Factory Fed Supernova connects entrepreneurs, government, and industry together to collaborate on dual-use solutions that put commercial technology in the hands of the DoD.

Just as Hugh Forrest and the SXSW team grew over the years into a worldwide brand, Fed Supernova has emerged over the years as a premiere 3-day event to accelerate defense innovation by creating a unique opportunity for the entire ecosystem to converge with a shared mission in the fastest growing defense innovation ecosystem in the country, Austin, Texas.

Because of that success (and just like SXSW), there are a growing number of side events and after hour socials that are just as important as the Fed Supernova programming. The events I am tracking are below. (Please let me know what I’m missing).

Over the years, I have found great success in attending multiple events and panels at the Captial Factory and side programming.

🔹 August 20 — Round Rock Chamber & Q-Branch Happy Hour: Dive deep into the defense tech scene and connect with key players like Marc Cervantes, Jordan Robinson, and Congressman John Carter.

🔹 August 20 — BlueForge Alliance/Saronic Technologies Rooftop Reception: Join Blue Forge Alliance, Dickinson Wright, and Saronic at 5:30 PM for an exclusive rooftop reception. This event promises great conversations, a live band, and a perfect opportunity to network with leaders in the defense sector.

🔹 August 20 — Scout Ventures & Leonid Capital Partners Happy Hour: Continue the evening at 6 PM with a happy hour, perfect for founders, investors, and researchers to mingle.

🔹 August 21 — Austin Drop Zone Q-Branch Global Collaboration Centre: Drop in anytime between 9 AM and 6 PM to engage with GovCon experts and leaders. Talk with experts like Marcos Cervantes, Rich Julien, Jessica Steinhoff, Jorge L. Manresa, Brian Cook, Stephen Eppinette, Amanda Merced, Joy Schoffler, Samantha Brown, Josh Zelman, Lisa Huron, Michael Cervantes, Tyler Johnson No RSVP needed — just come and connect!

🔹 August 21 — The Tribe Event and The Outpost Social Hour at The Driskill: Sponsored by Plug and Play Tech Center, Second Front Systems, and The Outpost, and CRUX Defense this TRIBE event runs from 5 PM — 9 PM. It’s a can’t-miss gathering for anyone in GovCon, procurement, or defense innovation.

🔹 August 22 — Austin Defense Tech Happy Hour by Squadra Ventures: Close out the week with beers and conversations from 6 PM — 8 PM at Zilker Brewing Company. Meet with defense-tech founders, federal decision-makers, and investors.

These events are all part of the broader Fed Supernova week, hosted by Capital Factory, which brings together industry leaders, VCs, startups, and defense personnel to drive innovation in defense technology.

Here is the link to my working document of events. Let me know what I’m missing.