Conference Opening and Keynote
Grand Ballroom A-D

Opening Remarks
LTG Susan Lawrence, USA (Ret.)
President and Chief Executive Officer
AFCEA International

Duane Blackburn
AFCEA Technology Committee Member

Keynote
Jeffrey Singleton
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Science and Technology Futures)
Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E))
 

Networking Break
Grand Ballroom EFG

Advanced Communications Technology and Immersive Technology (full session info)
Regency A

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Full Spectrum Communication: Detection and Remediation of Threats in xG Networks

Trusted Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Autonomy (full session info)
Regency B

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Securing American AI Dominance: Innovation, Autonomy, and Trust

Keynote Session
Grand Ballroom A-D

Networking Lunch with the Exhibitors
Grand Ballroom EFG

Venture Capital Panel​
Company Pitches & Competition (full session info)
Regency B

Facilitators
Al Mink, Ph.D.
Managing Partner, Systems Spirit
Member, AFCEA Technology Committee

S. Tien Wong
Founder and Host, Big Idea CONNECTpreneur Community
CEO, Opus8, Inc.

National Innovation Strategy (full session info)
Grand Ballroom A-D

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Networking Break with the Exhibitors
Grand Ballroom EFG

Keynote Presentation
Grand Ballroom A-D

Meggan Schoenberg, Ph.D.
Principal Director, Integrated Network System of Systems
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Critical Technologies (ASD CT)
Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E))

Keynote Session
Grand BallroomA-D

Small Business Programming
Regency B

Keynote and Panel: Navigating the Gray Zone: Hardware Vulnerabilities, GenAI, and the Future of Critical Technology Innovation in an Era of Digital Conflict (full session info)
Grand Ballroom A-D

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Keynote
David Bray, Ph.D.
Principal, LeadDoAdapt Ventures Inc.
Chair of the Accelerator & Distinguished Fellow, Henry S. Stimson Center
Distinguished Fellow, Business Executives for National Security

Advanced Computing and Human-Machine Interfaces (full session info)
Regency A

Cybersecurity and Data Management (full session info)
Regency B

Resilient Cybersecurity Architectures: AI driven threat detection and remediation and real-time data tracking/management

Fireside Chat/Closing Remarks (full session info)
Grand Ballroom A-D

Moderator
Charles Clancy, Ph.D.
Senior Vice President, General Manager, MITRE Labs
Chief Technology Officer, MITRE

Participants
Erwin Gianchandani, Ph.D., Assistant Director, Science, Innovation and Partnerships, U.S. National Science Foundation
Sujai Shivakumar, Ph.D., Director and Senior Fellow, Renewing American Innovation, CSIS
John Beieler, Ph.D., Executive Director, Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security, University of Maryland

Securing American AI Dominance: Innovation, Autonomy, and Trust
Regency B

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Moderator
LTG Ross Coffman, USA (Ret.), President, Forward Edge-AI

Panelists
Missy Cummings, Ph.D., Professor and Director of Mason Autonomy and Robotics Center, George Mason University
Bob Gourley, AFCEA Intelligence Committee; Founder and CTO, OODA
Steven Meier, Ph.D., Associate Director of Research & Director, Naval Center for Space Technology, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
Jane Pinelis, Ph.D., Chief AI Engineer, Applied Information Sciences Branch, Johns Hopkins University Applice Physics Laboratory

This panel explores the critical intersection of artificial intelligence governance and ethical frameworks within the defense sector, addressing crucial challenges that arise as military and government organizations increasingly integrate AI technologies into their operations. Distinguished experts will examine the multifaceted dimensions of AI governance, from technical implementation to ethical considerations, with a particular focus on balancing operational effectiveness with responsible deployment.  The discussion will cover essential topics including the tension between transparency and security requirements, and strategies for ensuring meaningful human oversight in AI-driven systems. Panelists will delve into pressing technical challenges such as model explainability, data integrity, and resilience against adversarial attacks, while also addressing the ethical implications of autonomy and human-machine teaming.  This timely discussion comes as defense organizations worldwide grapple with ensuring American AI dominance whilst establishing frameworks that balance technological advancement with ethical considerations and operational security. The panel aims to provide actionable insights for technical practitioners working to ensure responsible AI implementation in defense contexts while maintaining competitive advantages in an evolving global landscape.

Advanced Communications Technology and Immersive Technology - Full Spectrum Communication: Detection and Remediation of Threats in xG Networks
Regency A

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Moderator
Mark Jones, Founder and CEO, Konvivial, LLC

Speakers
Arupjyoti (Arup) Bhuyan, Ph.D., Directorate Fellow, Idaho National Laboratory; Director, INL Wireless Security Institute
Jason Chabot, Deputy Director, Navy Spectrum Plans and Policy, Office of the DON CIO (invited)
Michael Dean, Director, Command, Control and Communications Infrastructure, Office of the DoD CIO (invited)
Sudharman Jayaweera, Ph.D., Program Director, Emerging Technologies, U.S. National Science Foundation
CWO4 Rich Reece, USMC, Lead Strategic Electromagnetic Spectrum Officer (invited) 
Logan Selby, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, DataShapes

With the evolution of xG (beyond 5G), wireless network architecture continues to advance in capabilities and complexity. xG technologies cover board communication capabilities, including various frequencies, protocols, and services. With the introduction of ultra-low latency, high bandwidth, and massive connectivity, we see a significant improvement in communication capabilities. However, these advances also introduce new vulnerabilities and threats that must be managed effectively. Full Spectrum Communication (FSC) is a holistic approach to detecting, preventing, and mitigating threats across these networks' communication.

In summary, full-spectrum communication in xG networks requires a comprehensive approach to security that spans the entire communication environment. As xG technologies continue to evolve, maintaining secure and resilient communication channels will be critical. Integrating advanced threat detection mechanisms and robust remediation strategies will ensure that xG networks can harness their full potential without compromising security. By employing a proactive, multi-layered defense strategy, xG networks can safeguard against emerging threats.

Venture Capital Panel​
Company Pitches & Competition
Regency B

Facilitators
Al Mink, Ph.D.
Managing Partner, Systems Spirit
Member, AFCEA Technology Committee

S. Tien Wong
Founder and Host, Big Idea CONNECTpreneur Community
CEO, Opus8, Inc.

National Innovation Strategy
Grand Ballroom A-D

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Speakers
Anitha Raj, Chair Emeritus, AFCEA Technology Committee; President, ARAR Technology

Hank Costa, DSc, Independent Cyber Researcher focusing on Strategy and Innovation in the Digital Service Space
Jim Craft, Chair, AFCEA dNIS Subcommittee
Karlton Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, Delaine Strategy Group, LLC
Dale Moore, EdD, Founder and President, The Moore Group, LLC; Chair, Maryland Aerospace and Technology Commission

A must-attend session, to know the bold vision for the future of the United States on the National Innovation Strategy. These speakers have together published a blueprint to elevate the nation’s global competitiveness through innovation. This strategy is a call to action for government, industry, academia, and citizens alike to collaborate in building an environment where innovation thrives. By implementing this strategy, the United States can position itself to tackle the multifaceted challenges of the 21st century, from ensuring national security and economic prosperity to advancing societal well-being. Integration and the collaborative efforts in this strategy, including increased investment in research and development, public-private partnerships, and international cooperation, are crucial for maintaining and enhancing the nation’s leadership on the global stage.

This session will discuss how the future of American innovation hinges on our collective commitment to these strategic initiatives. Innovation is a tool for cost savings. It is through sustained effort, adaptive governance, and unwavering support for innovation that the United States will continue to lead in technological advancements and secure a prosperous and sustainable future for all its citizens. The time to act is now, and together, we can forge a path that not only preserves but enhances our nation’s standing as a global leader in innovation.

Keynote and Panel: Navigating the Gray Zone: Hardware Vulnerabilities, GenAI, and the Future of Critical Technology Innovation in an Era of Digital Conflict
Grand Ballroom A-D

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Keynote
David Bray, Ph.D., Principal, LeadDoAdapt Ventures Inc.; Chair of the Accelerator & Distinguished Fellow, Henry S. Stimson Center; Distinguished Fellow, Business Executives for National Security

Panelists
Angela Brescia, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Synderys
Dana Hudson, President and Chief Executive Officer, c6 Strategies
Celia Merzbacher, Ph.D., QRD-C Executive Director, SRI International
Trent Teyema, Founder and President, CSG Strategies, Inc.

Join Dr. David A. Bray, a distinguished technology leader and national security expert, for a keynote and panel discussion addressing critical challenges at the nexus of hardware security, artificial intelligence, and international competition. As a Distinguished Fellow at the Stimson Center and the Business Executives for National Security (BENS), Dr. Bray offers unparalleled insights into navigating turbulent technological landscapes and countering disinformation.

Drawing on his extensive experience leading transformative initiatives—including managing complex organizational change and surviving a personal disinformation attack in 2018—Dr. Bray will illuminate the evolving dynamics of Gray Zone conflicts at the hardware level, focusing on the People's Republic of China's interactions with the United States and other global actors. He will explore strategies for accelerating innovation in critical technologies while mitigating the risks posed by hardware vulnerabilities and generative AI exploitation.

Following his keynote, Dr. Bray will moderate a panel discussion that examines:

• The convergence of cybersecurity threats at the hardware and AI levels
• Effective data management strategies in an era of advanced state-sponsored cyberattacks
• Collaborative approaches to fostering innovation in critical technologies while maintaining security
• The pivotal role of public-private partnerships in addressing emerging Gray Zone conflicts

This session showcases Dr. Bray's multifaceted expertise as a technologist and strategic leader, grounded in his experience as Executive Director of bipartisan commissions and his work with the U.S. Department of Defense on organizational adaptability and counter-disinformation initiatives. Recognized by Business Insider as one of "24 Americans Changing the World," Dr. Bray offers a forward-looking perspective on the complex interplay of technology, security, and international competition.

Cybersecurity and Data Management - Resilient Cybersecurity Architectures
Regency B

Moderator
Mark Montgomery, Senior Director, Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation, Foundation for Defense of Democracies; Executive Director, CSC 2.0

Panelists
Travis Rosiek, Public Sector CTO, Rubrik
Ram Shetty, Founder and CEO, OPEX Systems
Henry Sienkiewicz, Author and Adjunct Faculty, Georgetown University
Jim Smid, DoD/IC Field CTO, Palo Alto Networks

Resilient Cybersecurity Architectures: AI driven threat detection and remediation and real-time data tracking/management

Advanced Computing and Human-Machine Interfaces
Regency A

Panelists
COL Toby Birdsell, USA, Project Manager, Soldier Warrior, PEO Soldier
CW5 Rylan Knight, USA, Chief Technology Officer, U.S. Army, G-6
Jennifer Sample, Ph.D., Chief Technology Officer, EmpowerAI

Fireside Chat/Closing Remarks
Grand Ballroom A-D

Moderator
Charles Clancy, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, General Manager, MITRE Labs; Chief Technology Officer, MITRE

Participants
John Beieler, Ph.D., Executive Director, Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security, University of Maryland
Erwin Gianchandani, Ph.D., Assistant Director, Science, Innovation and Partnerships, U.S. National Science Foundation
Sujai Shivakumar, Ph.D., Director and Senior Fellow, Renewing American Innovation, CSIS