Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries worldwide, and defense is no exception. For example, in 2024, the DoD began gathering industry feedback for a potential $15 billion contract aimed at supporting its Advana initiative, a multi-domain analytics and AI platform. If finalized, the contract would be the single largest AI contract in U.S. defense history.

The large investments in AI show the commitment militaries around the world have placed in new technologies, and IDGA is proud to introduce “AI for Defense Transformation,” an event aimed towards connecting industry leaders with DoD and Homeland Security personnel to share best practices and help shape the future of AI in defense.

The chairwoman of the inaugural AI for Defense Transformation conference is Eileen Vidrine, the former Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence officer for the Department of the Air Force. In her 35-years working across the defense and homeland security landscape, Eileen has experience leading transformative change initiatives in defense, intelligence, air and space. In her leadership roles, Eileen has consistently driven innovation by establishing new programs that enhance workforce capabilities and promote best practices in data management and AI.

Before the conference begins on May 20 in Austin, Texas, IDGA sat down with Eileen to discuss AI trends, the importance of collaboration, and what she is looking forward to as chairwoman of the event.