March 25 - 26, 2025
Hilton Mark Center, Alexandria, Virginia
Day 1 - March 25, 2025
Homeland Security Threats Focus
Main Stage
7:30 - 9:25 Morning Registration & NetworkingMain Stage
8:30 - 8:40 CHAIRPERSON OPENING REMARKSMain Stage
8:40 - 8:45 MANTECH OPENING REMARKSSponsored by: ManTech
Main Stage
8:45 - 9:15 KEYNOTE: OPTIMIZING THE ROLE OF PARTNERSHIPS AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES TO SECURE THE HOMELAND Julie Brewer - Deputy Under Secretary, Science and Technology Directorate, Department of Homeland Security- Understand how public-private partnerships are driving innovation and addressing complex threats.
- Learn how DHS is fostering collaboration to anticipate and mitigate emerging security challenges.
- Navigating the shift from analog to digital and virtual and its impacts to drive workforce efficiencies.
- Promoting a culture of collaboration and trust; enhancing industry engagement across S&T.
Julie Brewer
Deputy Under Secretary, Science and Technology DirectorateDepartment of Homeland Security
Main Stage
9:15 - 9:45 PANEL DISCUSSION: IMPLEMENTION OF AI IN THE ENTERPRISE ENVIROMENT- The top impediments to getting AI systems integrated into production systems and operations
- Lessons learned and best practices for AI in the enterprise
- Security concerns with AI and how to address them
- Data requirements and data governance: how to ensure data is secure, accessible, timely, accurate, and cataloged.
Sponsored by: ManTech
Main Stage
9:45 - 10:15 KEYNOTE: INTEGRATING ARTIFICAL INTELLIGENCE INTO HOMELAND SECURITY: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES- Current AI applications and pilot programs in DHS missions
- Balancing innovation with ethical considerations and privacy concerns
- Future plans for AI integration to improve operational efficiency
Main Stage
10:15 - 11:00 NETWORKING AND COFFEE BREAK IN EXHIBITION FOYER
Main Stage
10:15 - 10:45 INDUSTRY INSIGHT SESSION- HOSTED BY IDEMIASponsored by: IDEMIA
Main Stage
11:30 - 12:00 KEYNOTE: CBP’S EFFORTS TO LEVERAGE ARTIFICAL INTELLIGENCE Sunil Madhugiri - Chief Technology Officer, US Customs and Border Protection- How AI and automation are streamlining the border security processes
- Impact of integrating advanced AI models to improve operations
- CBP’s plans for future technology investments and innovations
Main Stage
12:00 - 12:30 INDUSTRY INSIGHT SESSION- HOSTED BY ECHODYNESponsored by: Echodyne
Main Stage
12:30 - 13:45 Lunch and NetworkingTrack A
13:45 - 14:15 EVOLVING IMMIGRATION POLICES: IMPACTS ON CBP OPERATIONS- Analysis on recent changes in immigration policy
- Operational adjustments and challenges faced by CBP
- Future policy directions and their potential impacts on CBP operations
Track A
14:15 - 14:45 FIRESIDE CHAT: FOLLOW THE MONEY: USING BLOCKCHAIN INTELLIGENCE TO TARGET DRUG TRAFFICKING PROFITS Kyle Armstrong - Director of Law Enforcement Relations, TRM Labs, Inc.Mike Prado - Acting Assistant Director, Homeland Security Investigations, Department of Homeland Security
- Understanding the financial ecosystem of fentanyl traffickers
- HSI’s approach to tracing illicit funds
- Future of blockchain intelligence in drug enforcement
Sponsored by: TRM Labs
Mike Prado
Acting Assistant Director, Homeland Security InvestigationsDepartment of Homeland Security
Track A
14:45 - 15:15 DATA-DRIVEN BORDER SECURITY: ENHANCING THREAT DETECTION THROUGH TARGETING AND ANALYSIS SYSTEMS- Harnessing Data Analytics: How CBP uses advanced analytics to identify and mitigate threats in real-time.
- Technology Integration: The role of AI and machine learning in optimizing targeting and analysis systems.
- Interagency Collaboration: How data-sharing and partnerships enhance border security and operational efficiency.
Track A
15:15 - 16:00 NETWORKING AND COFFEE BREAK IN EXHIBITION FOYER
Track A
15:15 - 16:00 WOMEN IN DEFENSE AND GOVERNMENT NETWORKING BREAK
Track A
16:00 - 16:30 BALANCING SECURITY AND TRADE: OPTIMIZING BORDER OPERATIONS Nelson Balido - Chairman, Border Commerce and Security CouncilAnnMarie Highsmith - Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Trade, US Customs and Border Protection
Marc Dagorn - French Customs Counselor, Embassy of France, Washington DC
- How CBP utilizes emerging technology to keep a secure border while streamlining trade
- Strategies for balancing security with efficient trade flow
- Impact of border security measures on international trade
AnnMarie Highsmith
Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of TradeUS Customs and Border Protection
Track A
16:30 - 17:00 COUNTERING MARITIME THREATS: STRATEGIES AND OPERATIONS OF THE USCG Lisa Schleder-Kirkpatrick - Deputy Assistant Commandant for Capability, US Coast Guard- USGC strategies for countering drug trafficking and human smuggling
- Technological advancements and future acquisitions in maritime surveillance and enforcement
- Ensuring readiness and resilience in USCG operations
- Importance of international and interagency partnerships and collaboration
Track A
17:00 - 17:30 PANEL DISCUSSION- INTERNATIONAL SECURITY COLLABORATION: STRENGTHENING BORDER SECURITY THROUGH DIPLOMACY AND JOINT INITIATIVES- Joint initiatives and security frameworks to combat organized crime, human trafficking, and drug smuggling
- Strategies to secure the border while facilitating legitimate trade and travel
- Discuss programs and initiatives focused on enhancing community safety, law enforcement collaboration, and resource sharing along the border
Track A
17:30 - 17:35 Chairperson Closing Remarks Nelson Balido - Chairman, Border Commerce and Security CouncilTrack B
13:45 - 14:15 PANEL DISCUSSION: SECURING DHS OPERATIONS: BALANCING PHYSICAL AND CYBER SECURITY IN A COMPLEX LANDSCAPE RADM, USN (ret.) Mark Montgomery - Director, Cyberspace Solarium Commission, Center on Cyber and Technology InnovationJason Bilnoski - Section Chief, Senior Liaison to the NSA and US Cyber Command,, Federal Bureau of Investigation Cyber Division
- The convergence of physical and cyber threats and how DHS is addressing them.
- Innovative strategies for securing government facilities and digital infrastructure.
- The role of insider threat programs and personnel vetting in maintaining operational security.
RADM, USN (ret.) Mark Montgomery
Director, Cyberspace Solarium CommissionCenter on Cyber and Technology Innovation
Jason Bilnoski
Section Chief, Senior Liaison to the NSA and US Cyber Command,Federal Bureau of Investigation Cyber Division
Track B
14:15 - 14:45 COST AWARE PRODUCT DECISIONS IN THE CLOUD ERASponsored by: ManTech
Track B
14:45 - 15:15 HARNESSING AI FOR ENHANCED CYEBRSECURITY: STRATEGIES AND INNOVATIONS- Overview of AI applications in cybersecurity
- Strategies for leveraging AI to detect and respond to cyber threats
- Case studies of successful AI-driven cybersecurity initiatives
Track B
15:15 - 16:00 NETWORKING AND COFFEE BREAK IN EXHIBITION FOYER
Track B
15:15 - 16:00 WOMEN IN DEFENSE AND GOVERNMENT NETWORKING BREAK
Track B
16:00 - 16:30 INDUSTRY INSIGHT SESSION- HOSTED BY NETAPP
Track B
16:30 - 17:00 THE FUTURE STATE OF CYBER SECURITY: GOING BEYOND ZERO TRUST AND TOWARD CYBERSECURITY AS AN INTELLIGENT ECOSYSTEM Shane Barney - Chief Information Security Officer, US Citizenship and Immigration Services- Rapidly expanding attack surfaces and AI-backed threat actors are reshaping cybersecurity challenges.
- The limitations of zero trust in addressing AI-amplified threats and USCIS's shift toward a data-driven security approach.
- Transitioning from traditional SIEM and SOAR tools to near real-time observability streaming powered by risk intelligence.
- Leveraging open-source practices and standards to enhance adaptability and resilience in enterprise security.
Track B
17:00 - 17:30 INDUSTRY INSIGHT SESSION
Track B
17:30 - 17:35 Chairperson Closing Remarks RADM, USN (ret.) Mark Montgomery - Director, Cyberspace Solarium Commission, Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation
RADM, USN (ret.) Mark Montgomery
Director, Cyberspace Solarium CommissionCenter on Cyber and Technology Innovation
