Key Takeaways
- The 17th Annual Billington CyberSecurity Summit will take place September 8‑10, 2026 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.
- More than 3,000 attendees and over 250 speakers are expected, with a focus on mitigating AI‑related cyber risks.
- Sessions include over 50 panel discussions, breakout sessions, and fireside chats featuring senior leaders from government, military, industry, academia, and allied partners.
- Lead underwriters are Amazon Web Services, Cisco, and Leidos; the summit also hosts more than 150 cyber‑focused vendor booths.
- Attendance is complimentary for government and military personnel; discounted rates are available for corporations, small businesses, nonprofits, international governments, academia, and students. Media credentials are free with advance registration.
- Billington CyberSecurity, founded in 2010, organizes the summit as its flagship event to advance U.S. and allied cybersecurity through executive‑level education and networking.
Event Overview and Dates
The 17th Annual Billington CyberSecurity Summit is scheduled for September 8‑10, 2026 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. Designed as a four‑day gathering, the summit aims to address the nation’s most pressing cyber challenges by bringing together senior officials, industry experts, and academic researchers. The timing in early fall aligns with the federal budget cycle, allowing participants to discuss forthcoming policy and funding priorities. Organizers anticipate a vibrant atmosphere that blends high‑level discourse with practical workshops and networking opportunities.
Expected Attendance and Scale
Organizers project more than 3,000 attendees will converge on the convention center, accompanied by over 250 distinguished speakers. This scale positions the event among the largest cybersecurity gatherings in the United States, providing a broad platform for cross‑sector collaboration. The large attendee base ensures diverse perspectives, ranging from frontline defenders to strategic policymakers, fostering a comprehensive dialogue on emerging threats and defensive strategies.
Focus on AI‑Enabled Threats
A central theme of this year’s summit is “Reducing Risk in An Age of AI‑Enabled Threats.” Recognizing that artificial intelligence is reshaping both offensive and defensive cyber capabilities, the agenda concentrates on identifying vulnerabilities introduced by AI, developing robust mitigation techniques, and leveraging AI for proactive defense. By centering discussions on AI, the summit seeks to equip leaders with the knowledge needed to anticipate and counteract sophisticated, machine‑learning‑driven attacks.
Speaker Lineup Highlights
The summit features an impressive roster of senior officials, including The Hon. Kirsten Davies, Chief Information Officer of the Department of War; Michael Ellis, Deputy Director of the CIA; Lt. Gen. Paul T. Stanton, Commander of the Joint Force and Director of DISA; and Cameron Stanley, Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer of the Department of War. Additional notable speakers encompass Nick Andersen, Acting Director of CISA; Rajiv Gupta, Head of the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security; Brett Leatherman, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Cyber Division; Beckie Koonge, CIO of the National Weather Service; and Nushat Thomas, Cybersecurity Branch Chief at the EPA. This blend of U.S. and allied leaders underscores the event’s international relevance.
Session Format and Content
Attendees can choose from over 50 panel discussions, breakout sessions, and fireside chats, each designed to delve into specific facets of cybersecurity. Topics range from threat intelligence sharing and incident response to secure software development and the ethical implications of AI in warfare. The variety of formats encourages both structured debate and informal exchange, allowing participants to tailor their experience to their professional interests and learning objectives.
Sponsorship and Vendor Exposition
The summit is presented by lead underwriters Amazon Web Services, Cisco, and Leidos, reflecting strong industry support for advancing cyber resilience. In addition to the speaking program, more than 150 cyber‑focused vendor booths will populate the exhibition hall, offering live demonstrations of cutting‑edge technologies such as zero‑trust architectures, AI‑driven threat detection platforms, and secure cloud services. This exposition enables attendees to evaluate solutions firsthand and engage directly with technology providers.
Networking Opportunities and Social Events
Beyond formal sessions, the summit incorporates numerous receptions, luncheons, and informal mixers designed to foster relationship‑building among peers. A leadership luncheon provides a relaxed setting for high‑level dialogue, while evening receptions encourage candid conversations that can spark collaborative initiatives. These networking components are integral to the summit’s mission of creating lasting partnerships across government, industry, and academia.
Registration Details and Accessibility
Government and military personnel receive complimentary tickets, reinforcing the event’s commitment to serving public‑sector cybersecurity professionals. Corporate, small‑business, nonprofit, international government, academic, and student attendees can benefit from early‑bird rates detailed on the summit website. Credentialed members of the working media are also invited to register free of charge, provided they sign up in advance to secure press access and facilitate coverage of the proceedings.
About Billington CyberSecurity
Founded in 2010, Billington CyberSecurity has established itself as the premier provider of executive‑level cyber education, delivering high‑caliber summits and workshops that address critical cyber issues facing the United States, its allies, and vital infrastructure. The organization’s signature event—the annual Billington CyberSecurity Summit—continues to draw over 3,000 participants and 250 speakers each fall, serving as a catalyst for knowledge exchange, strategic planning, and the advancement of national cyber resilience. Further information about the organization and its initiatives can be accessed at https://billingtoncybersecurity.com/.