Your Essential Guide to the 2024 Homeland Security Summit

Navigating the intricate landscape of homeland security in today’s world requires staying informed. The Potomac Officers Club’s 2024 Homeland Security Summit on Nov. 13 offers a platform for government officials, technology innovators and GovCon executives to gather insights that can reshape strategies, advance homeland security missions and fortify security frameworks. If you’re a GovCon executive working in the homeland security sector, you’ll want to join the conversation. Here’s your complete guide to what promises to be an enlightening event.

Welcome to the Future of Homeland Security

The 2024 Homeland Security Summit kicks off at 7 a.m. with a networking reception, setting the stage for a day of collaboration and connection. This initial meet-and-greet is more than just a social hour; it’s an opportunity to interface with like-minded professionals and key players in the field. With coffee in hand, attendees can explore avenues for future partnerships or simply discuss shared interests before the day’s discussions unfold.

Opening Keynote Sessions

The summit officially begins at 8 a.m. with an opening keynote address by Bridget Bean, executive director of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Her insights into the evolving cyber landscape will set the tone for the day, highlighting critical vulnerabilities and the steps necessary to secure national infrastructure.

At 8:45 a.m., Steven Cash, senior advisor to the under secretary for intelligence and analysis and executive director of the Intelligence Enterprise Program Office at DHS, takes the podium. His address promises to offer unique perspectives on intelligence and analysis, providing the audience with actionable strategies to combat domestic threats and enhance national security protocols.

Homeland Security Summit Panel Discussions

Finding Workforce Efficiencies through AI/ML Implementation

The morning panel sessions include two concurrent panels at 9:50 a.m. The first, moderated by LMI’s Gary Barber, focuses on finding workforce efficiencies through AI/ML implementation. Panelists Mike Hardee, Josh Powell and Mike Prado will talk about the following topics:

• Which activities are causing the largest cognitive load on DHS’ workforce
• How automating these processes through AI/ML, or giving the workforce tools to use can bring significant reductions in effort
• Improving efficiency and allowing DHS workers to focus on the most critical tasks

The Role of Real Time 3D Simulation to Transform the Homeland Mission Enterprise

Simultaneously, the second panel, led by Capgemini’s Scott Ariotti, examines the role of real-time 3D simulation in transforming the homeland mission enterprise. With contributors such as VADM (Ret.) Sean Buck, David Mussington, Timothy Schaad and Eric McLoughlin, this discussion will explore topics such as:

• Definition of RT3D simulation and where it sits within the enterprise
• Adoption/acceptance of commercial products/tools
• How are agencies incorporating these techniques in the mission operations, in administrative support, etc.
• Digital twins of physical space or data/mission planning
• Taking streaming videos from drones/3D models
• Critical infrastructure — vehicle perimeters and blast radius
• Using RT3D with reinforcement learning strategies to train AI algorithms for object detection or behavioral modeling

DHS’s New AI Corps

Post-break, two panels at 11 a.m. address crucial topics in homeland security. The first, moderated by Sean Duguay of M9 Solutions, introduces the Department of Homeland Security’s new AI Corps initiative. Matt Gilkeson, Elizabeth Puchek and Phil Miller will discuss the Corps’ objectives, challenges and successes, along with discussions about:

• How the AI Corps is leveraging AI across strategic mission areas
• What has been done and where they intend to go
• DHS AI Roadmap

Addressing the Data Problem to Prepare the Enterprise for AI

Concurrently, Daniel Hettema, Ryan Riccucci and David Lindenbaum, moderated by Chynna Sherry, tackle the data problem in preparing enterprises for AI. This panel will highlight the importance of robust data management strategies and how they can pave the way for successful AI integration.

Transforming Government Operations: Achieving Efficiency through Hyperautomation and IT Modernization

After a networking lunch, the afternoon sessions commence at 1 p.m. with a panel on transforming government operations through hyperautomation and IT modernization. Moderator Oksana Fiedler, along with panelists such as Robert Costello, James Burd, Sunil Madhugiri and Bob Ritchie, will cover topics like:

• How national security agencies are upgrading their systems and automating processes to enhance operational efficiency
• Panelist insights into their objectives, technological implementations and the impacts on resource management, data privacy and overall efficiency
• Challenges faced, solutions implemented and the future directions of these initiatives

Case Studies of Successful CX Initiatives

Meanwhile, a separate panel moderated by Sarah Nolbaum focuses on successful customer experience (CX) initiatives. Dana Chisnell, Janet Pence, Kristin Ruiz and Brian Durden will tackle:

• The importance of CX and how it can and has transformed missions across DHS
• A showcase of three different CX initiatives
• Explore how these initiatives have reduced burden, improved communication, leveraged human-centered design and metrics to transform missions

Other Networking Sessions

At the Potomac Officers Club, we understand that networking is not only an essential part of the GovCon landscape, but it’s what keeps the industry running. Forge new connections, unlock business opportunities and expand your network during these sessions at the 2024 Homeland Security Summit:

• Networking break between keynote and panel sessions from 9:20 a.m. to 9:50 a.m.
• Networking lunch from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
• Networking break from 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Afternoon Keynotes and Closing Remarks

The summit’s concluding sessions feature a closing keynote address by Lisa MacDonald from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Her talk will underline the critical role of identity capabilities management in securing national borders and ensuring smooth trade operations.

The day wraps up with closing comments at 3:40 p.m., providing a summary of key insights and expressing gratitude to all participants for their contributions. This final segment reinforces the summit’s overarching goal of fostering dialogue and collaboration in addressing the most pressing homeland security challenges.

Why Attend the 2024 Homeland Security Summit?

Attending the 2024 Homeland Security Summit offers unparalleled benefits. Participants gain access to expert knowledge and innovative solutions that can be directly applied to their operations. The networking opportunities are vast, enabling connections with top professionals and decision-makers in the government and private sectors.

In a world where security threats are constantly evolving, staying ahead of the curve is imperative. The summit provides a platform for learning and growth, equipping attendees with the tools necessary to lead their organizations in safeguarding the nation.

Prepare to engage with thought leaders, expand your network and enhance your understanding of the complexities of homeland security. Join the conversation at the 2024 Homeland Security Summit on Nov. 13 and be part of shaping the future of national defense.