2024 Agenda
Flip through our conference brochure and discover what’s new this year.
Download Brochure
Day 1
March 20, 2024
Morning Coffee & Registration
Strategic Perspectives: Modernizing The Joint Force for All Domain Warfare
Coffee Networking Break
Transforming ISR
Dr. Leon DouglasChief Digital & Information OfficerRoyal Navy
Brigadier General Ryan GunstAssistant to the Director for IntelligenceJoint Staff J2
E. P. MathewDeputy CIODefense Intelligence Agency
James DempseyDirector, Defense & IntelligenceSayari
What kind of data will speed up digital transformation and innovation? How can we identify and leverage them effectively?
- Which databases and architectures best suit the complexity of defense data, and what emerging technologies enhance processing efficiency?
- How critical are ontologies for integrating diverse defense datasets, and are there standard frameworks for seamless collaboration across platforms?
- What kinds of platforms are the most promising for delivering decision advantage?
- What kind of data is most disruptive to digital transformation initiatives?
- How can defense organizations reconcile the need for innovation with robust cybersecurity
Lunch and Networking
Sponsored by 
Accelerating C2 With Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Edward Talerico Sr.Product Management DirectorInfor
Adrian HoltMBA, CEngForm1 Partners
Rebecca FairVice President of Information AdvantageTwo Six
Lieutenant General (Ret’d) Michael GroenFormer Director of the Joint Artificial Intelligence CenterU.S. Department of Defense
- How are AI/ML technologies currently being integrated into defense systems, and what specific challenges have you encountered in ensuring the human remains in the decision loop?
- Can you share examples of successful implementations of AI/ML in defense scenarios where human-in-the-loop models played a crucial role?
- Balancing automation and human control is crucial in defense applications. How do you navigate the ethical considerations associated with the use of AI/ML in military operations?
- What steps are being taken to ensure transparency and accountability in AI/ML-enabled defense technologies, especially when human lives are at stake?
- How do you address concerns about bias and fairness in AI algorithms, particularly when deployed in dynamic and unpredictable defense environments?
- In what ways do AI/ML technologies enhance decision-making processes for military personnel while maintaining the human’s ability to override or intervene?
- How do you foresee the future evolution of AI/ML technologies in defense, and what role do you believe humans will continue to play in the loop?
- Given the rapid pace of technological advancements, how does the defense community stay adaptable and ensure ongoing training for personnel to effectively utilize AI/ML systems?
- Can you share any lessons learned or best practices from the implementation of AI/ML technologies in defense, particularly in maintaining a harmonious human-machine collaboration?
- As defense strategies evolve, how do you anticipate the role of AI/ML technologies evolving to meet emerging challenges while preserving human decision-making authority?
Afternoon Coffee & Networking
Conference Drinks Reception
Sponsored by:
Day 2
March 21, 2024
Morning Coffee & Registration
Information Superiority
Coffee Networking Break
Rapid Acquisition & Space Domain Superiority
Rebecca LivelyProduct Strategist GrowthDefense Unicorns
William McHenrySenior Advisor to the DirectorDefense Innovation Unit
Edward Talerico Sr.Product Management DirectorInfor
Lieutenant General (Ret’d) Michael GroenFormer Director of the Joint Artificial Intelligence CenterU.S. Department of Defense
Lunch and Networking
Cyber Security
Afternoon Tea & Coffee Networking
Lieutenant General (Ret’d) Michael GroenFormer Director of the Joint Artificial Intelligence CenterU.S. Department of Defense
Ted MaciubaFormer Deputy Director, Robotics Requirements, Maneuver Capabilities Development Integration Directorate Futures and Concepts Center U.S. Army Futures Command
Ashley Antonides, PhDAssociate Research Director, AI/ML, Two Six Technologies
James DempseyDirector, Defense & IntelligenceSayari
Each roundtable will be led by a subject matter expert, who will facilitate honest discussions between the key stakeholders in each field. Each roundtable leader will summarize the main findings and present them to the audience. The roundtables will take place in the main plenary session room.
TRANSFORMING C4ISR CAPABILITY
Future all domain warfare requires the modernization of C4ISR capability and a transition to a system of systems.
- What solutions and technologies should be adopted to transform C2 and accelerate decision-making?
- What are some of the challenges of implementing a system of systems design or JADC2 architecture for future warfare?
- What role will disruptive technologies play in future C4ISR?
UNLOCKING THE POWER OF AI/MLENABLED TECHNOLOGIES
AI-enabled technologies is growing with the proliferation of data.
- What are the benefits of AI-enabled tech in defense?
- How can we make use of them and field these technologies to the Warfighter at pace?
- How can we widen the use of AI enabled technologies to gain and retain the information advantage in the Digital Age?
- How can we leverage data and incorporate data-driven technologies?
- How can we improve data literacy and ensure data is treated as a strategic asset?
ENABLING CLOUD ARCHITECTURE IN DEFENSE
The battlespace is becoming more information-dominated, while operations are becoming more dispersed. Cloud architecture is essential in such an operating environment.
- How can we adopt common cloud services and attain standardization in cloud architecture?
- What solutions and processes are required to leverage cloud as an enabler?
- How can we ensure cloud access from the tactical edge to the enterprise?
Manned-Unmanned Mix of Capability For Future Joint Warfare
The future force structure will see a combination of manned, optionally manned, unmanned, and autonomous technologies.
- What are some of the challenges of integrating a manned-unmanned mix of capability?
- What solutions are required to enhance information integration and introduce autonomy at scale?
Cyber Resilience in The Information Age
While digitization of the armed forces is inevitable and presents various advantages, it is also paired with risks.
- How can we ensure that systems are cyber resilient by design?
- How can we strengthen cyber resilience and protect critical data assets from malicious attacks?
- What processes are required to leverage open systems architecture to enable rapid updates to platforms and technologies?
Opportunities For Start-Ups To Work With The DoD
Innovation at the speed of relevance will require the armed forces to work with dual-use, scaling-up, and start-up companies.
- What are some of the challenges that start-ups face when working in defense?
- How can we overcome these challenges?
- How can the armed forces attract innovators and encourage joint experimentation and R&D?