Linking the Industrial Heartland to the Irregular Front
Attendees across academia, industry, startups, critical infrastructure, military, intelligence, and government will Forge connections, build skills, and partner for collective defense.
Welcome to the 2026 Forge Summit!
Main Event: October 13-14, 2026
Classified Day: October 15, 2026 (tentative)
Location: Downtown North Little Rock, Arkansas - Exact Location will be shared via email to approved registrants.
Join us for a day filled with cybersecurity, emerging technology and national security insights, innovative technologies, and networking opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting in the field, this summit is the place to be. Learn from industry experts, engage in interactive sessions, and stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of cyber & emerging technology. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details!
Sponsorship Opportunities: Entities wishing to become a sponsor of this year’s event should email summit@forge.institute for more information.
Security: Attendees must be U.S. Citizens. The event is "off the record" and closed to the press/media. Chatham House Rules Apply. We reserve the right to deny admittance to anyone for any reason. Attendees agree to follow all posted and verbal security instructions.
Clearances: Those who register for the limited Classified day must have a final granted TS//SI/TK clearance. Do not register if you don't. Additional information will be sent via email.
2025 Sponsors
Linking the Industrial Heartland to the Irregular Front
Forge connections, build skills, and partner for collective defense.
Sponsors
Keynote Sponsors
Advancing Technology & Uniting for Collective Defense
2026 Summit Speaker Lineup
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Jim Richberg (invited)
Head of Cyber Policy and Global Field CISO, Fortinet
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H. Beth Anne Bygum (invited)
CISO, Q2
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Shane Jennings
Regional Director, Forge Institute
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Admiral Richard A. Correll (invited)
Commander, U.S. STRATCOM
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Rep. Rick Crawford (invited)
Chairman, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence
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Senator Tom Cotton (invited)
Chairman, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence
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Rep. French Hill (invited)
Chairman, House Committee on Financial Services
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Russell Miller (invited)
Director, Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA)
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General Gregory M. Guillot (invited)
Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command
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Todd Lowery (invited)
Deputy Director of CIA for Science and Technology
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Robert Smith (invited)
Idaho National Lab
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Joseph M. Tonon (invited)
Director, Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency
Topics:
Artificial Intelligence • Cybersecurity • Quantum • Supply Chain Risk Management • UAS/C-UAS • Critical Minerals • Advanced Manufacturing • & more!
Agenda
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7:00 AM - Doors Open / Networking Breakfast
8:00 AM - Main Stage: Welcome & Forge Institute Annual Report
8:30 AM - Main Stage: Keynote: TBA
9:00 AM - Main Stage: Keynote: TBA
9:45 AM - Networking Break
10:00 AM - Main Stage: Fireside Chat
10:45 AM - Main Stage: Fireside Chat
11:30 AM - Lunch Networking Break
1:00 PM - Breakout Sessions
Breakout A: TBA
Breakout B: TBA
Breakout C: TBA
Breakout D: DBA
1:45 PM - Networking Break
2:00 PM - Breakout Sessions
Breakout A: TBA
Breakout B: TBA
Breakout C: TBA
Breakout D: DBA
2:45 PM - Networking Break
3:00 PM - Breakout Sessions
Breakout A: TBA
Breakout B: TBA
Breakout C: TBA
Breakout D: DBA
3:45 PM - Networking Break
4:00 PM - Main Stage: Panel
4:30 PM - Main Stage: Closing Keynote
5:00 PM - Happy Hour
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7:00 AM - Doors Open / Networking Breakfast
8:00 AM - Main Stage: Welcome Day 2
8:30 AM - Main Stage: Keynote:
9:00 AM - Main Stage: Keynote:
9:45 AM - Networking Break
10:00 AM - Main Stage: Fireside Chat
10:45 AM - Main Stage: Fireside Cha
11:30 AM - Lunch Networking Break
1:00 PM - Breakout Sessions
Breakout A: TBA
Breakout B: TBA
Breakout C: TBA
Breakout D: DBA
1:45 PM - Networking Break
2:00 PM - Breakout Sessions
Breakout A: TBA
Breakout B: TBA
Breakout C: TBA
Breakout D: DBA
2:45 PM - Networking Break
3:00 PM - Main Stage: Closing Keynote
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TBA
Who’s It For:
Academia • Industry • Critical Infrastructure • State & Local Government • Military • Intelligence Community • Startups • Private Capital • Policy Makers • Non Profits • Federal Labs • Warfighters
BECOME A SPONSOR
Want to highlight your brand in front of a world-class audience?
Fill out this information and our team contact you shortly!
Summit Logistics
The Venue
The summit will be held in Central Arkansas. Details provided upon registration.
Who may attend?
Attendees must be a US Citizen. Forge & our partners reserve the right to deny entry to any person or any reason. If we do, we will issue a full refund for the price paid for registration.
Lodging
Convenient lodging options are available at hotels in downtown Little Rock, ensuring a comfortable stay during the summit.
Getting Around
We recommend using UBER or YELLOW CAB to get around the city. Rental cars are available at the airport. Your hotel may offer shuttle services as well.
Flights
Clinton National Airport (LIT) offers great regional access.
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