2025 FORGE SUMMIT
Early Bird Registration for 2025 Now Open
2025 FORGE SUMMIT DETAILS
Welcome to the 2025 Forge Summit!
Main Event: September 17-18, 2025
Classified Day: September 19, 2025
Location: Central Arkansas - Exact Location will be shared via email.
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.
Speaking Opportunities: Call for presenters
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 19 SEPT 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.
Other: A limited amount of scholarships are available for students. Ask our team for details.
2025 Sponsors
Call for Presenters
Call for Presenters
Guidelines & Submission Rules
Each speaking slot is 30 to 45 minutes, including optional Q&A.
Sessions may be individual presentations, panels (max 4 people), or moderated discussions.
Preferred Topics
Proposals should align with one or more of the following themes:
Cybersecurity threats, defense, and resilience
Artificial intelligence & machine learning in security
National security challenges and innovations
Emerging technology’s impact on cyber landscapes
Workforce development and cybersecurity training
Public-private partnerships in defense and cybersecurity
Innovation and entrepreneurship in the tech sector
Advanced manufacturing and materials
Autonomous systems
Innovations that enhance the lethality and survivability of America’s Warfighters
Proposal Requirements
Title of your session
Short abstract
Speaker bio
Preferred format (solo talk, panel, etc.)
Target audience (technical, executive, mixed)
Submission Rules
Proposals must be original content (no sales pitches).
All speakers must be available in person at the Summit.
Speakers are responsible for their own travel unless otherwise arranged.
Submissions are due by July 15, 2025.
All accepted speakers will be notified by August 1, 2025.
How to Submit
Submit your proposal to: Call for Presenters
For questions, contact: kenny.willoughby@forge.institute
2025 Summit Speaker Lineup (More to Come)
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Jim Richberg
Head of Cyber Policy and Global Field CISO
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Paul Montrose
VP Cybersecurity, Risk, & Compliance
Acxiom
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Devin Shirley
C/CISO
Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield
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Zac Morris
Founder
Triton Studios
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Cherilyn Pascoe
Director
National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence
2025 Summit Agenda
Stay tuned as we update the Summit’s content for the most current agenda!
2024 Summit Highlights
2024’s Summit was in Collaboration with Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin
Early Bird Registration Now Open
REGISTER FOR 2025 SUMMIT
PAST SPEAKER ORGANIZATIONS
BECOME A SPONSOR
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Previous Speakers
Summit Logistics
The Venue
The 2025 Event will be held at the Maumelle Event Center in North Little Rock, AR .
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 but not lodging.
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.
PRIVATE-PUBLIC COLLABORATIONS
This event is in collaboration with the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) and Congressman Rick Crawford.
Previous Summits
PRIOR KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
“Arkansas is building a strategically aligned ecosystem, with purposeful collaborations that develop the workforce, accelerate innovation and support community resiliency and national defense.”
Dawn Meyerriecks, Former Deputy Director of Science & Technology, Central Intelligence Agency
Chief Executive Officer
Broadband Development Group