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.
Linking the Industrial Heartland to the Irregular Front
Forge connections, build skills, and partner for collective defense.
Sponsors
Keynote Sponsors
Meal Sponsors
Advancing Technology & Uniting for Collective Defense
2026 Summit Speaker Lineup
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Bill Carter
Public Sector Cybersecurity Strategist, Fortinet
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H. Beth Anne Bygum
CISO, Q2
-
Admiral Richard A. Correll (invited)
Commander, U.S. STRATCOM
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Rep. Rick Crawford
Chairman, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence
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Russell Miller (invited)
Director, Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA)
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Marie Falkowski
Deputy Director of Public Affairs, CIA
Former Deputy Chief Data Officer, ODNI -
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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Carlos-Raul Sanchez
Sr. Director, Operation Technology Solutions Engineer Specialist, Fortinet
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Senator Tom Cotton (invited)
Chairman, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence
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Joseph M. Tonon (invited)
Director, Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency
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Robert Smith
Idaho National Lab
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John Hollenberger
Lead Consultant, FortiGuard Proactive Services, Fortinet
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Nick Andersen (invited)
Acting Director, CISA
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Harry Wingo
Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, Circadence
Former Deputy National Cyber Director -
Jonathan Askins
Strategic Advisor, CoreView
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Shanel Fultz
Deputy Director, AFRL Small Business Office
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Jonas Anderson
Millennial Mayor, CTO & Mayor of Cave City, Arkansas
Topics:
Artificial Intelligence • Cybersecurity • Quantum • Supply Chain Risk Management • UAS/C-UAS • Critical Minerals • Advanced Manufacturing • & more!
Agenda
Select a day
Tuesday, October 13
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM8:00 AM | Doors Open / Badge Pickup / Networking Breakfast |
| 8:00 AM8:30 AM |
Main Stage
Welcome & Forge Institute Annual Report |
| 8:30 AM9:00 AM |
Talk Name TBA KeynoteHarry Wingo, Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, Circadence Former Deputy National Cyber Director |
| 9:00 AM9:45 AM |
Talk Name TBA KeynoteBill Carter, Public Sector Cybersecurity Strategist, Fortinet |
| 9:45 AM10:30 AM |
Fireside Chat w/ Air Force Research Lab Fireside Chat |
| 10:30 AM11:00 AM |
Talk Name TBA Senator John Boozman, Chairman, Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (invited) |
| 11:00 AM11:30 AM |
Talk Name TBA Russell Miller, Director, Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (invited) |
| 11:30 AM12:30 PM |
Lunch & Networking Break
Sponsored by HBS | Cisco |
| 12:30 PM1:15 PM |
CyberBallroom D
Protecting M365 Tenant Identity PresentationResiliencyBallroom A
Talk Name TBA InnovationBallroom B
Talk Name TBA |
| 1:15 PM | 15 Minute Networking Break |
| 1:30 PM2:15 PM |
CyberBallroom D
Hardening the Operational Technology Environment to Enhance Resiliency of Critical Infrastructure and Manufacturing PresentationCarlos-Raul Sanchez, Sr. Director, Operations Technology Solutions Engineer Specialist, Fortinet ResiliencyBallroom A
Talk Name TBA InnovationBallroom B
Small Business Opportunities with the Air Force Panel |
| 2:15 PM | 15 Minute Networking Break |
| 2:30 PM3:15 PM |
CyberBallroom D
Table Top Best Practices: Building a Modern Exercise for Critical Infrastructure Resiliency WorkshopJohn Hollenberger, Lead Consultant, FortiGuard Proactive Services, Fortinet ResiliencyBallroom A
Ensuring Community Resiliency Fireside ChatJonas Anderson, Millennial Mayor, CTO & Mayor of Cave City, Arkansas InnovationBallroom B
Talk Name TBA |
| 3:15 PM | 15 Minute Networking Break |
| 3:30 PM |
Main Stage
Keynote with Q2 |
| 4:15 PM |
Happy Hour
Sponsored by TBA |
| 5:30 PM | End of Day 1 |
| 6:00 PM8:30 PM |
VIP / Sponsor Dinner
Invite only |
Wednesday, October 14
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM8:00 AM | Doors Open / Badge Pickup / Networking Breakfast |
| 8:00 AM8:30 AM |
Main Stage
Welcome & Awards |
| 8:30 AM9:00 AM |
Talk Name TBA Rep. Rich Crawford, Chairman, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence |
| 9:00 AM9:45 AM | Talk Name TBA |
| 9:45 AM | 15 Minute Networking Break |
| 10:00 AM10:45 AM |
Talk Name TBA Fireside ChatSenator Tom Cotton, Chairman, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (invited) Admiral Richard Correll, Commander, STRATCOM (invited) General Gregory Guillot, Commander, NORTHCOM (invited) |
| 10:45 AM | Talk Name TBA |
| 11:00 AM | Talk Name TBA |
| 11:30 AM1:00 PM |
Lunch & Networking Break
Sponsored by TBA |
| 1:00 PM1:30 PM |
Main Stage
Workforce Transformation |
| 1:30 PM2:00 PM | Talk Name TBA |
| 2:00 PM2:30 PM | Talk Name TBA |
| 2:30 PM2:45 PM | 15 Minute Networking Break |
| 2:45 PM |
Talk Name TBA Todd Lowery, Deputy Director of CIA for Science and Technology (invited) |
| 3:30 PM | Closing Remarks |
| 3:45 PM | End of Day 2 |
Phoenix Xcelerator Demo Day Requires separate registration
Register on Eventbrite| 5:00 PM6:00 PM | Happy Hour |
| 6:00 PM6:30 PM | Welcome Remarks & Guest Speaker |
| 6:30 PM8:00 PM | Startup Presentations & Dinner |
Thursday, October 15 – Classified Day
Clearance required. Those registering for this day must have a final granted TS/SI/TK clearance. Additional details will be provided to those approved to attend.
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM8:00 AM | Doors Open / Security Check-in / Badge Pickup / Networking Breakfast |
| 8:00 AM8:30 AM | Welcome |
| 8:30 AM9:00 AM | Talk Name TBA |
| 9:00 AM9:45 AM | Talk Name TBA |
| 9:45 AM | 15 Minute Networking Break |
| 10:00 AM | Talk Name TBA |
| 11:00 AM | Talk Name TBA |
| 11:30 AM | Talk Name TBA |
| 12:00 Noon | End of Day 3 |
Videos from Previous Years
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.
PREVIOUS PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS
