Cybersecurity, Stronger Together Conference 2026

Cybersecurity Conference at GW

 

Cybersecurity, Stronger Together 2026: 
Converging Threats & Shared Defenses

Join us on Tuesday, February 3, 2026
8:30 AM to 12:30 PM 
George Washington University's Jack Morton Auditorium
805 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20052 

The conference schedule and speaker lineup are now live on our new conference website.
 

Visit Our Cybersecurity, Stronger Together Conference Website

 

 


The George Washington University’s College of Professional Studies (CPS), and The Cyber Guild have joined forces to bring together leaders, experts, and innovators in the cybersecurity space through the Cybersecurity, Stronger Together Conference series. This collaborative annual event has quickly become a cornerstone for fostering dialogue, driving innovation, and strengthening partnerships across sectors to combat emerging cyber threats.
 

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Liesl Riddle speaking at the Cyber conference in JMA Auditorium
Liesl Riddle, Dean, CPS, speaking at the 2025 Cybersecurity, Stronger Together Conference at GW in Washington, DC.

A catalyst for action, the 2026 conference inspires leaders to strengthen our critical infrastructure through proactive engagement and purposeful connections. This year’s conference will unfold against the backdrop of the 2028 Olympics—an electrifying, large-scale public event that sets the stage for a realistic cyberattack on critical operational technology systems.

* Register now through January 15 for the $99 early bird special.

 

Co-sponsored by GW’s College of Professional Studies and The Cyber Guild 

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GW Professional Studies logo white
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The Cyber Guild logo

 

 

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Cyber conference
AI can be helpful in meeting some of the cybersecurity challenges ahead, keynote speaker Amy Gilliland told Roger Cressey. (Sarah Hochstein/GW Today)
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panel of 9 in the JMA Auditorium posing
Darby LaJoy, Sean Stalzer, Devin Lynch, Peter Eck, Liesl Riddle, Debbie Sallis, Paul Beckman, Michael Matechak and Eric Wenger onstage.
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audience at cyber conference
Crowded auditorium at the well attended 2025 Cybersecurity Stronger Together Conference.
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Group of 7 conference participants
Michael McLaughlin, Matt Hayden, CPS Dean Liesl Riddle, Alison King, Katheryn Wang, Morgan Adamski, Lucian Niemeyer.
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Matt Hayden
Matt Hayden VP of Cyber Client Engagement, General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT); CPS Dean's Advisory Council Member.
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Debbie Sallis
Debbie Sallis, Founding Executive Director, The Cyber Guild Foundation.

 

2026 GOALS & OBJECTIVES: WHAT TO EXPECT

This year’s conference will unfold against the backdrop of the 2028 Olympics—an electrifying, large-scale public event that sets the stage for a realistic cyberattack on critical operational technology systems. 

Industry leaders from cybersecurity, operational technology (OT), kinetic security, and political management will examine the evolving intersection of digital and physical threats.

ATTACK SCENARIO

Attendees will be immersed in a thought-provoking, multi-stage attack scenario brought to life through video segments. The unfolding scenarios will underscore the critical connection between digital threats and their potential to trigger real-world, kinetic consequences.

LESSONS LEARNED

After each stage, top industry and government thought leaders will take the stage to unpack what transpired, revealing the ripple effects, lessons learned, and proactive strategies to strengthen our collective defenses.

IMMERSIVE FORMAT - CYBER INCIDENT SCENARIOS

This immersive format transforms the audience from observers into active participants, deepening understanding of how cyber incidents can escalate into national-scale crises. 

ROBUST NETWORKING + MORE

Beyond the scenario, the conference offers robust networking opportunities for collaboration and idea exchange, as well as the opportunity to earn continuing education units (CEUs) for professional advancement.

 

2025 CONFERENCE PHOTO GALLERY


 

Co-sponsored by GW’s College of Professional Studies and The Cyber Guild 

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GW Professional Studies Logo in blue and buff
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The Cyber Guild logo


2026 Supporting Sponsors

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The Chertoff Group logo in blue and red
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Cisco logo in black
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Mantech logo always advancing in red
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Noodle logo in teal with letter n in a circle

 

2026 Sponsors

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Diatonic Consulting, Scaled Growth
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First Line Technology logo, Lab to Life-Saving

 

 

Mark Your Calendar for February 3
Cybersecurity, Stronger Together Conference at GW

Register now through January 15 for the $99 early bird special.