Conference Description
Key Takeaways
- Executive-level gathering for senior data and analytics leaders across U.S. defense, intelligence, and national security agencies
- Focus areas include AI implementation, data governance, cybersecurity, and ethical considerations in mission-critical environments
- Addresses operational challenges such as mission readiness, regulatory compliance, and aligning data strategies with national security objectives
- Features workshops, keynote presentations, and networking opportunities with industry peers
- Sponsors include HP Public Sector, Kpler, and 10x National Security
Introduction
CDAO Defense & Security 2026 convenes senior data and analytics professionals from across the U.S. defense, intelligence, and national security communities to examine the evolving role of artificial intelligence and data-driven operations in safeguarding national interests. As government agencies face mounting pressure to modernise their technological infrastructure while maintaining rigorous security standards, this event provides a dedicated forum for addressing the intersection of innovation, ethics, and operational effectiveness.
The timing reflects broader shifts within the defense sector, where agencies are increasingly expected to leverage advanced analytics for threat detection, resource allocation, and strategic planning. Simultaneously, concerns around AI governance, data integrity, and compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks have elevated the importance of responsible implementation practices.
About This Event
CDAO Defense & Security 2026 is an in-person, executive-level event structured around workshops, keynote presentations, and networking sessions. The programme is designed to facilitate both strategic learning and peer-to-peer collaboration among professionals who share responsibility for data and analytics capabilities within their respective organisations.
The event is co-located with related gatherings, enabling attendees to broaden their exposure to adjacent disciplines and emerging technologies. This format recognises that data strategy in defense contexts rarely operates in isolation—it intersects with cybersecurity, risk management, automation, and broader digital transformation initiatives.
Data Strategy and AI Implementation in Defense Environments
Central to the event’s agenda is the challenge of translating data assets into actionable intelligence that supports mission objectives. For defense and intelligence agencies, this involves not only technical considerations around data architecture and analytics platforms but also organisational questions about governance structures, cross-agency data sharing, and workforce capabilities.
Artificial intelligence features prominently in discussions, particularly its application to threat detection and operational efficiency. However, the conversation extends beyond technical deployment to encompass the ethical dimensions of AI in national security contexts. Questions around algorithmic accountability, bias mitigation, and human oversight remain pressing concerns as agencies expand their use of automated decision-support systems.
Cybersecurity and Compliance Considerations
Defense and intelligence organisations operate under stringent security requirements that shape every aspect of their data operations. The event addresses how agencies can strengthen cybersecurity postures while maintaining the agility needed to respond to emerging threats. This balance is particularly challenging given the volume and sensitivity of data these organisations handle.
Regulatory compliance and data integrity also receive significant attention. As oversight frameworks evolve, agencies must ensure their data practices meet both current requirements and anticipated future standards. This includes considerations around data provenance, audit trails, and the documentation of AI model behaviour in sensitive applications.
Who Should Attend
The event is designed for senior leaders with responsibility for data, analytics, and technology strategy within defense, intelligence, and national security agencies. This includes Chief Data Officers, Chief Analytics Officers, Chief Information Officers, and directors and managers overseeing data governance, cybersecurity, risk management, compliance, and automation programmes.
Professionals seeking to understand how peer organisations are approaching similar challenges—whether in AI governance, data architecture, or workforce development—will find value in the strategic discussions and networking opportunities the event provides.
Industry Sponsors
CDAO Defense & Security 2026 has secured sponsorship from organisations active in the public sector technology space. HP Public Sector serves as Platinum Sponsor, with Kpler as Gold Sponsor and 10x National Security as Silver Sponsor. Their participation reflects ongoing commercial interest in supporting defense and intelligence agencies as they modernise their data and analytics capabilities.