Conference Description
Key Takeaways
- Canadian national security and defence conference focused on cyber and digital priorities, held in Ottawa on October 1, 2026.
- Brings together senior leaders from the Department of National Defence, Shared Services Canada, Communications Security Establishment, and industry.
- Covers emerging technologies including C5ISR, autonomous systems, cloud computing, IoT/OT security, and open source intelligence.
- Designed for government decision-makers, defence contractors, OEMs, SMBs, and technology vendors engaged in federal procurement.
- Format includes keynote sessions, breakout discussions, and networking receptions; closed to media.
About the Event
Cyber and Digital Outlooks is an in-person conference taking place in Ottawa, Ontario, on October 1, 2026. The event focuses on Canada’s cyber and digital priorities within the national defence and security sector. Government partners include Shared Services Canada, the Department of National Defence, and the Communications Security Establishment. Corporate sponsors range from technology integrators to cloud providers, with Accenture as Platinum sponsor, Calian and Cohere at Diamond level, and Dell Technologies, Google Cloud, Bell, CIBC, and BDC at Titanium level.
Technology and Defence Topics
The conference addresses the integration of emerging technologies into Canadian national security operations. Technical subject matter spans artificial intelligence, machine learning, autonomous systems, and augmented reality. Infrastructure topics include cloud computing, big data, blockchain, and IoT/OT security. Defence-specific coverage encompasses C5ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Combat Systems, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), cyber defence, information warfare, open source intelligence, surveillance, and training and simulation systems.
Government Procurement and Policy Context
A central focus of the event is the relationship between government procurement processes and industry capabilities. Sessions address upcoming procurement opportunities, budget timelines, and the alignment of commercial solutions with government requirements. The conference provides a forum for understanding how federal departments prioritize technology adoption and where capability gaps exist within defence and security programs.
Who Should Attend
The event targets senior leaders and decision-makers from government departments, particularly DND, SSC, and CSE. Industry attendees include executives from original equipment manufacturers, small and medium-sized businesses, and technology vendors operating in the defence and security sector. Program managers, operators, and policy professionals involved in digital transformation or national security initiatives will find relevant content. The conference is closed to media and offers on-demand access to presentations and breakout sessions for registered participants.