Conference Description
Key Takeaways
- Focuses on cyber resilience, AI security, and post-quantum cryptography for California’s public sector
- Designed for government CISOs, CIOs, SOC managers, privacy officers, and education sector IT leaders
- Covers Zero Trust architecture, workforce development, incident response, and GRC frameworks
- Features keynotes, technical sessions, panels, and networking with major cybersecurity vendors
- Held in person at the Sheraton Grand Sacramento
About the Event
The California Cybersecurity Education Summit 2026 convenes government executives, IT security professionals, and education leaders to address cybersecurity challenges specific to California’s public sector. The in-person event combines executive-level strategy discussions with technical deep-dives, offering attendees practical approaches to protecting sensitive data, building resilient infrastructure, and preparing for emerging threats.
The program balances technical and human dimensions of cybersecurity, with sessions addressing both operational security practices and workforce development. Panels draw on lessons from California’s security operations, including real-world penetration testing exercises and cyber incident simulations.
Core Technical Topics
Sessions span several critical areas facing public sector security teams. AI-enabled security operations and AI governance receive significant attention, reflecting the growing role of machine learning in both defensive tools and threat actor capabilities. Post-quantum cryptography sessions address preparation for quantum computing risks, a concern for organizations managing long-lived sensitive data.
Additional technical tracks cover Zero Trust implementation, cloud and hybrid environment security, vulnerability management, and threat intelligence. Data minimization and privacy practices feature alongside governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) frameworks relevant to state and local agencies.
Workforce and Incident Readiness
The summit dedicates programming to cyber workforce development, addressing persistent staffing challenges in government IT security. Incident response planning and cyber exercises provide attendees with frameworks for improving organizational readiness. These sessions aim to help security leaders build teams capable of managing complex incidents while maintaining operational continuity.
Sponsors and Exhibitors
The event features an extensive exhibit area with participation from major cybersecurity vendors. Sponsors include BlueVoyant, Horizon3.ai, OpenAI, Tanium, CrowdStrike, Zscaler, Deloitte, Fortinet, Google Cloud, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, KPMG, Microsoft, Palo Alto Networks, Trend Micro, Accenture, Arctic Wolf, IBM, Netskope, Rapid7, Splunk, Tenable, and Yubico, among others.
Who Should Attend
The summit targets professionals from state, local, and educational agencies in California. Relevant roles include CISOs, CIOs, IT security officers, privacy officers, SOC managers, and risk and compliance leaders. Industry partners and solution providers working with public sector clients will also find relevant content and networking opportunities.