Conference Description
Key Takeaways
- FIDO Alliance conference dedicated to digital identity and phishing-resistant authentication using passkeys
- 2026 theme “New Frontiers” addresses trust, usability, and authentication across the full account lifecycle
- Covers emerging topics including digital credentials, payments, and authentication for AI agents
- Designed for CISOs, identity architects, product managers, and security strategists
- In-person event at Omni La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, California, featuring 50+ exhibitors
About Authenticate U.S. 2026
Authenticate U.S. 2026 is the FIDO Alliance’s annual conference focused exclusively on digital identity and authentication. The event brings together security professionals and business leaders to examine phishing-resistant sign-in methods, with passkeys serving as a central technology throughout the program. This year’s theme, “New Frontiers,” reflects the expanding scope of identity challenges as organizations seek to balance strong security with usability.
The conference format includes keynotes from industry executives, technical sessions, an exhibit area with more than 50 vendors, and networking opportunities. The program addresses authentication requirements across the complete account lifecycle, from initial account creation through ongoing credential management.
Core Topics and Technologies
Passkeys and phishing-resistant authentication form the foundation of the conference agenda. Sessions examine how these technologies can replace traditional password-based systems while maintaining or improving the user experience. The program extends beyond basic authentication to cover secure account creation processes and digital credentials that can be recognized across multiple services.
A notable addition to the 2026 program is authentication for AI agents, reflecting the growing need to verify and authorize automated systems that act on behalf of users. The conference also addresses payments authentication, exploring how identity verification intersects with financial transactions.
Business and Security Challenges Addressed
The conference targets several persistent problems in enterprise security: phishing attacks that bypass traditional authentication, the friction created by complex security measures, and the difficulty of maintaining consistent identity verification across different platforms and services. Organizations attending can expect discussions on implementing authentication systems that reduce phishing risk without creating barriers for legitimate users.
Who Should Attend
Authenticate U.S. 2026 is structured for professionals responsible for identity and access management decisions. The primary audience includes CISOs evaluating authentication strategies, identity architects designing secure systems, product managers building authentication into applications, and security strategists developing organizational policies. Attendees typically come from IT, security, and product teams in organizations where secure digital access is a business requirement.