Security Industry Association Reveals More Keynote and Government Expert Speakers for SIA GovSummit 2026
Joshua Obstfeld of the FBI will keynote SIA’s public policy and government security technology conference, taking place May 20–21 in Washington, D.C.
SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has revealed the Day 1 keynote speaker and more expert government presenters for the 2026 SIA GovSummit—SIA’s annual public policy and government security technology conference. SIA GovSummit 2026 will be held May 20–21 in Washington, D.C.
Each year, SIA GovSummit brings together government security leaders with private industry technologists for top-quality information sharing and education on security topics affecting federal, state and local agencies. The 2026 GovSummit program includes specialized sessions on essential topics in contracting, procurement, infrastructure and facility protection; highlights how security product standards help meet government needs; and explores the latest policies, practices and trends impacting security.
Just announced is the GovSummit Day 1 keynote speaker, Joshua Obstfeld, section chief at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Obstfeld joined the FBI in 2005 and currently serves as the FBI counterintelligence senior executive for external engagement, with a focus on congressional and executive branch engagement to highlight strategic threats, FBI action and potential policy responses. He has served separately as senior national intelligence officer for both China and for emerging and disruptive technologies, and from 2021 to 2024 he led the FBI Newark Division’s Intelligence Branch, where he was responsible for analysis of all threats in the state of New Jersey. Obstfeld holds an M.A. in international relations and a B.A. from Johns Hopkins University.
Previously announced was the Day 2 keynote speaker, Gharun Lacy, deputy assistant secretary, U.S. Department of State. Lacy is the deputy assistant secretary and assistant director for cyber and technology security at the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security. A Senior Foreign Service security engineering officer, he leads the department’s global cybersecurity and technology security initiatives, safeguarding over 270 diplomatic posts worldwide. With a career spanning more than two decades, Lacy has held key roles in Iraq, Colombia, Belgium, Brazil and Nigeria.
Additional featured speakers include:
- Tiffany Summerfield, senior national intelligence officer, FBI
- Andy Convery, security specialist, Office of Protective Services, NASA
- Andrew Sekala, supervisory special agent and InfraGard program manager, Office of Private Sector Engagement, Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Christopher Brogger, lead instructor for insider threat, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- Enoch Eshetu, security advisor, Department of Human Services, State of Minnesota
- Guy Bliesner, school safety analyst, Idaho School Safety and Security Program
- Jeffrey Koses, senior procurement executive, General Services Administration
- Paula Hance, procurement analyst, general supplies and services portfolio, General Services Administration
- Kelly Murray, executive director and co-founder, Center for Cross-Sector Coordination
- Jason Stoddard, director of school safety and security, Charles County, Maryland, Public Schools
View the full speaker lineup here.
Highlighted session topics include:
- The evolution of federal identity and access control systems in today’s digital-first environments
- The future of artificial intelligence-driven technologies for weapons detection and other security tools and processes
- Protecting critical infrastructure from insider threats
- How government entities can combat artificial intelligence attacks on physical security systems
- The security operations center of the future
- What’s new in government procurement and policy in 2026
- The Safer Skies Act and the future of counterdrone defense
- Ways to maximize funding opportunities when it comes to federal and state grants for physical security
- Best practices for public-private partnerships that protect critical infrastructure
- Implementation of new school security standards
“SIA is proud to welcome two speakers from the FBI—keynote speaker Joshua Obstfeld, as well as Tiffany Summerfield—along with NASA’s Andy Convery to join the impressive lineup of expert speakers at SIA GovSummit 2026,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “These dedicated leaders will share firsthand experience from their work across government, education, industry, homeland security and more as we examine the most pressing security topics affecting federal, state and local agencies.”
In addition to the day-and-a-half conference program, SIA GovSummit will include an evening reception on May 20 and a security roundtable lunch event on May 21, both offerings featuring great networking and refreshments.
This event is free for government workers, including public safety, military/defense, education and legislative staff and other government employees. SIA GovSummit is considered a “widely attended gathering” and complies with all relevant event guidelines. Industry access starts at $445 for SIA members; learn more and register to attend here.
GovSummit 2026 is made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors ADI, Airship, Alcatraz AI, Allegion, Allied Telesis, ASSA ABLOY, Axis Communications, Convergint Federal, Digitronics, DMP, dormakaba, Echodyne, Evolv, Genetec, Gibraltar, GSA Schedules, Hanwha Vision, HID, IronWall, Johnson Controls, M.C. Dean, Octave, Robotic Assistance Devices, Rohde & Schwarz, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, SIS, Smartech Security, Turing, Unlimited Technology and Wesco, as well as organizational partners InfraGard National Members Alliance, ISC Security Events and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate and media partners Biometric Update, SecurityInfoWatch and Security Sales & Integration. Companies interested in sponsoring and exhibiting at SIA GovSummit can contact us at membership@securityindustry.org.
About SIA
SIA is the leading trade association for global security solution providers, with over 1,700 innovative member companies representing thousands of security leaders and experts who shape the future of the security industry. SIA protects and advances its members’ interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels, creating open industry standards that enable integration, advancing industry professionalism through education and training, opening global market opportunities and collaborating with other like-minded organizations. As the premier sponsor of ISC Events expos and conferences, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and network opportunities. SIA also enhances the position of its members in the security marketplace through SIA GovSummit, which brings together private industry with government decision-makers, and Securing New Ground, the security industry’s top executive conference for peer-to-peer networking.
