Expert Insights to Illuminate the 2026 Cybersecurity Summit in Austin

Keynote Speakers Revealed for the 2026 Cybersecurity Summit

The Retail & Hospitality Information Sharing and Analysis Center (RH-ISAC) has unveiled an impressive lineup of keynote speakers for the upcoming Cybersecurity Summit, set to take place from April 13 to 15, 2026, in Austin, Texas. This annual event serves as a platform for cybersecurity professionals across the retail and hospitality industries to converge, exchange insights, and discuss the evolving security landscape.

Who's Speaking?

Among the prominent figures speaking at this year's summit are:

Tim Pappa - Walmart Global Tech

As an Incident Response Engineer specializing in Cyber Deception Strategy, Tim brings a wealth of experience from his previous role as a Supervisory Special Agent with the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit. His expertise in cyber deception and influence strategies makes him a pivotal speaker, particularly for those interested in modern cyber threats. His contributions to various esteemed institutes underline his authority in this crucial area.

Jodie Kautt - Target

Jodie Kautt serves as the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at Target. Under her leadership, the global cybersecurity organization at Target works tirelessly to safeguard company interests against potential cyber threats. Jodie's deep involvement in integrating technology and threat intelligence will provide invaluable insights, particularly for enterprises focused on risk management in today’s digital landscape.

Bilyana Lilly - Accenture

Dr. Bilyana Lilly, an Associate Director at Accenture, has penned notable works including Russian Information Warfare. Her expertise extends to security management, information warfare, and cyber resilience, making her a key contributor to discussions on building robust cybersecurity frameworks in organizations.

Allison Nixon and May Chen-Contino - Unit 221B

Allison Nixon specializes in modern threat intelligence and youth-driven cybercrime ecosystems. Her expertise in translating network activity into actionable intelligence is crucial in shaping policies and countermeasures against digital threats. Alongside her, May Chen-Contino, CEO of Unit 221B, brings her vast experience in cybersecurity solutions for enterprises and law enforcement, enriching the summit's diverse discussions.

The Importance of Collaboration

The RH-ISAC serves as the connecting fabric for information security professionals, enabling collaboration across various sectors. By fostering discussions surrounding current issues, sharing best practices, and providing a forum for benchmarking against one another, the RH-ISAC aims to enhance overall security postures for businesses ranging from retailers to food service and consumer products.

Why Attend the Summit?

Participating in the Cybersecurity Summit not only allows professionals to hear from industry leaders but also offers opportunities for networking with peers and discovering cutting-edge innovations in cybersecurity technology. Given the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, attending this summit could greatly benefit those looking to bolster their organization’s defenses against potential cybersecurity incidents.

About RH-ISAC

The Retail & Hospitality Information Sharing and Analysis Center (RH-ISAC) aims to foster a secure environment for consumer-facing industries through collaborative efforts aimed at information sharing and real-time intelligence. The center connects security teams operationally, strategically, and tactically, enabling them to address challenges with greater resilience.

As the cybersecurity landscape continues to be shaped by new challenges and technologies, events such as the RH-ISAC Cybersecurity Summit are essential for professionals seeking to stay informed and prepared.