#United States #Cybersecurity #Orlando #SimSpace #AI Leaders

2026 SimSpace Summit Set to Transform Cyber Defense Strategies

The upcoming SimSpace Cyber Summit, taking place on February 2-4, 2026, at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel in Orlando, Florida, promises to be a pivotal event for cybersecurity professionals and AI leaders. With a focus on the intersection of realistic training and intelligent automation, the summit will gather experts from defense, information technology (IT), operational technology (OT), state and local governments (SLED), and behavioral science. Together, they will explore how organizations can best prepare for the complexities and threats of the age of AI.

Keynote Speakers and Insights

The summit boasts a remarkable lineup of keynote speakers including:

1. General (Ret.) Stanley McChrystal - Former Commander of U.S. Joint Special Operations Command. His keynote, "From Battlefield to Cyber Range," emphasizes the necessity of realistic training in evolving environments as crucial not just for military success but for cybersecurity resilience. McChrystal underscores that those who train realistically will outsmart adversaries when it matters most.

2. Dr. Jessica Barker - Cybersecurity expert specializing in behavioral science, she will present on "Artificial versus Emotional Intelligence." Dr. Barker argues that while AI can accelerate threats, emotional intelligence is an essential tool for outsmarting AI-driven scams, highlighting the importance of human insights in cyber defense.

3. Shigeru Kitamura-san - The former Secretary General of Japan's National Security Secretariat, will discuss "Active Cyber Defense for Japan 2026 and Beyond." He emphasizes the need for continuous training under realistic conditions to prepare nations and enterprises alike for imminent cyber threats.

4. Lieutenant General (retired) Ed Cardon and other distinguished panelists will engage in a discussion titled "Where Bits & Bytes Meet Flesh & Blood," focusing on applying military and commercial best practices to safeguard critical infrastructure amidst escalating cyber threats.

Peter Lee, CEO of SimSpace stated, “These leaders embody the convergence of cybersecurity and AI. Their insights will guide attendees on integrating AI models, workflows, and operators to achieve resilience and readiness in this dynamic threat landscape.”

Featured Customer Case Studies

In addition to the esteemed speakers, attendees will benefit from featured case studies showcasing real-world cybersecurity strategies:

• - Republic of Slovenia: Aleš Čretnik will discuss federating cyber ranges for cross-nation collaboration, emphasizing a community-driven approach to cybersecurity.
• - Cyber Florida: Ernie Ferraresso will detail measures to accelerate cybersecurity adoption and innovation.

Innovation Panels and Demos

The summit will also host several key innovation panels that delve into essential topics such as agentic AI simulations and how they can enhance the effectiveness of cyber ranges. Panels will include:

• - Bridging the AI Gap: Focused on training models amidst various complexities, featuring experts from Google Security and Rillian Technologies.
• - OT Threat and Defense Testing: A critical look at optimizing the defense of critical infrastructures through cyber ranges, presented by leading experts in operational technology.

Attendees can also participate in hands-on demonstrations and technical sessions that illustrate how the next-generation cyber range platforms resonate with contemporary cyber challenges and prepare teams for the next wave of AI-driven threats.

Conclusion

The SimSpace Summit promises insight into how organizations can evolve in their approach to cybersecurity amidst advancing AI technologies. It serves as a vital platform for elite cybersecurity professionals looking to validate their defenses and refine their resilience strategies. With the community's collective expertise and innovative presentations, the 2026 SimSpace Summit is not to be missed.

For more information on the event and to register, visit SimSpace's website.