- The Security Industry Association announces Gharun Lacy as a keynote speaker at SIA GovSummit 2026.
- The event, SIA’s annual public policy and government security technology conference, is scheduled for May 20-21 in Washington, D.C.
- SIA also revealed several featured speakers for the event.
SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has revealed the keynote speaker and lineup of expert government presenters for the 2026 SIA GovSummit, SIA’s annual public policy and government security technology conference, scheduled for 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,” according to the association announcement.
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,” the announcement says.
Who is the SIA GovSummit 2026 Day 2 Keynote Speaker?
Just announced is the GovSummit Day 2 keynote speaker: Gharun Lacy, 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 more than 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 for GovSummit 2026 include:
- 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
- Jason Stoddard, director of school safety and security, Charles County, Maryland, Public Schools
What Topics Will GovSummit Cover?
Highlighted SIA GovSummit 2026 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 counter-drone 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
“The SIA GovSummit 2026 program features top experts from government, homeland security, education, industry and more in a program that showcases how government uses security technologies to drive success across a wide spectrum of missions,” says SIA CEO Don Erickson in the association announcement.
“With global risks on the rise, we are thrilled to welcome keynote speaker Gharun Lacy of the U.S. Department of State and a compelling cadre of critical infrastructure protection experts to this year’s event as part of discussions about emerging policy trends, the government’s technology needs and changes in the risk environment that shape the development of security solutions to meet evolving challenges,” he says.
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.
