Feature Article
From the Conference Floor at Future Tech DC 2026: Our Recap
By: Laura Sawka, ISACA GWDC, Director of Special Events
April 16, 2026. How did you spend your day? If you were among the 275 registrants who joined us at Future Tech DC hosted at George Mason University Arlington campus, you know how exciting the day was. With 36 speakers, 3 tracks, 2 keynote sessions, 7 CPEs, and countless networking opportunities, it was certainly quite a memorable day filled with learning and connection. If we missed you this year, here’s a recap of the event. We look forward to having you join us at next year’s conference.
Tim Brown and attendees. Photo Courtesy of Bola Ojewale.
The conference kicked off with an amazing keynote by Tim Brown, who spoke about his journey navigating the SolarWinds incident. The session provided a first-hand account of his leadership and the trials and tribulations he personally faced. Attendees were drawn in by the candid conversations, personal reflections, and powerful learnings.
Next, attendees broke out into each of the three tracks, where they could choose from the general, government, or hands-on workshop tracks. Sessions in the general track featured expert speakers covering topics like leveraging AI for modern audit practices, the intersection of privacy and security, third-party risk management, AI adoption, and perspectives of CISOs across industries. At the same time, the government track boasted speakers covering emerging technology governance, Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), balancing IT governance and innovation, communicating improvement opportunities, and guidance on adapting NIST AI Risk Management Framework (RMF). Sessions featured a mix of individual speakers and panelists, inviting attendees to hear multiple perspectives on these critical topics.
For attendees looking for a more hands-on experience, they were invited to join one of two hands-on workshops. The first focused on an OSCAL escape room, and the second on incident response. Workshop attendees brought their computers and participated in real time as the instructors guided them through the sessions.
Dr. Michaela Iorga. Photo Courtesy of Gabriel Childers
In the middle of the day, attendees reconvened in the keynote auditorium for a lively debate among experienced CISOs on the key topics they face. The debate was moderated by George Kamide and included perspectives from debaters Larry Whiteside Jr. and Ira Winkler. Larry and Ira often found topics to disagree on, keeping the audience on the edge of their seat as the debate heated up!
George Kamide, Larry Whiteside Jr., Ira Winkler. Photo Courtesy of Gabriel Childers
After the lunch keynote, attendees rejoined the sessions in the tracks to continue their learning journey. An afternoon sweet snack break provided attendees with the energy surge needed to keep the momentum going.
Vendor Hall and attendees. Photo Courtesy of Gabriel Childers
The conference convened with closing remarks and a raffle. Attendees anxiously awaited the chance to win great sponsor gifts and complimentary training. After the conference concluded, the networking continued with a post-conference social event. Lighting and music changed the vibe, inviting attendees to network and mingle. Conversations were flowing as attendees recapped their favorite sessions and shared their takeaways from the conference.
Some attendees would return the next day for in-person training led by Jim Wiggins to deepen their AI expertise.
Post-conference social. Photo Courtesy of Laura Sawka
Whew, what an event! As the conference organizer, I couldn’t be prouder of the brand and community that we are building with Future Tech DC. A place for learning, networking, and growing together. A unique in-person experience hosted by ISACA Greater Washington, D.C. chapter.
Many thanks to all of our sponsors, partners, speakers, and volunteers for their engagement and support. This event would not be possible without their commitment and dedication.
We look forward to seeing you at Future Tech DC 2027!
