5 Takeaways from IDGA’s Homeland Security Week 2026
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When IDGA's 19th Homeland Security Week wrapped up this past March, the 500+ attendees walked away with insights and business cards that will shape their priorities for the next year.
This year's summit offered something for everyone, from conversations on agentic AI to preparing for global sporting events coming to the States in 2026. To best summarize all the knowledge gained during the two-day conference, event chairman Nelson Balido joined IDGA to share his five key takeaways from this year's conference.
Homeland Security Week will return in 2027 to the Washington D.C. area. Next year's conference will look to build off the discussions held this year regarding critical homeland security topics, ranging from border security to biometrics and more.
1. Cutting Through the AI Buzz
The AI wave has become a "must-address" topic at events like Homeland Security Week. However, this year's conference made sure to discuss AI not as a vague, overused talking point, but aimed to provide a structured, multi‑layered examination of real operational challenges, real risks, and real mission applications.
"Everyone is talking about AI now, it's become like Kleenex, a household name," said Balido. "What we've tried to do is define what these terms actually means, how is it applied, how is it used, and what decisions are being made?"
To make this a reality, IDGA welcomed speakers such as Dr. Shantrell Collier, Chief Information Officer for the DOJ. During Dr. Collier's session, she emphasized that AI is useless without the infrastructure to support it. She also expanded on how the DoJ is overcoming legacy systems using AI, and implored the industry in the room to present solutions to her office.
From an industry perspective, sponsors like HP, Elliptic, Tranquility AI, UiPath, and MANTECH took the stage to provide real-world use cases of AI solutions. For example, a workshop hosted by Elliptic demonstrated how blockchain intelligence can be used to track cross-border money laundering activity.
2. The Growing Urgency of World Cup Security
The 2026 World Cup dominated conversations amongst DHS leaders due to the immense security implications the tournament presents across North America.
"This is a tier one national security event," said Balido. "A Super Bowl times 40."
Heightened geopolitical tensions have only raised the stakes of the upcoming World Cup, and to bring Homeland Security Week attendees into the discussion, IDGA welcomed Helmut Spahn, the Director of Safety, Security and Access at FIFA to the speaking stage. During his session, Spahn discussed working with local and federal authorities ahead of the World Cup, and how FIFA is preparing for potential drone incursions during matches.
Operational Perspectives from the Mexican Side of the Border
One of the standout moments of Homeland Security Week, and a major first for the event, was the introduction of a senior operational voice from Mexico: Federico Montanez, Attorney General of the State of Coahuila.
Balido, who serves as Chair of the Border Security and Commerce Council, has established himself as a thought leader in U.S. border issues, and said it's rare for conferences such as this to consider an international perspective. "It's not just about U.S. security. It's North American security. The more secure we are as a block, the less illicit activity and illegal immigration we have." Balido added.
The presentation from AG Montanez provided this rare perspective. During his session, AG Montanez moved beyond diplomatic talking points and shared on-the-ground realities from law enforcement operating daily along key corridors of migration and illegal trafficking.
"I've been participating in this conference for over a decade, and I've never seen the audience clap that many times during a presentation," said Balido.
4. Solving CUAS Challenges
"Counter‑UAS is a big problem we can't solve — not because of capabilities, but because of the laws that surround it." said Balido.
While the CUAS community still waits for clear authorities from the government, the IDGA team made sure the 2026 program elevated the issue into one of the most technically detailed and operationally grounded conversations of the entire agenda. This structure made it clear that CUAS is no longer a niche discussion, but rather a cross‑mission, cross‑agency challenge that requires legal, operational, and international coordination.
For example, IDGA welcomed Colonel Scott McLellan of the Army's new Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) 401, which will serve as the DoW's main authority for CUAS acquisition and procurement. During his session, COL McLellan laid out the task force's mandates and invited the audience to ask questions to make certain attendees understood how they can work with JIATF 401.
The premier event for the Counter-UAS community will be in National Harbor, Maryland, this August 25-26. Now in its 8th year, the two-day conference provides a forum comprised of key decision-makers and senior military leaders for discussions on ways to collaboratively combat the threat of UAS to the United States military and civilians.Learn more about IDGA's Counter-UAS Summit
5. Matching Industry Solutions with Government Needs
What sets IDGA's Homeland Security Week apart from other events in the space is the intimate environment it fosters. One of the main goals of the conference is to share government requirements and give private sector the nuggets of information they need to fulfill those requirements. This is done by carefully adopting an agenda that places speakers and sponsored sessions intentionally.
"These are not canned PowerPoints. We try to stay away from that. These are fireside chats and discussions like we were at your kitchen table," said Balido.
The fireside chat format ensures that the audience can participate, and throughout the conference microphones were being passed throughout the room to ensure attendees could ask speakers the questions that were most pertinent to them.
Another important element of Homeland Security Week is providing industry-to-industry collaboration. During networking breaks at the conference, it is common to see professionals from different solutions providers swap business cards and discuss how their companies can work together to accelerate the homeland security mission.
IDGA members don't need to wait until 2027 to continue gaining insights on homeland security threats. Upcoming events such as the Border Technology Summit and the Counter-UAS Summit give professionals an opportunity to participate in events that go more in-depth into specific topics.
"We're going to continue to build on what we've done this year," said Balido. "Bringing international partners, furthering Counter‑UAS discussions, and strengthening cooperation south of the border will remain critical conversations at IDGA conferences for years to come."
