The AI Proving Grounds
Welcome Address
Welcome Address: Humans + AI in Cyber Defense
The Welcome Address sets the stage for the SimSpace Summit by exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping the cybersecurity landscape. SimSpace CEO Peter Lee introduces the conference theme, Humans + AI, and explains why collaboration, innovation, and realistic cyber training environments are essential for defending against the next generation of AI-powered threats.
Peter Lee, CEO & President, SimSpace
Keynote: From Battlefield to Cyber Range
Keynote: From Battlefield to Cyber Range, Building Adaptable Teams to Outsmart Any Threat in Any Terrain
How lessons from modern warfare guide the development of elite teams that are nimble and autonomous enough to face any enemy and navigate any environment.
- General (retired) Stanley McChrystal, Former Commander of Joint Special Operations Command
Keynote Panel: Where Bits & Bytes Meet Flesh & Blood
Panel Discussion: Protecting Critical Infrastructure in Cyberspace
What can the private sector learn from military cyber operations? In this panel, cybersecurity leaders from government, industry, and research explore how military and commercial best practices can be applied to better defend critical infrastructure. The discussion highlights strategies for improving cyber resilience, strengthening collaboration, and preparing organizations to face increasingly sophisticated threats.
- Lieutenant General (retired) Ed Cardon, US Army Commander, Cyber Command
- Sounil Yu, author of Cyber Defense Matrix and Chief AI Officer at Knostic
- Allie Mellen, Principal Analyst, Forrester Research
- Moderated by Lee Rossey, Co-Founder & CTO, SimSpace
Customer Case Study: Republic of Slovenia
Transformational Security Impact of Federating Cyber Ranges for Cross-country Collaboration
This session explores how cyber ranges help align training and strengthen interoperability among allies and partner organizations. Aleš Čretnik, Cybersecurity Advisor / CR Chief of the Defence Ministry of Republic of Slovenia highlights how shared simulation environments enable teams to train together, test capabilities, and improve coordination—ensuring a more unified and effective response to complex cyber threats.
Aleš Čretnik, Cybersecurity Advisor / CR Chief, Defence Ministry of Republic of Slovenia
Customer Case Study: Cyber Florida
Accelerating Cyber Security Adoption and Transformation
In this session, Ernie Ferraresso of Cyber Florida explains how realistic, mission-driven cyber ranges are helping accelerate cyber maturity across the state. By enabling hands-on training, testing, and collaboration, these environments are strengthening cyber readiness and preparing organizations to better defend against evolving threats.
Ernie Ferraresso, Senior Director of Cyber Florida
Keynote: Artificial Vs. Emotional Intelligence
Keynote: Artificial versus Emotional Intelligence: Outsmarting AI-driven scams with human strengths
Dr. Jessica Barker uncovers how cyber criminals are exploiting AI to make phishing and social engineering more convincing, while showing why outsmarting adversaries requires pairing AI-driven defenses with uniquely human strengths like emotional intelligence and critical thinking.
- Dr. Jessica Barker, Cybersecurity expert & behavioral science specialist
Keynote: Active Cyber Defense for Japan 2026 & Beyond
Active Cyber Defense and Japan’s National Strategy
In this session, Shigeru Kitamura, former Secretary General of Japan’s National Security Secretariat, discusses Japan’s move toward active cyber defense and the policies shaping its national cybersecurity strategy. He explores how proactive measures, legislation, and strategic investment are positioning Japan among the world’s leading cyber defenders.
Shigeru Kitamura-san, Former Secretary General of the National Security Secretariat and Former Director of Cabinet Intelligence
Innovation Panel: OT Threat & Defense Testing and Research
Optimizing Critical Infrastructure Defense with a Cyber Range
In this session, experts from Kroll, Fortiphyd Logic, and SimSpace discuss how cyber ranges can help organizations strengthen the defense of critical infrastructure. The conversation explores how realistic simulations allow teams to test security tools, train for real-world attack scenarios, and improve resilience across complex IT and operational technology (OT) environments.
- Sameer Koranne, Head of OT Security, Associate Managing Director, Cyber & Data Resilience Services, Kroll
- David Formby, CEO/CTO, Fortiphyd Logic
- Lee Rossey, Co-Founder & CTO, SimSpace
- Moderated by Jason Allnutt, OT Solution Architect, SimSpace
Special Guest: Jay Collins, Lieutenant Governor of Florida
Leadership Perspective: Cybersecurity and National Readiness
In this session, Florida Lt. Governor Jay Collins shares his perspective on the evolving cybersecurity landscape and the importance of strengthening cyber resilience across government and industry. Drawing on experience in both the public and private sectors, he discusses collaboration, preparedness, and the role of innovation in defending against emerging digital threats.
Jay Collins, Lieutenant Governor of Florida, Chair of the Florida Cybersecurity Advisory Council
Product Roadmap and Demonstration
Product Roadmap and Platform Demo
Get an inside look at the SimSpace Cyber Range Platform. This session explores the product roadmap and showcases new capabilities designed to help organizations build realistic cyber environments, test security tools, and train teams against emerging threats.
The SimSpace Product Management Team
Partner Panel: The Importance of Real-World Simulations for Force Readiness
Transforming the Next-Generation Security Operations Center
In this session, cybersecurity leaders from Deloitte, Booz Allen Hamilton, and SimSpace explore how organizations can evolve the modern SOC by addressing gaps in qualitative analysis and limited telemetry. The discussion focuses on how improved data visibility, detection engineering, and AI-driven approaches can help transform people, processes, and technology for more effective threat detection and response.
- Stanley Parret, US Lead for Detection Engineering and AI, Deloitte Cyber Defense Practice
- Alexi Wiemer, Senior Manager, US Detect and Respond, Deloitte
- Siraaj Hasan, VP, National Cyber Market Lead, Booz Allen Hamilton
- Moderated by Jason Rivera, Head of Solution Engineering, SimSpace
Bridging the AI Gap: Agentic AI Simulations
Training Agentic Cyber Defenders in Realistic Environments
In this session, experts from Google Security and Rilian Technologies explore how agentic AI models can be trained within live cyber ranges. The discussion focuses on the importance of realism, iterative experimentation, and measurable outcomes to develop more capable autonomous cyber defense systems.
- John Murray, Senior Product Manager, Google Security
- Trent Lawrence, Vice President of Engineering, Rilian Technologies
- Moderated by Graham Westbrook, VP, International Markets, SimSpace
