Converged Skies Summit 2026 marks the first year of a new annual summit focused on the evolving intersection of unmanned systems, aviation security, drone forensics, homeland security, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure resilience.

Presented by the Institute for Cyber Security at Marshall University, Marshall University Aviation, and DroneTrace, Inc., this free, one-day conference will bring together government, public safety, aviation, cybersecurity, research, industry, and education partners for focused discussion around emerging technologies, security challenges, and preparedness needs.

The 2026 theme, Defending the Homeland in an Era of Unmanned Threats, highlights the growing challenges surrounding unmanned systems and their impact on airspace security, public safety, homeland defense, and critical infrastructure protection.

This is a free event. Registration is required.

Call for Presenters

Event Overview

Converged Skies Summit 2026 will feature panels, speakers, and discussions focused on how unmanned systems are shaping aviation security, homeland security, cybersecurity, drone forensics, and critical infrastructure resilience.

Unmanned Systems

a drone lit in green against a black background

Explore how unmanned systems are changing the security landscape for public safety, aviation, infrastructure, and homeland security environments.

Aviation and Airspace Security

An airplane and flight tower lit in green against a back background

Examine how emerging unmanned threats intersect with aviation security, airspace awareness, transportation systems, and operational preparedness.

Drone Forensics and Investigation

A drone digital sketch of a drone, screen, pens, tools and a magnifying glass lit in green on a black background

Highlight the role of drone forensics, technical analysis, and investigative capabilities in understanding incidents and supporting response.

Critical Infrastructure Resilience

A skyline, train and electrical tower lit in green against a dark background

Discuss how unmanned threats may affect critical infrastructure, public services, cybersecurity, emergency response, and organizational resilience.

Event Agenda

Presented By

Converged Skies Summit 2026 is presented through a collaboration that brings together cybersecurity, aviation, and drone forensics expertise to support focused discussion around unmanned threats, homeland security, and critical infrastructure resilience.

Institute for Cyber Security at Marshall University

The Institute for Cyber Security at Marshall University supports cybersecurity readiness through education, applied research, real-world cyber operations, training, and collaboration. As the host of Converged Skies Summit 2026, ICS brings a mission-focused approach to strengthening resilience, workforce readiness, and cross-sector engagement across government, industry, education, and critical infrastructure communities.

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Marshall University Aviation

Marshall University Aviation brings aviation education and operational perspective to Converged Skies Summit 2026. With programs connected to professional pilot training, aviation maintenance, aviation management, aircraft dispatch, and uncrewed aircraft systems training, Marshall Aviation helps connect the summit’s focus on unmanned systems to broader conversations around aviation, airspace awareness, and transportation security.

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DroneTrace

DroneTrace, Inc. brings specialized expertise connected to unmanned systems, drone forensics, and technical analysis. Through its work with Marshall University and the Institute for Cyber Security on UAV forensics research, DroneTrace strengthens the summit’s focus on understanding unmanned threats, supporting investigation and analysis, and advancing preparedness around emerging drone-related security challenges.

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2026 THEME

Defending the Homeland in an Era of Unmanned Threats

The 2026 theme, Defending the Homeland in an Era of Unmanned Threats, focuses on the growing security challenges created as unmanned systems become more visible across aviation, public safety, homeland security, and critical infrastructure environments.

Focus Areas

Converged Skies Summit 2026 sessions may explore:
unmanned systems
aviation security
drone forensics
homeland security
airspace awareness
cybersecurity
public safety
emergency preparedness
critical infrastructure resilience
research and innovation

This theme reflects the need for cross-sector discussion around emerging unmanned threats, operational preparedness, and resilience across increasingly complex airspace and infrastructure systems.

CSS Agenda

Law Enforcement Training Credit

The Converged Skies Summit 2026 conference program is approved to provide seven hours of West Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards (WVLEPS) training credit for eligible law enforcement officers.

Registration & Hotel Information

This is a free event, but registration is be required.

Hotel Room Block

A hotel room block is available for Converged Skies Summit 2026 attendees at the Holiday Inn Martinsburg. The room block rate is available until Monday, July 20.

Attendees who plan to stay overnight may Reserve a Room at a discounted rate.

File Downloads

CSS 2026 Save the Date Flyer

Graphic of a digital bison with CYBER over it

Contact

For questions about Converged Skies Summit 2026, registration, or event details, please contact the Institute for Cyber Security at Marshall University.

Contact ICS