CyberCon 2026, themed “Mission Ready in a Converged World,” brings together cybersecurity professionals, students, educators, government leaders, industry partners and community stakeholders to address real-world cyber threats through applied learning and collaboration.
“CyberCon reflects what Marshall University’s Institute for Cyber Security was built to do: translate cybersecurity priorities into practical, mission-ready capabilities for the communities and systems that depend on them,” said Alexandria Donathan, executive director of the Institute for Cyber Security. “By bringing together students, experts, government and industry in Huntington, we are strengthening the region’s workforce, reducing real-world risk and ensuring no one is left behind as cyber and physical systems continue to converge.”
CyberCon is hosted in partnership with the city of Huntington, reflecting a shared commitment to positioning Huntington as a regional hub for cybersecurity, innovation and workforce development.
“This partnership underscores how cybersecurity is not just a technical issue, but a community and economic development priority, one that directly affects municipalities, utilities, healthcare systems, schools and local businesses,” Donathan said.
CyberCon evolved from the Appalachian Institute of Digital Evidence (AIDE) Conference, which served as a cornerstone event for digital forensics and cyber operations for more than a decade.
To register or learn more about the conference, including sponsorship opportunities and program updates, visit www.marshall.edu/cyber/cybercon.
CyberConn 2026 FAQs
Who should attend CyberCon
CyberCon is designed to be accessible and valuable at all experience levels. Attendees may include:
• Cybersecurity and IT professionals
• Critical infrastructure operators
• Government and municipal leaders
• Students and educators
• Industry partners and technology vendors
• Community members interested in cybersecurity awareness
What does the three-day program include?
The CyberCon conference will include three days of focused, mission-driven programming:
• March 25: IT and Operational Technology (OT) Convergence
• March 26: Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) and Digital Forensics
• March 27: Cybersecurity Operations and Readiness
Over all three days, attendees can expect keynote speakers, technical breakout sessions, hands-on workshops, live demonstrations, vendor showcases and structured networking opportunities.