Govini’s annual Defense Software & Data Summit will take place on March 10, 2026, at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.
This invite-only experience convenes senior leaders from the Department of War, government, industry, and academia to confront the Nation’s toughest security challenges and explore the transformative role of software, AI, and data in Defense Acquisition.
Request an Invite to the 2026 Defense Software & Data Summit by filling out the form. Please complete all fields.
The 2026 Defense Software and Data Summit is a free "widely attended gathering" (WAG) that offers opportunities to connect and learn from people with diverse interests.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Doors Open & Coffee Networking
11:00 AM - 11:15 AM | Program Opening
11:15 AM - 11:45 AM | Translating Momentum into Mission Readiness
Readiness is not a theoretical concept or a future objective. It is a present requirement shaped by speed, visibility, and decision-making, which requires DoW and industry partnership. Leveraging Sec Obadal’s unique background going from operator, to industry, to DoW leadership this discussion sets the baseline for the day: the demand signal is real, and the system must now respond.
- Hon. Michael A. Obadal, Under Secretary of the Army
- Moderator: Joe Gould, POLITICO
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM | The Engine of Peace through Strength
In an era of great power competition, victory is determined by the ability to out-produce and out-innovate the adversary at scale. Achieving this posture depends on seamless alignment between warfighter demand, private capital, and the digital systems that turn intent into output. This session explores how the Department and industry are moving beyond legacy models to build a resilient defense enterprise.
- Major General David W. Smith, Deputy to the Chief of Air Force Reserve
- Joseph Welch, Executive Director, U.S. Army Transformation and Training Command (T2COM) and PAE, Command and Control and Counter C2
- Christopher T. Calio, Chairman and CEO, RTX
- Mark Marengo, Managing Director, J.P. Morgan
- Moderator: Morgan Brennan, CNBC
12:45 PM - 1:15 PM | Augmenting the Arsenal through Software Defined Manufacturing
This fireside chat between two leaders at the forefront of the nation’s industrial modernization will explore how cutting-edge technology, digital-first production and strategic policy are reinforcing the American Arsenal.
- Kevin Czinger, Founder, Lead Inventor, and Executive Chairman, Divergent Technologies, Inc.
- Peter Meijer, Founding Partner & Head of Strategy, The New Industrial Corporation
1:15 PM - 1:45 PM | Networking Lunch
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM | Podium Speech
- Hon. Michael Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM | Nuclear Modernization
Modernizing nuclear systems is a strategic imperative. This panel explores how to bridge deep-rooted organizational silos while upholding the uncompromising standards of rigor, security, and accountability required for nuclear missions.
- Hon. Brandon Williams, Administrator, NNSA
- Hon. Daniel B. Poneman, Former U.S. Acting Secretary of Energy
- Lt Gen Michael Lutton, Deputy Commander, USSTRATCOM
- Madelyn Creedon, Former Principal Deputy Administrator, DOE/NNSA
- Moderator: Colin Demarest, Axios
2:45 PM - 3:30 PM | Accelerating Mission Readiness
Leveraging flexible authorities and empowered leadership to bridge the gap between industry innovation and immediate warfighter needs.
- Patrick N. Kelleher, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Materiel Readiness
- Dr. Vic S. Ramdass, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy
- Rear Admiral Chad L. Jacoby, Deputy Commandant for Systems, U.S. Coast Guard
- Moderator: Valerie Insinna, Breaking Defense
3:30 PM - 4:15 PM | Trust and Interoperability in AI
Focusing on the intersection of commercial AI and mission-critical data, and the practicalities of deploying frontier models within the Department’s framework.
- Andy Mapes, Acting Principal Deputy Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer, OSW CDAO
- Justin Fanelli, Chief Technology Officer, Department of Navy Technical Director, PEO Digital
4:15 PM - 4:45 PM | The Warfighter’s Perspective
The opportunity created by current momentum will close without sustained leadership attention. This discussion examines how speed, visibility, and interoperability directly dictate frontline operational outcomes, establishing execution as the primary leadership responsibility across the defense enterprise.
- General Joseph A. Ryan, Commanding General, U.S. Army Western Hemisphere Command
- Moderator: Ryan Evans, War on the Rocks
4:45 PM - 5:00 PM | Program Conclusion
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Networking Reception
*Program is subject to change.
What is the dress code?
We suggest that speakers wear service uniforms for military or business attire for civilians. Attendees can wear duty or service uniform, or business attire. Coat check will be available at The Anthem.
What is the cost to attend?
This event is complimentary to attend and has been organized in accordance with Department of War ethics guidelines.
How do I get to the venue (directions)?
From North (Baltimore, MD)
From I-495, take I-295 South. Take Exit 1B-C toward I-695/Route 395/Downtown. Take Exit 5 for 7th Street/L’Enfant Promenade, then turn left onto 7th Street to Maine Avenue. Turn right on Maine Avenue.
From South (Fredericksburg, VA)
Take I-395 North. Take Exit 4 toward SW Waterfront/National Park/Maine Ave and follow 9th Street to Maine Avenue. You will then face The Anthem.
From East (Annapolis, MD)
Take Rte. 50 West to I-295. Take I-295 South, then take Exit 1B-C toward I-695/Route 395/Downtown. Take Exit 5 for 7th Street/L’Enfant Promenade, then turn left onto 7th Street to Maine Avenue. Turn right on Maine Avenue.
From West (Fairfax, VA)
Take I-66 East. Take Exit 75 and follow VA-110 South to I-395 North. Take Exit 4 toward SW Waterfront/National Park/Maine Ave and follow 9th Street to Maine Avenue. You will then face The Anthem.
What are parking options?
The Wharf has ample paid parking on-site. More information on parking locations, costs, and availability can be found here: https://www.wharfdc.com/getting-here/car-parking/
What are the public transportation options?
Metro
The Anthem is 4 blocks away from L’Enfant Plaza on the Blue, Orange, Green, Silver, Yellow lines, and also 4 blocks away from the Waterfront Metro on the Green line.
Taxi and Rideshare
There are designated drop-off and pick-up locations for Uber, Lyft, the Taxi Commission and DDot.
Where do I enter when I arrive at The Anthem?
Please enter through the main entrance on the waterfront side of the Wharf. There will be ample signage directing you to the event area. Govini is committed to ensuring accessibility for everyone. Please reach out to your contact directly should you need additional assistance or have any special accommodation requests.
Can I receive a demo of Ark?
Yes! Our teams will be doing live demos of Ark throughout the event.
Can I bring a guest?
Yes, we encourage you to bring guests! We kindly ask that you request an invitation for them, along with yourself, so we have an accurate headcount for the venue.
How can I request special accommodations for the event?
Govini is committed to ensuring accessibility for everyone. Please reach out to your contact directly should you need additional assistance or have any special accommodation requests.
When do I need to RSVP?
Please RSVP as soon as possible so we can give the venue an accurate headcount. Space at the event is limited.
What if I RSVPed but can no longer make it?
We'll be sad to miss you but understand that plans can change! Please let us know as soon as possible by reaching out to your contact at Govini or emailing us at events@govini.com so we can adjust the headcount for the venue.
Where can I view last year’s recorded panels?
You are welcome to view last year’s sessions here: https://www.govini.com/blog/resilient-capabilities-enduring-strength-2025-defense-software-data-summit-recap
I have another question. Who should I contact?
For additional information, please contact us at events@govini.com.
The Anthem
901 Wharf St SW
Washington, DC 20024
https://theanthemdc.com/
