Common Threads Huntsville-Cyber Threats to Space: Securing the Ultimate High Ground

May 12 to 13, 2026 Huntsville, AL

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Registration Fees

May 12: Career Conversations, Welcome Reception & Keynote

  • Gratis for all!

May 13: Classified (Secret) Breakfast and Panel Discussion

  • INSA BoD/AdCom: $155
  • INSA Member: $155
  • Nonmember: $195
  • Gov't/Mil: Gratis!
Booz Allen, Smarter Decisions Faster

Event Contact

Toya Rich

trich@insaonline.org

The mission is in the Rocket City! For six years, INSA's Common Threads has served as a vital gathering for Huntsville’s intelligence and national security professionals. This May, we return to this essential hub of space and missile defense to address the technical risks facing our most critical orbital assets: Cyber Threats to Space.

As foreign capabilities evolve, securing ground infrastructure and satellite networks is a strategic necessity. Join us to examine the operational risks, technical vulnerabilities, and public-private partnerships required to maintain our advantage in the ultimate high ground.

Tuesday, May 12 | The Westin Huntsville

3:00-5:00 pm Career Conversations
Huntsville’s mission success is built on its highly specialized workforce. INSA and ClearanceJobs are holding an exclusive job fair that connects cleared professionals with leading employers ready to fill critical roles. 

Note: This event requires a separate registration via the ClearanceJobs platform. Get details and register online! Questions? Contact Danielle.Pickus@dhigroupinc.com.

5:00-7:30 pm Welcome Reception & Keynote
Kick off the evening at the Westin Huntsville alongside 125 of your peers from across the IC. The first hour is dedicated to networking, giving you plenty of time to catch up with colleagues and build new professional ties.

Following the reception, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle will open the program with a brief welcome. This leads into the keynote from Steven Rush, Chief of the Missile and Space Intelligence Center, who will provide the foundational perspectives and mission-critical context for the next day's classified discussion. We look forward to an evening of great conversation and shared takeaways as we start the event together.

Wednesday, May 13 | Leidos

8:00-10:00 am Classified (Secret) Networking Breakfast, Keynote, and Panel
Start your morning connecting with colleagues and mission partners over breakfast before moving into a candid, classified discussion. Our speakers will address cyber threats to space systems, operational risks for satellites and supporting networks, and the vital role of public-private collaboration in strengthening the resiliency of our national security space enterprise. 

 

Thank you to our supporting partners!

INSA's Common Threads Huntsville Supporting Partners, AFCEA Huntsville and Cyber Huntsville

 

Speakers

Keynote Speakers

All Speakers

Moderator

Agenda

Tuesday, May 12 | 3:00-7:30 pm CT
Welcome Reception and Keynote

Location:
The Westin Huntsville
6800 Governors W
Huntsville, AL 35806

Agenda:

5:00-6:00 pm: Networking Reception

6:00-6:05 pm: Welcome Remarks by Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle

6:05-6:45 pm: Keynote

  • Steven Rush, Chief, Missile and Space Intelligence Center, DIA

6:45-7:30 pm: Dessert Reception

Parking:
Gratis onsite parking

Dress Code:
Business professional or Service Dress/Class A

Wednesday, May 13 | 8:00-10:00 am CT
Classified Breakfast and Panel Discussion
Secret Clearance Required! 

Location:
Leidos
1002 Explorer Blvd
Huntsville, AL 35806

Agenda:
8:00-8:45 am: Registration & Breakfast Reception

8:45-9:25 am: Keynote

  • Sean Redman, Director of Intelligence and Security, Golden Dome for America

9:25-10:15 am: Panel discussion

Panelists:

  • COL Derek Bothern, USA, Deputy Director, Space and Missile Defense Center of Excellence, USA Space and Missile Defense Command
  • Sean Redman, Director of Intelligence and Security, Golden Dome for America
  • Steven Rush, Chief, Missile and Space Intelligence Center, DIA
  • Robert Shaffer, Deputy Director of Intelligence, U.S. Space Command
  • MG Barn Fast, USA (Ret.), President/CEO, BGF Enterprises LLC (moderator)

10:15-10:30 am: Closing Remarks & Networking

Parking:
Gratis onsite parking

Dress:
Business professional or Service Dress/Class A

View Available Sponsorships

Sponsors

  • Digital Recap (Unclassified)

  • Community Champion

  • Community Champion

  • Host (Classified)

  • Breakfast (Classified)

  • Patriot (Classified)

  • Registration

  • Dessert Reception (Unclassified)