Common Threads Huntsville: Cyber Threats and the Evolving National Security Landscape

May 14 to 15, 2025

Common Threads Huntsville

Nearly 150 professionals from the Huntsville region attended the May 14-15, Common Threads Huntsville: Cyber Threats and the Evolving National Security Landscape program with a focus on Operational Technology (OT).

The May 14 unclassified programming kicked off with Career Conversations, a jampacked job fair held in partnership with ClearanceJobs, followed by a welcome reception, allowing ample time for networking, catching up with colleagues, and relationship building. 

The formal program began with Dr. Larry Lowe, Chief Innovation Officer, City of Huntsville, delivering welcoming remarks, which emphasized the critical importance of the city staying ahead in an ever-changing cyber landscape. He noted how Mayor Tommy Battle is tackling the gaps and challenges through the development of an AI Task Force. Mr. Michael Machtinger, Section Chief, Cyber Division, FBI, then delivered keynote remarks highlighting cyber threats from foreign adversaries and highlighted FBI’s top five priorities. He discussed that nation-state actors’ and cyber actors’ behaviors often look identical, making attribution a challenge. 

Mr. Machtinger emphasized that “combating the threats of Russia, Iran, North Korea, China and PRC cannot be executed alone.” He made the point that partnership with the private sector enhances the U.S.’s capabilities to fight against cybercrime. Additionally, he noted that FBI is leveraging emerging technologies such as AI to protect U.S. interests and fulfill the FBI’s mission. Mr. Machtinger provided warning about “new level of activity” from Salt Typhoon and their massive data collection operations. The FBI is strategically enhancing their efforts to support victims of data loss and reduce their exposure to cyberattacks. As the adversaries grow in sophistication, CISA and FBI are continuously collaborating on remediation efforts and cyber hygiene practices. Additionally, Mr. Machtinger expressed the importance of organizations building relationships with local field offices to enhance communication and strategic alignment. 

The following morning a breakfast and classified panel discussion at the S//NF level took place. The panel was led by Barb Fast (moderator, BGI Enterprises LLC) who provided an overview of operational technology then engaged  panel members: Eric Smithmier (FBI), Col Ryan Roseberry (AMC G2), Steven Rush (MSIC, DIA), and Bobby Scharmann (Leidos) capitalizing on their expertise, and knowledge to discuss threats to operational technology and the impact on national security and mission in their respective areas. The discussion was informative, and educational as well as relevant to the government entities in Huntsville. 

 

Common Threads Huntsville

 

Supporting Partners!

INSA's 2025 Common Threads Huntsville, supporting partners

 

Sponsorship Opportunities

  • Premier

    Sold!

    $17,500

    Non-Member Price

    • Ten registrations for each event (registrants must have Secret//NOFORN clearance for classified portion) 
    • Opportunity to introduce panel at the classified event
    • Opportunity to introduce speaker(s) at the unclassified event
    • Company branded floor clings or equivalent at the event venue
    • Opportunity to distribute a piece of collateral to each attendee (seat drop)
    • On-stage acknowledgement at beginning and end of program 
    • Company logo placement on marketing materials, signage, website, email promotions, and event recap 

    Current Sponsors

  • Patriot (Classified)

    Exclusive

    $10,000

    Member Price

    $12,500

    Non-Member Price

    • Ten registrations for each event (registrants must have Secret//NOFORN clearance for classified portion) 
    • Company logo presented on three (3) 22x28" signs displayed at the event
    • On-stage acknowledgement at beginning and end of program 
    • Company logo placement on marketing materials, signage, website, email promotions, and event recap 
  • Eagle (Unclassified)

    Exclusive

    $10,000

    Member Price

    $12,500

    Non-Member Price

    • Ten registrations for each event (registrants must have Secret//NOFORN clearance for classified portion) 
    • Opportunity to introduce Mayor Battle
    • Company logo presented on three (3) 22x28" signs displayed at the event
    • On-stage acknowledgement at beginning and end of program 
    • Company logo placement on marketing materials, signage, website, email promotions, and event recap 
  • Registration

    Sold!

    $7,000

    Member Price

    $9,000

    Non-Member Price

    • Eight registrations for both events (registrants must have Secret//NOFORN clearance for classified portion)
    • Company logo placement on registration pages and confirmation messages 
    • Dedicated company branded signage at registration 
    • Company branded floor clings or equivalent at event venue 
    • On-stage acknowledgement at beginning and end of program 
    • Company logo placement on marketing materials, signage, website, email promotions, and event recap 

    Current Sponsors

  • Welcome Reception (Unclassified)

    Exclusive

    $6,000

    Member Price

    $8,000

    Non-Member Price

    • Six registrations for each event (registrants must have Secret//NOFORN clearance for classified portion) 
    • Dedicated company branded signage in Welcome Reception 
    • Dedicated company branded cocktail napkins at the reception
    • On-stage acknowledgement at beginning and end of program 
    • Company logo placement on marketing materials, signage, website, email promotions, and event recap 
  • Lanyard Sponsorship

    Exclusive

    $6,000

    Member Price

    $8,000

    Non-Member Price

    • Eight registrations for both events (registrants must have Secret//NOFORN clearance for classified portion)
    • Company logo placement on Lanyards for both events 
    • On-stage acknowledgement at beginning and end of program 
    • Company logo placement on marketing materials, signage, website, email promotions, and event recap
  • Dessert Reception (Unclassified)

    Exclusive

    $5,000

    Member Price

    $7,000

    Non-Member Price

    • Six registrations for each event (registrants must have Secret//NOFORN clearance for classified portion)
    • Dedicated company branded signage in Dessert Reception
    • Dedicated company branded cocktail napkins at the reception
    • On-stage acknowledgement at beginning and end of program
    • Company logo placement on marketing materials, signage, website, email promotions, and event recap
  • Breakfast

    Sold!

    $5,500

    Member Price

    $7,500

    Non-Member Price

    • Five registrations for both events (registrants must have Secret//NOFORN clearance for classified portion)
    • Dedicated company branded signage at breakfast 
    • Dedicated company branded cocktail napkins at breakfast 
    • On-stage acknowledgement at beginning and end of program 
    • Company logo placement on marketing materials, signage, website, and email promotions 

    Current Sponsors

  • Digital Recap (Unclassified)

    Exclusive

    $5,000

    Member Price

    $7,000

    Non-Member Price

    • Four Registrations for each event (registrants must have Secret//NOFORN clearance for classified portion) 
    • Company logo included in post event recap (unclassified portion only) 
    • Company logo included in post-event survey to all attendees including opportunity to provide 50-word message about sponsor company
    • On-stage acknowledgement at beginning and end of program 
    • Company logo placement on marketing materials, signage, website, email promotions, and event recap 
  • Community Champion

    Unlimited

    $2,500

    Member Price

    • Three registrations for each event (registrants must have Secret//NOFORN clearance for classified portion) 
    • On-stage acknowledgement at beginning and end of program 
    • Company logo placement on marketing materials, signage, website, and email promotions 

    Current Sponsors

  • IC Innovator - Small Business

    Unlimited

    $1,500

    Member Price

    Must be an INSA Small Business member in good standing
    • Three registrations for both events (registrants must have Secret//NOFORN clearance for classified portion)
    • On-stage acknowledgement at beginning and end of program 
    • Company logo placement on marketing materials, signage, website, email promotions, and event recap 

    Current Sponsors

  • Host

    Sold!

    • 10 registrations for both events (*all registrants must have Secret//NOFORN clearance)
    • On-stage acknowledgment at beginning and end of program
    • Opportunity to have one staff member profiled in the #yourIC section of INSA website and spotlighted on social media  
    • Company logo placement on marketing materials, signage, website, email promotions, and event recap

    Current Sponsors