Overview
The future of Computer Network Operations (CNO) is evolving at an unprecedented pace. XFIL 2026 brings together the nation’s leading cyber practitioners, innovators, and decision-makers to explore the technologies, strategies, and partnerships shaping the future of cyber operations.
The National Cryptologic Foundation and MANTECH are proud to once again partner for this premier convening focused on advancing cyber capabilities and driving offensive cyber operations.
Building on the momentum of last year’s discussions — from zero-day automation to the operational application of Generative AI — XFIL 2026 will deliver even deeper insights into the rapidly changing cyber landscape.
Why Attend XFIL 2026?
- Connect with Industry Leaders
Engage with top experts, practitioners, and mission leaders across the CNO community. - Explore Emerging Technologies
Gain insights into the cutting-edge tools and innovations driving secure and resilient cyber operations. - Prepare for the Future Fight
Participate in forward-looking discussions focused on the evolving challenges of the digital battlefield.
Mark your calendar and prepare for a day of dynamic panels, thought-provoking discussions, valuable networking opportunities, and insights from leaders at the forefront of cyber power.
View or download our Save the Date flyer to share with colleagues and friends.
Register
Registration fee is $49. Complimentary tickets are available for confirmed event speakers, as well as U.S. government & MANTECH employees.
A limited number of Vendor Table Sponsorships remain available for $1500 - see the Sponsorship Opportunities section located below.
Agenda
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
8:00 AM | Registration - Doors Open and Breakfast Served
Registration opens.
Grab breakfast and coffee, pick up your badge, and meet fellow attendees.
9:00 AM | Opening Remarks - MANTECH/NCF
Brian Behler
Vice President, Advanced Cyber Solutions Division, MANTECH
Kelli Arena
President & CEO, National Cryptologic Foundation
9:05 AM | Keynote Kickoff - The OCO/AI Mandate
Patrick Ware (Confirmed)
U.S. CYBERCOM Executive Director
9:30 AM | Panel 1: Generating Cyber Forces & Capabilities
Michelle Ferrante (Moderator)
MANTECH
Tim Denison
Founder & President, GDI LLC
10:15 AM | 15 Minute Break
10:30 AM | Featured Session: A Ghidra Overview by NSA
Brian Knighton
Senior Cybersecurity Researcher, National Security Agency (NSA)
11:00 AM | Technical Talk A: AI: A Force Multiplier for CNO Development
Bishoy Khalil
Senior CNO Developer, MANTECH
11:15 AM | Panel 2: The Future/Frontier of AI in Cyber Capability Generation
Brian Behler (Moderator)
Vice President, Advanced Cyber Solutions Division, MANTECH
Dr. Austin Norby
Director of Internal Research & Development, Bogart Associates of Northern Virginia
Shawn Turskey
Former Executive Director, US Cyber Command
Kate Zimmerman
Geo Leader, AWS Generative AI Innovation Center
Jon Darby
Former Director of Operations, National Security Agency (retired)
12:00 PM | Networking Lunch
Visit sponsor tables and connect with speakers.
1:00 PM | Mid-Day Reset & Keynote: The Global OCO Landscape
Glenn Gaffney
The Institute for Strategic Intelligence & Intervention
1:30 PM | Panel 3: Autonomous Exploitation & the Future
Kevin Keaton (Moderator)
Director of Innovation, National Cryptologic Foundation
Morgan Adamski
Principal, PwC; former Executive Director, US Cyber Command
Dr. Matt Gaston
Director, AI Division, Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute
Michael Murgie
National Security GTM, Anthropic
LTG (Retired) Maria Barrett
Former Commanding General, U.S. Army Cyber Command
2:30 PM | 15 Minute Break
2:45 PM | Technical Talk B: The Offensive Frontier: AI as the Attacker
Justin Page
VP & Cybersecurity AI Exec, Booz Allen Hamilton
3:00 PM | Panel 4: Non-Kinetic Effects & Convergence
Steven Kapinos (Moderator)
Chief Cyber Officer, MANTECH
Braden Amigo
Senior Analyst, CrowdStrike
Natalie Hagan
Senior Software Engineer, Nexxis Solutions
4:15 PM | Technical Talk C: Lessons Learned: AI-Assisted Vulnerability Research & Tool Development
Connor Bruso
Cyber Software Engineer Manager, Lockheed Martin
4:45 PM | Closing Remarks - MANTECH/NCF
Brian Behler
Vice President, Advanced Cyber Solutions Division, MANTECH
Kevin Keaton
Director of Innovation, National Cryptologic Foundation
5:00 PM | Happy Hour & Networking
The "MANTECH" Lounge · Until 6:00
Speakers
Patrick Ware – Keynote (CONFIRMED)
U.S. Cyber Command
Glenn Gaffney – Keynote
The Institute for Strategic Intelligence and Intervention
Jonathan “Jon” L. Darby
Retired NSA
Shawn Turskey
Former Executive Director, US Cyber Command
Morgan Adamski
PwC
Braden Amigo
CrowdStrike, Inc.
Kelli Arena
NCF
LTG (Retired) Maria B. Barrett
Former Commanding General, U.S. Army Cyber Command
Brian Behler
MANTECH
Connor Bruso
Lockheed Martin
Tim Denison
GDI LLC
Michelle Ferrante
MANTECH
Dr. Matt Gaston
AI Division, Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute
Natalie Hagan
Nexxis Solutions
Steve Kapinos
MANTECH
Kevin Keaton
NCF & Red Cell Partners
Bishoy Khalil
MANTECH
Brian Knighton
National Security Agency (NSA)
Michael Murgie
Anthropic
Austin Norby, Ph.D
Bogart Associates
Justin Page
Booz Allen Hamilton
Kate Zimmerman
AWS Generative AI Innovation Center
Sponsorship Opportunities
$1500 - A limited number of Vendor Table Sponsorships are available on a first-come first-served basis and can be purchased through registration. For more information about vendor table sponsorships - please contact Rebecca Diamond at rdiamond@cryptologicfoundation.org
Thank you, Sponsors!
MANTECH
Event Partner
Set of X
Vendor Table Sponsor
Lockheed Martin
Vendor Table Sponsor
Navius Technologies
Vendor Table Sponsor
Signalscape, Inc
Vendor Table Sponsor
Armis from Service Now
Vendor Table Sponsor
AV Inc.
Vendor Table Sponsor
Horizon3
Vendor Table Sponsor
Booz Allen Hamilton
Vendor Table Sponsor
Carahsoft Corporation
Vendor Table Sponsor