Keynotes

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Tuesday, May 20, 2025

The Future of National Security

The big picture: As our industry evolves, the intersection of public and private sectors, particularly in cybersecurity and technological innovation, becomes increasingly critical. Ms. Gordon will explore the pivotal role business leaders play in safeguarding national security. She will provide actionable insights into emerging trends, highlighting potential threats and uncovering opportunities that demand the attention of today’s leaders.

Sue Gordon

Former Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence of the United States of America

Dr. Rush Doshi

C.V. Starr Senior Fellow for Asia Studies and Director of the China Strategy Initiative, Council on Foreign Relations

Unfiltered: What Tech Investors Really Think About UxS & Robotics

The big picture: Venture capital drives the future of uncrewed systems and robotics, but what are investors really looking for? In this candid discussion, top tech investors will share insights on funding strategies, emerging trends, and how companies can position themselves for success in a competitive market. Attendees will gain a rare look into the investment mindset shaping the next generation of UxS and defense technologies.

Matt Ocko

Co-Founder and Managing Partner, DCVC

Stephen Rodriguez

Managing Partner, One Defense

Colin Demarest

MODERATOR
Future of Defense Reporter, Axios

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Federal Aviation Administration Brief

The big picture: As the uncrewed and autonomous systems industry continues to scale, safety and security remain at the forefront of national and global priorities. Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau will share the latest updates, priorities, and regulatory insights impacting the future of advanced aviation. This keynote provides a critical opportunity for the industry to align with the FAA’s vision and gain actionable insights into the evolving priorities driving integration, innovation and operational safety.

Chris Rocheleau

Administrator (Acting), Federal Aviation Administration

Up to the Minute Politics

The big picture: With the changing administration and its political impact on industries like ours, we’ve invited Jim to provide a comprehensive overview of the complex political challenges facing the United States. He will offer an in-depth analysis of these trends and their implications for industries like ours.

Jim VandeHei

Co-Founder and CEO of Axios, Co-Founder and Former CEO of POLITICO

Dynamic Innovation: Resilience in Defense Tech to Counter Modern Threats

The big picture: As defense technology evolves at the intersection of autonomy, AI, and software-driven innovation, ensuring resilience, both operational and industrial, has become a strategic imperative. This panel brings together government and industry leaders to explore how emerging technologies are transforming the future battlefield and what it takes to equip the warfighter at speed and scale. From strengthening supply chain resiliency to overcoming barriers to integration, the discussion will examine how innovation can be deployed rapidly, securely, and at scale, without compromising mission assurance.

Major General Michelle Link

Commanding General, 75th U.S. Army Reserve Innovation Command

David Michelson

Director, Autonomy Portfolio, Defense Innovation Unit

Ryan Tseng

Co-Founder & CEO, Shield AI

Dr. Cara LaPointe

MODERATOR
Co-Founder and CEO, Archytas

Thursday, May 22, 2025

A Pathway to Scale

The big picture: As the demand for rapid, autonomous delivery grows, the pathway to scaling drone operations is becoming clearer. This discussion will examine the progress made in integrating drone delivery, the remaining challenges, and what the industry can expect in the year ahead. From regulatory milestones to technological breakthroughs, this discussion will highlight the key factors shaping the future of commercial drone operations—and what they mean for stakeholders driving innovation and expansion in this space.

Matt McCardle

Director of Global Regulatory, Strategy, and Infrastructure, Amazon Prime Air

Countering the Next Threat: SOCOM’s Strategy for Unmanned Systems and Operational Readiness

The big picture: The battlespace is evolving rapidly, with unmanned systems, integrated air defense challenges, and emerging autonomous technologies redefining modern warfare. USSOCOM is on the front lines of adapting to these changes, leveraging innovation to counter threats and maintain operational superiority. This keynote will explore how SOCOM is integrating unmanned systems into counter-threat strategies, breaking through anti-access, area-denial environments, and ensuring forces remain ready for the next conflict. Drawing from global lessons, this discussion will highlight the critical role of private-sector collaboration in accelerating capability development and ensuring the defense community stays ahead of emerging challenges.

Lieutenant General Francis L. Donovan

Vice Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command

Dragonfly – Flights of Exploration on an Alien Moon

The big picture: Ken will take us on a fascinating deep dive into Dragonfly—NASA’s ambitious mission to send a robotic rotorcraft, or drone, to explore the surface of Saturn’s largest moon, Titan. This session will highlight design considerations and environmental challenges involved in leveraging uncrewed systems technology for such an extraordinary mission. From a technical perspective, it offers insights into cutting-edge engineering challenges, while also showcasing the broader potential of uncrewed systems for exploration and innovation across industries.

Kenneth Hibbard

Principal Professional Staff, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Mission/Project Systems Engineer for the Dragonfly New Frontiers Mission to Titan

Forging the Future: Innovation and Resilience

The big picture: As we look ahead to XPONENTIAL 2026 in Detroit, this session will explore the investments, vision, and collaboration shaping the future of mobility, automation, and smart infrastructure. Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification leadership will highlight Michigan’s role in driving innovation and why this matters for the industry. Together with Michael Robbins, AUVSI's CEO and a Detroit native, they’ll discuss how emerging technologies are transforming economies, and what it means for businesses ready to lead the way.

Kathryn Snorrason

Vice President and Deputy Chief Mobility Officer, Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Community Address

The big picture: In 2025, new challenges and opportunities are facing the uncrewed systems and autonomous technology industies. Michael will share recent updates about tech integration across commercial and defense sectors and how these are driving industry-wide growth and innovation.