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Offset
Symposium
Future of Software-Enabled Statecraft
Offset Symposium 2024
May 16, 2024 |
Washington, DC
Second Front's annual Offset Symposium promotes constructive engagement between the venture-backed innovation ecosystem, traditional defense base, academia, and national security mission users to accelerate the development and scaling of new technologies for national security.
Acquisition Warfare logo
The upcoming Offset Symposium: Acquisition Warfare is set to take place in Detroit, Michigan, Dates TBD.

Directly linked to the National Defense Strategy, the theme of Acquisition Warfare focuses on mechanisms for technological advances and organizational change to gain competitive advantage through agile acquisition. Acquisition Warfare demands continuous and secure access between commercial and government entities to develop and deploy technological innovations to compete in today’s threat landscape.

Join us and explore the development and deployment of new capabilities for U.S. and Allied national security.
SPEAKERS
We're just getting started. More speakers to be added soon!
2:30 - 3:15 pm
Event Pricing
EARLY 
BIRD
(Now - April 1) 
$75 
General
Admission
(April 1 - May 16)
$99 
GOV, Student,
Non-Profit
(Now - May 16)
$25 
IGNITE A PARADIGM SHIFT FOR NATIONAL SECURITY
Industry Experts Icon
top-tier speakers and attendees
Determine how to make innovation more than a buzzword and actually deliver for national security.
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FORGE PARTNERSHIPS
Connect with industry and government executives and teams to explore opportunities for future partnerships.
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DISCOVER ACCREDITED SOLUTIONS
Peruse a collection of DoD-accredited and soon-to-be accredited software available in IL2, IL4, and IL5 environments.
SESSIONs
bREAKfast
8:00 - 9:00 am
Introduction
From ships to tanks to F35s—every defense system is now a form factor for software. Listen as Peter Dixon, CEO of Second Front Systems, sets the stage for Offset Symposium 2023 discussing the central role software plays in the U.S. and Allied National Security landscape today—and what changes the DoD and Intelligence Communities must make to evolve and become agile in this evolving arena. For a legacy institution like the Department of Defense to fit with layers upon layers of bureaucracy, this can either be a condemning reality or a transformational opportunity. Facing this head-on requires new mental and operating models diffused throughout the institution.
9 - 9:20 am
Keynote
The State of U.S. National Security
Join us as Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, Congresswoman representing Pennsylvania’s 6th District, and Rep. Don Bacon, Congressman representing Nebraska 2nd District, both members of the House Armed Services Committee, discuss the challenges the U.S. faces in maintaining our leadership on the global stage. From polarization across our population to competition with peer competitors, we’re in the midst of a critical point in our history that’s challenging our democratic ideals and values. Addressing this will require strong leadership and a holistic approach to building partnerships across government, private capital, tech companies, international allies, and defense primes.
9:20 - 9:50 am
FireSide Chat
Innovation ≠ National Security
Innovation, left to its own devices, often follows market signals or leadership whims. Phones become smaller, bigger, lighter, heavier. Agencies host challenges, pitch competitions, workshops. A flurry of activity occurs, but lacks direction toward delivering value. In this fireside chat with Gen. (Ret.) John W. Raymond, former Chief of Space Operations of the U.S. Space Force, and Sally Donnelly, founding partner at Pallas Advisors, we’ll discuss how government agencies must move beyond the self-limiting idea of impartiality and neutrality to create tangible outcomes for U.S. National Security. The DoD and IC must set a clear path forward, attract critical stakeholders and capabilities, and not fear backing winners.
9:50 - 10:25 am
bREAK
10:35 - 11:00 am
Panel
Private vs. Government Funding
For this all-star panel, our speakers will discuss the government's unique role in de-risking emerging markets before becoming a buyer and crowding-in private capital to support further innovation and commercialization. In the DoD’s case, there are plenty of tools available to create mutually-beneficial deals that deliver value for the mission and companies alike. They’ll cover what’s needed to do this well, where there’s opportunity for further improvement, and how these entities can ultimately deliver the best in commercial tech to National Security professionals.
11:00 - 11:45 am
PANEL
The Role of the Primes in Emerging Tech - Making the Case for Partnerships
Tune into this engaging session session to hear about the role primes play and how they can support the structural changes needed to meet increasingly dynamic present-day challenges. Prime contractors have something of a bad rap. Their consolidation between the ‘60s and ‘80s and subsequent growth contributed to a slow-moving industrial base resistant to change. But this doesn’t mean primes should be excluded from the innovation conversation when they play such an integral role in equipping the DoD with tools to accomplish their mission.
11:45 am - 12:30 pm
Lunch
12:30 - 1:30 pm
Panel
Stories of Scale - Tech Leadership Lessons Learned
Join this can’t miss-conversation to better understand how companies and the DoD alike have to make strategic choices about who they work with, how they acquire technology and services, and by which means they invest in continuously improving their capabilities. Unfortunately for both, the barriers to entry can appear insurmountable and deter plenty of willing companies from delivering their tech for national security. Lucky for our audience, we’re pulling together a panel of entrepreneurs in FVEY (Five Eyes) companies to discuss their paths to success in this space. They’ll discuss everything from developing a federal go-to-market strategy, securing your first contract, building the right relationships, and more.
3:30 - 4:15 pm
Closing Remarks
4:15 - 4:30 pm
Happy Hour
4:30 - 6:30pm
2020 REPORT
Biosecurity Insights
The 2020 Offset Symposium Biosecurity Report reflects findings and insights from our exceptional speakers and captivated participants to grow the impact of this cross-sector and knowledge-rich engagement. Areas such as synthetic biology, cyber biosecurity, computational biology and more will have profound implications for national security and geopolitical competition in the years to come.Explore the report to unlock expert-level biosecurity insights.
An icon of a research report with biology and security imagery around it.
BY THE NUMBERS
2020 Offset Symposium:
Biosecurity
440+
Attendees joined our 2020 event from the defense sector and beyond.
15+
Subject matter experts in biosecurity and biotechnology on the future of the industry.
20
Number of sessions, including panels, speakers, roundtables and keynotes.
‘17
First launched by Second Front in 2017 to promote cross-sector collaboration.
2020 SPEAKERS
A headshot photograph of Enrique Oti.
Enrique Oti
Second Front Systems
LinkedIn logo.
A headshot photograph of Austin Walne.
Austin Walne
Artis Ventures
LinkedIn logo.
A headshot photograph of Diane DiEuliis.
Diane DiEuliis Ph.D
National Defense University
LinkedIn logo.
A headshot photograph of Alexander Titus.
Alexander Titus
Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI)
LinkedIn logo.
A headshot photograph of Sterling Alley.
Sterling Sawaya
Geneinfosec
LinkedIn logo.
A headshot photograph of Dr. Aaron Hansen.
Dr. Aaron Hansen
GeneInfoSec
LinkedIn logo.
A headshot photograph of Dr. Matt Goldman.
Dr. Matt Goldman
DIU
LinkedIn logo.
A headshot photograph of Paul Garofolo.
Paul Garofolo
Locus Biosciences
LinkedIn logo.
A headshot photograph of Dr. Ryan Kappedal.
Dr. Ryan Kappedal
Gusto
LinkedIn logo.
A headshot photograph of J.D. Stanley III.
J.D. Stanley III
Defense Innovation Network
LinkedIn logo.
A headshot photograph of Julie Willis.
Julie Willis
Defense Innovation Network
LinkedIn logo.
A headshot photograph of Chris Przybyszewski.
Chris Przybyszewski
US BIOLOGIC
LinkedIn logo.
A headshot photograph of Kevin Landtroop.
Kevin Landtroop
Capital Factory
LinkedIn logo.
A headshot photograph of Kevin Montgomery.
Kevin Montgomery
IoT/AI
LinkedIn logo.
A headshot photograph of Peggy Sammon.
Peggy Sammon
GeneCapture, Inc.
LinkedIn logo.
A headshot photograph of Will Dickson.
Will Dickson
FedTech
LinkedIn logo.
A headshot photograph of Dr. Sarah Carter.
Dr. Sarah Carter
Science Policy Consulting
LinkedIn logo.
A headshot photograph of Jason Rathje.
Jason Rathje
AFWERX
LinkedIn logo.
A headshot photograph of Brittney Martino.
Brittney Martino
Second Front Systems
LinkedIn logo.
A headshot photograph of Peter Emanuel.
Peter Emanuel
U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command
LinkedIn logo.
A headshot photograph of Dr. Jim Giordano.
Dr. Jim Giordano
Georgetown University Medical Center
LinkedIn logo.
A headshot photograph of Dr. Gigi Gronvall.
Dr. Gigi Gronvall
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
LinkedIn logo.
A headshot photograph of Patrick Scannell.
Pat Scannell
Technestar
LinkedIn logo.
A headshot photograph of Dr. David Bray.
Dr. David Bray
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
LinkedIn logo.
VENUE
Waldorf Astoria, Washington DC
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Thank you to our sponsors
Interested in becoming a sponsor?
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PLATINUM
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GOLD
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SILVER
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When and where is the Offset Symposium taking place?
Where? Waldorf Astoria located at
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States
When? May 16, 2024 from 8am - 7pm
What is the cost of attending the Offset Symposium?
$75 Early Bird Pricing (until April 1st)
$99 General Admission (April 1st and beyond)
$25 for Government Officials, Students, and Nonprofits
How do I register for the Offset Symposium?
Through our eventbrite page.
Is there a deadline for registration?
There’s no deadline to register; however tickets are limited so the earlier the better before we sell out!
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation policies are handled on a case-by-case basis. Please follow the instructions on the eventbrite registration confirmation email to request a refund.
Do you provide parking?
Due to limited parking in the area, we suggest ride sharing or carpooling.
If you choose to drive, here are your parking options:

$20-$25 Options:
  • 415 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States
  • 1111 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States
  • 555 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States
$45 Onsite Valet Parking (very limited)
Is there a dress code for the Offset Symposium?
We encourage you to be yourself! But if you're looking for guidance, we expect Business Casual to be the vibe.
The most important question: Will there be food?
Food and beverage will be provided for Breakfast, Lunch, Breaks, and Happy Hour.
If you have any dietary restrictions, please note them in the registration form so we can make sure you have something to eat.
Do you offer any scholarships or financial assistance for attending the Offset Symposium?
Scholarships and financial assistance further than those provided for Government, Students, and Nonprofits will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Please email offsetsymposium@secondfront.com for more information.
Take a look back at '23
Offset Symposium ‘23 was packed with learning, thought-leadership, and connections! Explore the comprehensive session summaries of Offset ‘23.
Game Warden
App Showcase
Corsha logoDecision Lens LogoInkit logoplanview logoProductable logopyze logoMobilizeAlpha Bravo logoDevo logoPrescient Edge logoZeroEyes logoPMGTAC
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