The Security Industry Association (SIA) announced the schedule and program for the 2026 AcceleRISE conference, hosted by SIA’s RISE community for young professionals and emerging leaders in the security industry. This year’s AcceleRISE will take place Aug. 3 – 5 in San Diego, Calif.

AcceleRISE is a conference created specifically for young security talent and designed to ignite new thinking, strengthen leadership and sharpen business acumen. AcceleRISE tackles the issues that matter most to emerging leaders in the security industry and features a diverse array of premier learning sessions, interactive workshops and lively activities geared toward rising stars in the industry.

“This year at AcceleRISE, professionals new to the security industry and the most talented young leaders will gather in the beautiful city of San Diego to be part of the ‘Next Wave of Security,’” said Don Erickson, CEO, SIA. “The RISE steering committee has put together an exciting agenda of high-impact, high-energy content and activities that will offer attendees meaningful opportunities to connect, learn, grow and be inspired. We look forward to seeing everyone in August for this unique event and helping young professionals propel their career development.”

Session topics for AcceleRISE 2026 include:

• Mastering first impressions and building your network
• Mentorship, sponsorship and the power of being seen
• Building new skills in security operations
• Cybersecurity for physical security professionals
• Leading with integrity in high-stakes security environments
• Making the business case for security
• Cultivating the skills needed to navigate change and uncertainty

Additional event highlights include a panel presented by SIA’s Security Practitioner Advancing Real Conversations (SPARC) community, a debate on whether technical expertise is needed to lead in the security industry, a Drinks With Don kickoff reception, the first-ever AcceleRACE competition, a pub-style trivia night and more.

AcceleRISE 2026 speakers include:

• Jordan Burnsed, director of business development, Medeco, an ASSA ABLOY Company
• Tonya Cannon, owner/founder, Exceptional Consulting Services
• Sarah Cassway, systems engineer, M.C. Dean
• Angelo Faenza, head of digital access solutions, ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions
• Jeremy Fromm, Mercury Security evangelist, HID
• Maria Gonzales, senior manager of physical security, Americas, Amazon
• Anne Grady, founder and president, Anne Grady Group
• Liz Ingerson, mobile client advisor, HID
• Jalen James, strategic alliance relationships manager, Americas, Zenitel
• Ryan Kaltenbaugh, global sales leader, security and electronic systems, M.C. Dean
• Mike Lavway, principal consultant, technology and operations, ZBeta
• Bobby Louissaint, head of technical partnership engagements, Meta
• Derek Martinez, global enterprise account executive, Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA
• Chris Martini, principal consultant, security and risk, ZBeta
• Lindsey Painter, project manager, ZBeta
• William Pearl, senior manager of GSOC operations, HiveWatch
• Itzel Portillo, digital marketing manager, Allegion
• Sofie Price, director of security sales, Wesco
• Sahiti Ravi, senior project engineer, dormakaba
• Katelynn Rooney, design engineer, dormakaba
• Keyser Santana, director, global cybersecurity, Reyes Holdings
• Maya Sears, mechanical engineer II, dormakaba
• Tristin Vaccaro, founder, Vaccaro Copywriting & Marketing Solutions
• Rey Williams, senior software engineer, AI operator and app experience, HiveWatch