Blog | March 19, 2026
Shape the Future of Cybersecurity at Black Hat USA 2026
Submit your Summit session proposal(s) by March 27 and join the industry's most influential security conversations
The Black Hat USA 2026 Call for Sessions is your opportunity to present at one (or more) of five groundbreaking Summits on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. These Summits are not just events; they are the epicenter of innovation, collaboration, and critical discussions that will define the future of cybersecurity. Whether you're a CISO tackling enterprise security challenges, a financial services leader defending against sophisticated threats, a healthcare security expert safeguarding critical infrastructure, an innovator driving cybersecurity advancements, or an AI specialist navigating the complexities of machine learning security, this is your moment to make an impact.
Image features speakers on stage during a previous Black Hat Summit.
Black Hat Summits are unlike any other cybersecurity events. They bring together the most influential voices in the industry to address urgent challenges, share cutting-edge insights, and shape the future of security. Here's why you should submit your session proposal:
Share Your Expertise
This is your chance to contribute to pivotal conversations that will influence how organizations defend against threats in 2026 and beyond. Whether you're addressing zero-trust architectures, AI-driven threats, regulatory compliance, or emerging attack vectors, your insights can drive meaningful change.
Connect with Industry Leaders
Black Hat USA attracts thousands of security professionals, executives, researchers, and decision-makers from around the globe. Speaking at a Summit places you at the heart of these discussions, opening doors to collaborations, partnerships, and industry-shaping connections.
Elevate Your Professional Profile
Selected speakers gain recognition on the Black Hat USA website and within the global cybersecurity community. Establish yourself as a thought leader and amplify your influence across the industry.
Complimentary Access
Each selected speaker receives a complimentary Summit pass, including 3-day access to the Black Hat Business Hall. Explore the latest technologies, solutions, and innovations driving the industry forward.
Image features a speaker on stage during a previous Black Hat Summit.
We asked members of our Summit community what they look for in a compelling session proposal. Here's what they had to say:
Ashish Rajan, CISO & Podcast Host, Cloud Security Podcast, and Black Hat Summit Advisory Board member shares what stands out:
"What makes a submission stand out to me is a willingness to challenge the assumption that everything always works. I value transparency about what you tried, where you failed, what you'd do differently, and how you creatively overcame new challenges while bringing attention to emerging issues that are gradually becoming more common."
Erica Burgess, Hacker and AI Cybersecurity Consultant, whose recent Call for Sessions submission was accepted, reflects on the Summit experience:
"The coolest thing about being the first in the world to do something, whether it's a new exploit or a tool or a technique, is being part of the questions and discussions it generates when you present it. That's always my goal when submitting: will this be thought-provoking for attendees, and if you've been turning over your latest challenge, win, or lesson learned, then the Black Hat Summits community wants to hear about it and talk about it!"
Black Hat Summits bring together an extraordinary mix of cybersecurity leaders, from enterprise CISOs to pioneering founders to world‑class researchers to forward‑thinking investors to the policymakers shaping tomorrow’s security landscape and beyond. The Summits stage is where the people driving the industry’s most important conversations come to share insights, challenge assumptions, and chart the path ahead.
Recent Summit speakers have included:
Allan “Ransomware Sommelier” Liska, CSIRT at Recorded Future and ransomware researcher
HD Moore, Founder at runZero and cybersecurity entrepreneur
Wendy Nather, Senior Research Initiatives Director at 1Password
Anne Neuberger, Former Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology at National Security Council
Alex Stamos, Chief Product Officer at Corridor and Adjunct and Lecturer in Computer Science at Standford University
CISO Summit
This invitation-only forum is the ultimate gathering for security leaders shaping enterprise and government defense. Attendees engage in candid, high-value exchanges to tackle their toughest challenges, from ransomware mitigation to supply chain security. With the rise of sophisticated attacks targeting critical infrastructure, this Summit is a must-attend for CISOs seeking actionable strategies.
Sponsors:
- Welcome Reception: World Wide Technology (WWT)
- Premium: Axonius, Qualys, Sophos, SpecterOps
- Foundation: Darktrace, ReliaQuest
- Event: Claroty, Doppel, Proofpoint, Varonis, Zero Networks
- Executive Dinner Sponsors: Smallstep (August 3), AppOmni (August 4)
The AI Summit
AI is revolutionizing cybersecurity, but it also introduces new risks. This Summit explores AI's dual role in driving innovation and amplifying threats. From advanced threat detection to ethical considerations, attendees gain cutting-edge insights into navigating AI's transformative impact on security.
Sponsors:
- Title: TrendAI
- Diamond: Crogl, Cyera, SandboxAQ
- Platinum: GTB Technologies, HUMAN, Mend.io, Pentera
- Gold: Alice.io, Backslash Security, Cranium AI, Swimlane
- Silver: Adaptive Security, Cato Networks, Darktrace, Descope, Intezer, Lockheed Martin, Noma Security, Prophet Security, Zenity
Financial Services Security Summit
The financial sector faces relentless cyber threats, from sophisticated fraud schemes to nation-state attacks. This Summit convenes top cybersecurity leaders to discuss emerging threats, defensive innovations, and strategic priorities. Held under the Chatham House Rule, attendees benefit from expert-led sessions and confidential peer networking.
Sponsors:
- Title: Wallarm
- Premium: Exabeam
- Foundation: Radware
Healthcare Summit
Healthcare organizations are under siege, with ransomware attacks and data breaches threatening patient safety and HIPAA compliance. This Summit brings together senior cybersecurity and IT leaders to explore defense strategies, emerging threats, and actionable solutions to strengthen resilience.
Innovators & Investors Summit
This exclusive Summit is where the future of cybersecurity takes shape. Founders, investors, and CISOs come together to evaluate emerging technologies, spark deals, and exchange ideas that will define tomorrow's security landscape. Limited attendance ensures focused, high-value connections.
Image features a packed audience during a previous Black Hat Summit.
- Call for Sessions Opened: February 23, 2026
- Call for Sessions Closes: March 27, 2026
- Notification to Submitters: June 2026
- Summit Date: August 4, 2026
- Location: Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
Image features the audience and stage during a previous Black Hat Summit.
Draft Offline: Avoid losing your work due to system timeouts. Draft your proposal in a separate document before entering it into the system.
Keep It Educational: Submissions must be educational, not promotional. Titles and abstracts may be refined for clarity and alignment with Summit objectives.
File Formats: Only plain text documents are accepted. Include links for other formats in the "Message for Advisory Board" field.
Can I submit multiple proposals? Yes, but each proposal must be submitted separately.
Why did I receive an error message when submitting? Remove source code, code snippets, or HTML shell scripts, which may be blocked by the content filtering system.
How will I know my proposal was received? You'll receive a confirmation email within 24 hours. Check your spam/junk folder or contact summits@blackhat.com if needed.
Can I submit to Briefings through this Call for Sessions? No, Briefings have a separate submission process. Submit to Briefings HERE until March 23.
The deadline is March 27, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time. Don't miss your chance to contribute to the conversations shaping the future of cybersecurity.
Submit Your Proposal HERE.
Questions? Reach out to summits@blackhat.com.
