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The 2026 International Security Experience

Shadow
& Circuit

The Generation of Intelligence and Technology

ISE Dates April 14–17, 2026
Student Conference April 15, 2026 ★
Location Tampa, Florida
Hosted By USF Future Strategist Program
ISE 2026
Apr 14–17
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150+
Inaugural Attendees
4
Days of Programming
20+
Expert Speakers
16
Competing Teams
About the Conference

Built by Students.
For the Future.

Shadow and Circuit is the centerpiece student conference of the 2026 International Security Experience — a 4-day event at the University of South Florida that brings together world-class intelligence and security experts alongside the next generation of practitioners.

Every panel topic was hand-selected by students. Every speaker was recruited by students. Every moderator and student panelist was trained by the program. This is a truly student-led initiative from the ground up.

Proven Track Record
150+ Attendees in Year One
Our inaugural 2025 conference drew over 150 attendees and received high praise from faculty, practitioners, and students. In its very first year, it established itself as a serious academic and professional event.
The Full ISE (Apr 14–17)
4 Days of Intelligence & Strategy
The ISE spans an Intelligence & Technology Conference, the FSP Student Conference on April 15, and a 2-day Undergraduate Strategy Competition modeled on the U.S. Army War College's annual event.
Sponsorship Need
Your Support Makes It Possible
To deliver meals, materials, and a world-class experience for 150+ attendees, we rely on the generosity of organizational sponsors. Your partnership directly powers this student initiative.
Event Schedule

Four Days.
One Experience.

The ISE runs April 14–17. The Shadow and Circuit student conference is the featured centerpiece on April 15.

April 14, 2026 · Day 1
Intelligence &
Technology Conference
Panel: Intelligence, Technology & Society
Panel: Future of UAVs
Panel: Intelligence & AI
Panel: Future of Intelligence
Fireside Chat: NSA at 75
CIA Career Presentation (Evening)
April 16, 2026 · Day 3
Strategy Competition
Day One
16 undergraduate teams receive scenario
Full-day team collaboration & research
Faculty & practitioner mentors on-site
Practice presentations with expert feedback
April 17, 2026 · Day 4
Strategy Competition
Finals & Awards
Single-elimination tournament
Modeled on U.S. Army War College event
Award ceremony for winning teams
Closing reception
Featured Speakers

Practitioners &
Scholars.

Our inaugural conference featured confirmed speakers from government, academia, and the intelligence community — all recruited by our students.

Note: Speaker lineup for 2026 is actively being confirmed. Below is a sample of confirmed speakers from our inaugural 2025 event. Stay tuned for full 2026 speaker announcements.
Panel 1 — Intelligence & Society
Gen. (ret.) Frank McKenzie
Opening Remarks · Former Commander, U.S. Central Command
Panel 2 — Future of UAVs
Lt. Gen. (ret.) Scott Howell
Former Commander, JSOC
Panel 3 — Intelligence & AI
Dr. John Licato
AI Researcher, University of South Florida
Panel 4 — Future of Intelligence
Dr. Michael Goodman
Professor of Intelligence & International Affairs, King's College London
Fireside Chat — NSA at 75
Dr. Vince Houghton
National Cryptologic Museum
FSP Student Conference
Dr. Arman Mahmoudian
Panel: Rise of Disinformation in Today's Media
Get In Touch

Let's Connect.

Whether you're interested in sponsoring, attending, or learning more about the program, we'd love to hear from you.

Hosted By
Future Strategist Program
University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida
Events Coordinator
Sponsorship Contact(s)
Sasha Hossain — sashahossain7@gmail.com
Alex Vu — trunghoangvu@usf.edu
Gift-in-Kind Donation (GNSI)
Sponsors can give a gift in kind to GNSI here: giving.usf.edu/online/gift/f/600058/
Event Dates
Full ISE: April 14–17, 2026
Student Conference: April 15, 2026