interop 2026 schedule
Interop 2026 is a multi‑day, immersive program designed to bring together public safety practitioners, government agencies, researchers, engineers, and industry partners to advance interoperability and applied communications. The schedule blends strategic discussions, technical deep dives, and hands‑on demonstrations to support real‑world collaboration and innovation.
monday august 10, 2026
12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Vendor and event setup
Vendors and demonstration teams arrive for check-in, expo table/booth and equipment setup, and command/communications vehicle parking and setup. The event team will be preparing the venue, including table placement, and sound and video setup.
Tuesday august 11, 2026
7:00 AM – 7:30 AM
VENDOR & EVENT READINESS CHECK
Vendors and event staff will perform final readiness checks to prepare for the day’s activities.
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Check In
All pre-registered attendees will check-in and receive their event badges and information packets. Late registration will only be offered if seats are available.
8:30 AM – 8:40 AM
Welcome to interop 2026
Michael E. Fox, Executive Director, Center for Applied Communications and Networks
Opening remarks and event overview from the Interop Institute and the Texas A&M University Center for Applied Communications and Networks
8:40 AM – 9:00 AM
Keynote
Joe Elabd, Ph.D., Vice Chancellor for Research, Texas A&M University System
Daily keynote address featuring senior leaders and subject‑matter experts discussing strategic priorities, emerging challenges, and future directions
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Vendor Visit Time
An interactive networking and demonstration period where attendees engage with industry vendors to explore applied technologies, real-world use cases, and collaboration opportunities supporting interoperable communications and mission-driven research
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Mission Critical Services Interoperability
Exploring current capabilities and future direction of MCX integration across networks.
11:00 AM – 11:15 AM
break
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Next Generation 9-1-1
Innovations driving faster, more accurate emergency response communications
12:15 PM – 2:15 PM
Lunch & vendor visit time
Networking lunch for conference attendees, providing an opportunity to connect with peers, speakers, and sponsors
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM
Position, Navigation, and Timing
Strategies to protect essential services amid increasing disruptions
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM
break
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
System Integration/Multi-Agency Interoperability
Enhancing collaboration and situational awareness across agencies and platforms
More information about the System Integration/Multi-Agency Interoperability track
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
break
Enhancing collaboration and situational awareness across agencies and platforms
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
networking reception
An informal networking reception for attendees, speakers, sponsors, and partners. This session provides dedicated time to build connections and relationships.
wednesday august 12, 2026
7:00 AM – 7:30 AM
Vendor & Registration setup
Participants, vendors, and demonstration teams arrive for check‑in, equipment setup, and final on‑site coordination. This time is dedicated to preparing systems, spaces, and teams for a productive week of engagement.
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Check In
8:30 AM – 8:40 AM
Opening Remarks
Michael E. Fox, Executive Director, Center for Applied Communications and Networks
Opening remarks and event overview from the Interop Institute and the Texas A&M University Center for Applied Communications and Networks
8:40 AM – 9:00 AM
Keynote
John Merrill, Acting Executive Director, Mission Center for National Resilience, Dept. Homeland Security Advance Research Projects Agency, Science and Technology Directorate
Insights on the current DHS priorities and strategic plans for communications and networks supporting public safety, critical infrastructure, and homeland security.
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Vendor Visit Time
An interactive networking and demonstration period where attendees engage with industry vendors to explore applied technologies, real-world use cases, and collaboration opportunities supporting interoperable communications and mission-driven research
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Mission Critical Services Interoperability
In‑depth technical sessions and collaborative working groups focused on real‑world implementation challenges, engineering solutions, and field‑tested best practices
This time is designed for practitioners, engineers, and decision-makers seeking deeper engagement
11:00 AM – 11:15 AM
break
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Next Generation 9-1-1
In‑depth technical sessions and collaborative working groups focused on real‑world implementation challenges, engineering solutions, and field‑tested best practices
This time is designed for practitioners, engineers, and decision-makers seeking deeper engagement.
12:15 PM – 2:15 PM
GALA Luncheon & Vendor Visit Time
Networking lunch for Interop attendees, providing an opportunity to connect with peers, speakers, and sponsors
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM
Position, Navigation, and Timing
Strategies to protect essential services amid increasing disruptions
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM
break
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
System Integration/Multi-Agency Interoperability
Enhancing collaboration and situational awareness across agencies and platforms
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
break
Enhancing collaboration and situational awareness across agencies and platforms
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Vendor Visit Time
An interactive networking and demonstration period where attendees engage with industry vendors to explore applied technologies, real-world use cases, and collaboration opportunities supporting interoperable communications and mission-driven research
Thursday august 13, 2026
7:00 AM – 7:30 AM
Vendor & Registration setup
Participants, vendors, and demonstration teams arrive for check‑in, equipment setup, and final on‑site coordination. This time is dedicated to preparing systems, spaces, and teams for a productive week of engagement.
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Check In
8:30 AM – 8:40 AM
Opening Remarks
Michael E. Fox, Executive Director, Center for Applied Communications and Networks
Opening remarks and event overview from the Interop Institute and the Texas A&M University Center for Applied Communications and Networks
8:40 AM – 9:00 AM
Keynote
Al Davis, Agency Director, Texas A&M Forest Service
Director Davis will provide an overview of the Texas A&M Forest Service and its role in protecting against wildfires and responding to a range of all-hazards incidents. Attendees will gain an understanding of the logistical, communications, and data challenges faced by first responders on the ground and in the air.
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Use Case: ALIAS TX
John “JD” Diem, Chief Capability Integration Officer, Bush Combat Development Complex
Mr. Diem will explain the ALIAS Texas project, including its origins as a DARPA project and how the civilian use of autonomous helicopters can play a critical role in wildland firefighting and disaster response.
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Vendor Visit Time
An interactive networking and demonstration period where attendees engage with industry vendors to explore applied technologies, real-world use cases, and collaboration opportunities supporting interoperable communications and mission-driven research
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
NG9-1-1 Fire Caller
The use case begins with a Next Generation 9-1-1 call, where the caller sends live video of a wildfire in progress, which is then made available to the first responders on their way to the location.
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
Communications Environment
The incident team arrives on scene and sets up communications for the incident command post and fire line. A variety of mission critical technologies are deployed for local tactical, air-to-ground, and reach back to additional agency support.
12:15 PM – 2:15 PM
Lunch & Vendor Visit Time
Networking lunch for conference attendees, providing an opportunity to connect with peers, speakers, and sponsors
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM
GPS Lost: Keeping Location & Timing
Bad actors attempt to disrupt the response by jamming and spoofing GPS. Alternative PNT solutions are deployed.
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM
break
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Integrated Situational Awareness (SA) tools; Common Operating Picture (COP)
Command and control (C2) and situational awareness information is shared between agencies and applications to establish a Common Operating Picture.
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
WRAP UP & CLOSING REMARKS
Friday august 14, 2026
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Vendor & Registration Tear Down
Vendor pack‑out, equipment removal, and site reset conclude the week’s activities
Thank you to our Sponsors!
The CACN Team sincerely thanks our Interop Institute sponsors for your support and partnership. Your commitment helps make Interop a collaborative, hands‑on environment where innovation, interoperability, and mission‑critical communications advance together. We are grateful for your continued engagement and leadership in this community.
