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
10:00 PM – 5:00 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
7:30 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 – 8:45 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
8:45 AM – 9:00 AM
Keynote
Joe Elabd, Ph.D., Vice Chancellor for Research, Texas A&M University System
Dr. Elabd will highlight the capabilities and resources of The Texas A&M University System, including its 12 universities and 8 state agencies, and discuss how research across the system plays a vital role in advancing interoperability for public safety, critical infrastructure, and national defense.
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
Moderator:
Sridhar Kowdley, Technical Manager, Homeland Security Advanced Research and Technology Agency, Science and Technology Directorate, U.S. Dept of Homeland Security
Panelists:
Richard ‘Ricky’ Brasuell Jr., Sergeant, Houston Police Dept
John Chaney, Chief Infrastructure & Communications Officer, City of Irving, TX
Jason Ervin, Senior Vice President, Telecommunications, Lower Colorado River Authority
Britt Haile, Critical Communications Strategy Lead, Qualcomm
Jesse Cooper, Emergency Management Specialist, First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority)
Tom Soumas, CEO, Cinetcomm
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
Moderator:
Budge Currier, Co-Founder, Navigate911
Panelists:
Patrick Corley, Executive Director, Brazos County E911 District
Sridhar Kowdley, Technical Manager, Homeland Security Advanced Research and Technology Agency, Science and Technology Directorate, U.S. Dept of Homeland Security
Fabricio Velez, Senior Director Strategic Technology Alliances, INDIGITAL
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
Moderator:
Greg Winfree, Agency Director, Texas A&M Transportation Institute; Chairman RNT Foundation
Panelists:
Robert Brydia, Senior Research Scientist and Division Head, System Operations and Technologies, Texas A&M Transportation Institute
Michael Buser, PhD, Professor, Biological & Agricultural Engineering, Texas A&M AgriLife
John Merrill, Acting Executive Director, Homeland Security Advance Research Projects Agency, Science and Technology Directorate, U.S. Dept of Homeland Security
Jeff Newbold, Chief Innovation Officer, Texas Department of Emergency Management
Robert Saddler, VP Infrastructure, Lower Colorado River Authority
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
Moderator:
Aaron Slaughter, Statewide Interoperability Coordinator, Texas Dept of Public Safety
Panelists:
Pat Dube, Director, ALIAS Texas Project, Bush Combat Development Center
Kyle Mills, Department Head, Planning & Preparedness, Texas A&M Forest Service
Jeff Newbold, Chief Innovation Officer, Texas Department of Emergency Management
Jared Reinhart, Captain, Texas Military Department (National Guard)
Jared Vandenhuevel, Director of Public Safety Solutions, Texas Department of Public Safety
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
8:00 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
Moderator:
Sridhar Kowdley, Technical Manager, Homeland Security Advanced Research and Technology Agency, Science and Technology Directorate, U.S. Dept of Homeland Security
Panelists:
JP Baker, Manager of Product Management (MCX & Partnerships), L3Harris Technologies
Bill Barr, Senior Manager, Verizon Response Team, Verizon Frontline
Angela Brescia, Co-Founder and CEO, Synderys
Paola Saad Castillo, Solution Engineering, T-Mobile
Michael Huynh, Regional Sales Manager, ATT/FirstNet
Patrik Melander, Chairman, CEO & Co-Founder, Connect 5G
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
Moderator:
Budge Currier, Co-Founder, Navigate911
Panelists:
Suresh Gursahaney, President & CEO, MicroAutomation
Michael Hooker, Senior Director, MTS Systems Architecture, T-Mobile
Todd Komanetsky, Head of Command Central Partnerships, Motorola Solutions
Phil Rotheram, Vice President and Head of Strategic Sales, ATOS
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
Moderator:
Greg Winfree, Agency Director, Texas A&M Transportation Institute; Chairman RNT Foundation
Panelists:
Renee Gregory, VP of Regulatory Affairs, NextNav
Jaime Jaramillo, Director of Business Development, Safran
Sam Matheny, CEO, Merkhet Solutions
Charles Meyer, Senior Technical Director, Iridium
Timothy Paul, Director, Sales & Business Development, NetInsight
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
Moderator:
Aaron Slaughter, Statewide Interoperability Coordinator, Texas Dept of Public Safety
Panelists:
Brandon Alberd, Program Manager, Texas Department of Public Safety
Joe Darden, Director of Aviation, Iridium
Swaminathan Gopalswamy, Professor, Mechanical Engineering; Co-PI ALIAS Texas
Sam Miller, Chief Technology Officer, Texas Department of Emergency Management
Javier Vara, Geospatial Systems Coordinator, Texas A&M Forest Service
Enhancing collaboration and situational awareness across agencies and platforms
4:30 PM – 5:30 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
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Check In
8:30 AM – 8:40 AM
WILDLAND FIRE DEMONSTRATION SCENARIO
Michael E. Fox, Executive Director, Center for Applied Communications and Networks
Mr. Fox will open the day’s program by establishing the operational context for the activities, which will be centered on a wildland firefighting scenario.
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 Texas
John “JD” Diem, Chief Capability Integration Officer, Bush Combat Development Complex
Mr. Diem will describe the ALIAS (Aircrew Labor In-cockpit Automation System) Texas project, which will enable autonomous helicopters and other aerial and ground vehicles to assist with wildland firefighting.
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: MAINTAINING POSITIONING, NAVIGATION, AND TIMING
Bad actors attempt to disrupt the response by jamming and spoofing GPS. Their intent is to disrupt the ability to track personnel and assets and prevent the use of drones and autonomous ground and air vehicles. Alternative PNT solutions are deployed.
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM
break
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
INTEGRATED SITUATIONAL AWARENESS (SA) & COMMON OPERATING PICTURE (COP)
Command and control (C2) and situational awareness information is shared between agencies that are using different 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.
