SIA announces details for 2026 AcceleRISE conference, opens call for speakers

SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has announced details for AcceleRISE - a unique event hosted by the SIA RISE community for young professionals and emerging leaders in the security industry. This year’s AcceleRISE is scheduled for Aug. 3–5 in San Diego.

AcceleRISE brings together emerging professionals from across the security industry to explore the ideas, challenges and perspectives shaping the next generation of security leadership. Each year, the conference focuses on practical insights, real-world experiences and conversations that challenge conventional thinking about how security is designed, implemented and led.

SIA is seeking fresh ideas and speakers for this year’s AcceleRISE and has opened the call for speakers for the 2026 conference. This year’s conference proposals should challenge assumptions, present real-world experiences and highlight the perspectives that shape how security is designed, implemented and operated. Sessions should focus on ideas, experience and industry insight rather than product promotion.

Topics of interest include:

• The many sides of security, or exploring the same security challenges from multiple perspectives
• The security gap, or when industry assumptions miss the end user
• End-user perspectives and real-world security
• Security strategy and operational design
• Security leadership and business decision making
• Policy, regulation and security
• The future of security
• Business, marketing and industry strategy
• Professional growth and industry leadership
• Ethics, sustainability and industry responsibility
• Security foundations and skill builders

“AcceleRISE is the leading professional development event experience in our industry.  The conference gathers a diverse and dynamic group of young professionals, those new to our industry and emerging security leaders for a high-impact, high-energy experience. We are excited to bring this unique event to the west coast and the vibrant city of San Diego this year,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “We highly encourage security YPs to attend and our member companies to send their young security talent to this highly respected event, and we welcome industry leaders, experts and rising stars to share their ideas for great conference content.”

Speaking proposals are due Tuesday, May 12; learn more and share your idea here.

Registration is open for AcceleRISE 2026! SIA members save $100 on registration, and you can access early bird savings too now through April 30; learn more and get your ticket here.