When Huntsville hosted the National Cyber Summit for the first time, the hope was at least 100 people would attend. Now, in its 16th year at the Von Braun Center, there’ll be more than that many speakers who will address thousands of attendees from around the world.

The three-day summit begins Tuesday.

“More than 3,000 cyber experts are expected to attend this critical conference to discuss strategies and methods to respond to and defeat cyber threats,’’ Mayor Tommy Battle said during a press conference in advance of the event.

“This is the nation’s premier cyber conference with educational, collaborative, and workforce development opportunities in the cyber industry.’’

Battle was joined at the press conference by a lineup of speakers including Stephen Pratt, executive director of the National Cyber Summit (NCS). Fees were waived for government attendees this year, resulting in twice as many government registrations to help make 2025 the group’s “biggest event ever.’’

“We have over a hundred speakers on a variety of topics to include workforce development, compliance and cyber laws, artificial intelligence, as well as a variety of other technical and executive-focused topics,’’ Pratt added.

NCS provides a unique, mission-focused platform that brings together federal agencies, commercial enterprises, and research institutions. According to NCS, the Summit offers real-world solutions and future-forward insights.

“This year we have SANS (Institute) back bringing five courses, as well as courses in operational technology, Splunk, AI, C-SCRM, and cyber-informed engineering,’’ said Mark Wenzel, president of NAC ISSA. “Thanks to everyone for planning and for dealing with ransomware as well.”

“These training courses provide continuing education for our cyber workforce here in North Alabama and the development of new technological expertise needed to defend against the ever-evolving cyber threat.’’

Keynote speakers include: J. William Rivers, Associate Deputy Director of the FBI; Mike Snyder, Active Executive Director of CAICO; Robert Lee, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder of Dragos; Karen Gibson, Chief Executive Officer & Founder of Hyalite Strategy Group; Don Bradley, Director of Cyber Solutions Architecture for Booz Allen Hamilton; and Winn Schwartau, Special Projects Director for Cognitive Security Institute.

Micah DeYoung of Huntsville company COLSA said the NCS offers “not only training opportunities for students who represent the future of our workforce, it also brings in world-class professionals such as the Associate Deputy Director of the FBI for Cyber Division.

“It supports teachers through workforce development programs, helping them bring fresh practical STEM content back to the classroom. And it reconnects old colleagues and friends, strengthening our network and keeping our nation’s cyber defenses strong.’’

While much ground will be covered, the core focus of the NCS is threefold: education, collaboration and innovation.

“This is an initiative we started in 2010 to leverage Huntsville’s technical expertise and leadership to keep us on the cutting edge of technology as it continues to evolve,’’ Battle said. “In addition to its role with the National Cyber Summit, Cyber Huntsville has co-sponsored Cyber Security Summits, established economic development roundtables, and created cyber curriculum and summer camps throughout the North Alabama area.

“The recent announcement that Space Command will establish its headquarters in Huntsville is another confirmation of the talented and innovative workforce that Cyber Huntsville works to facilitate. It translates to this moment in time when our nation calls, Cyber Huntsville is eager and prepared to answer that call.’’

Registration remains open at nationalcybersummit.com.