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FOR COUNTERING THE THREAT: cUAS Industry & SLTT Grant Forum

Hosted by The White House Task Force FIFA World Cup 2026, DRONERESPONDERS, and the Commercial Drone Alliance

📅 November 12, 2025 | 📍 George Mason University

Join federal, state, and local stakeholders for a one-day event focused on Counter-UAS grant strategy, policy alignment, and operational readiness. Hosted in partnership with DRONERESPONDERS and the Commercial Drone Alliance, this event will bring together public safety leaders, government agencies, and industry experts to explore funding pathways and tactical solutions for emerging drone threats.

What to Expect:

  • Insight into Counter-UAS grant programs and eligibility

  • Strategic discussions on threat mitigation and airspace security

  • Networking with grant administrators, policymakers, and operational leaders

  • Guidance on aligning proposals with federal priorities

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program

FEMA Issues FY 2026 Funding Opportunities for FIFA World Cup and Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Grant Programs

Unmanned Aircraft System Detection Technology Guidance

Whether you're preparing a grant submission or shaping your agency’s UAS threat response, this workshop offers the clarity, connections, and context you need to move forward.

Attendance is by invitation only, do not share, distribute or publish this event on social media. Registration is required.

GENERAL INFORMATION

>EVENT LOCATION

The Forum will be held at the Hylton Performing Arts Center

10960 George Mason Circle

Manassas, VA  20110

From I-66 west, take Exit 44 (2nd exit at Manassas), which is 234 South Bypass (Prince William Parkway). Turn left onto University Blvd; take the first left onto Cannon Creek Road, then left to get to the Tower parking lot.

 

Upon Arrival:

  • Look for signage directing attendees to Hylton Performing Arts Center.

  • Registration and check-in will be located in the main lobby.

  • Staff will be available to assist with wayfinding and logistics.

 

Parking: Attendees should park in the Tower Parking Lot, located adjacent to the venue. Please allow extra time for parking and walking to the building.

>SCHEDULE

Click here for the schedule link

 

7:30am     

Vendor Registration/Final Set Up

8:00-9:00am     

Attendee Registration, Exhibitor Engagement

(light breakfast provided)

 

9:00-9:10am     

Welcome & National Anthem

 

9:10-9:15am

Opening Remarks  

Executive Director Giuliani, White House Task Force on FIFA World Cup 2026

9:15-9:25am

Remarks from DOJ (Deputization of SLTT)

Joshua Craddock, Department of Justice

9:25-9:35am

Remarks from FBI (FBI Schoolhouse)

Douglas DePodesta, Federal Bureau of Investigation

9:35-9:55am

Remarks and Slides from FEMA (NOFO)

David Gudinas, Federal Emergency Management Agency

9:55-10:05am

Remarks from DHS S&T

Daniel Tamburello, Department of Homeland Security

10:05-10:10am

Closing Session Remarks  

Executive Director Giuliani, White House Task Force on FIFA World Cup 2026

10:10-11:30am     

Exhibitor Engagement  

SLTT Threat Briefing (public safety attendees only)

11:30am-2:30pm     

Exhibitor Engagement & Networking Lunch 

(boxed lunch provided 12:00-1:00pm)

2:30-3:30pm     

Technology Briefing and Best Practices  (optional)

Speakers: Department of Homeland Security

3:30-5:00pm     

Exhibitor Engagement

(light refreshments provided)

 

5:00pm                          

Event ends

 

5:00-6:00pm               

Exhibit Break Down

 

6:00-8:00pm               

Networking Reception (see below for details)

>EVENT REGISTRATION

Registration for the Forum is by invitation only and is strictly limited to public safety and government employees. Registration details and access information are confidential and must not be shared, forwarded, or distributed without the express written permission of The White House Task Force, DRONERESPONDERS, or the Commercial Drone Alliance. Unauthorized sharing or non-adherence to this policy may result in the revocation of your invitation and removal from the attendee list. We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining the integrity and security of this event.

Click Here to register

>MEALS & NETWORKING

The Forum will include complimentary coffee service, lunch, and afternoon non-alcoholic beverages for all registered attendees. We encourage participants to take advantage of these breaks to connect with fellow professionals and recharge between sessions.

In addition, an evening Forum Reception is planned for participants, speakers, and exhibitors, scheduled from 1800 to 2000. The reception will be located at Brentsville Hall, 9915 Discovery Blvd, Manassas, VA  20109.  The reception is by invite only and you will receive and email to RSVP.

 

This informal gathering will provide a valuable opportunity to continue conversations, build relationships, and explore collaborative opportunities in a relaxed setting.

>WI-FI ACCESS

Step 1: On your device, connect to the MASON Wi-Fi network.

Step 2: Open your web browser. You will be redirected to the Guest captive portal.

Step 3: If you accept and agree to the Terms of Use, click the button to Login

Step 4: Congratulations! You are configured to use the MASON open Wi-Fi network.

>PRESS & SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

This is a closed-door event. No press or media representatives will be in attendance. The event is intended for government, public safety, and industry stakeholders directly involved in Counter-UAS grant strategy and implementation.

A press release will be distributed at the end of the event. Please DO NOT POST any content or reference to the event before the press release has been distributed.

>HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS

While there is no official hotel block associated with the event, attendees seeking nearby accommodations may consider these options:

 

Tru by Hilton

10550 Gateway Blvd, Manassas, VA 20110

 

This property is conveniently situated near George Mason University and offers modern amenities for travelers. 
Attendees are responsible for making their own lodging arrangements, and availability may vary — we recommend booking early.
Additional hotel options may be available in the surrounding area. Please check your preferred travel site for rates and availability.

>PARKING INFORMATION

Parking for all registered attendees of the event will be available in the Tower Lot only. We recommend reviewing picture below prior to arrival to ensure a smooth experience.

 

Please plan accordingly:

 

  • The Tower Lot is within walking distance of the forum venue.

  • Standard university parking regulations will be in effect.

  • Attendees are responsible for any applicable parking fees unless otherwise noted in your registration confirmation.

  • We encourage early arrival to allow time for parking, check-in, and seating before the workshop begins.

 

Directional signage and staff will be available onsite to assist with wayfinding. If you have accessibility needs or require special accommodations, please contact the event team in advance so we can ensure appropriate arrangements.

HPAC Venue _Page_1.jpg

>LUGGAGE

Luggage storage is not available at the venue. All luggage and bags must be kept with you or in your car.

>DRESS CODE

We recommend business or business casual attire.

>TABLETOP VENDOR DIRECTORY

>NETWORKING RECEPTION

6:00-8:00pm

RSVP Here

 

Brentsville Hall

9915 Discovery Blvd

Manassas, VA

 

Guest speaker: Andrew Guiliani, Executive Director, White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026

Thank You to Our Sponsors

About Commercial Drone Alliance

 

About DRONERESPONDERS

 

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program

FEMA Issues FY 2026 Funding Opportunities for FIFA World Cup and Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Grant Programs

Unmanned Aircraft System Detection Technology Guidance

 

 

ONSITE CONTACTS AND QUESTIONS

Liz Forro                                                                                   Gretchen West

Commercial Drone Alliance                                            Commercial Drone Alliance

202-957-3267                                                                        650-670-2814

 

 

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU SOON AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THIS EXCITING EVENT!

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