Under Secretary Emil Michael to Headline eMerge Americas 2026 Conference Program Highlights
The 12th annual eMerge Americas Conference + Expo will take place at the Miami Beach Convention Center from April 22–24, 2026. Organizers confirmed that Emil Michael, Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering at the Department of War, will headline the event.
His keynote highlights the conference’s expanding national security focus. Moreover, the event continues to grow as a global meeting point for defense leaders, policymakers, technologists, and investors. As a result, the conference aims to strengthen collaboration across multiple sectors shaping future technologies.
During the featured keynote conversation, Under Secretary Michael will join Francis X. Suarez, former Mayor of Miami and President of eMerge Americas. Together, they will discuss how the Department of War is accelerating artificial intelligence deployment at unprecedented speed, moving from pilot programs to enterprise-wide integration. In addition, the discussion will examine how the Department’s AI Acceleration Strategy is being implemented across defense operations. This includes partnerships with frontier AI companies and the six newly defined Critical Technology Areas that reflect investment priorities for advanced capabilities.
“Welcoming Under Secretary Emil Michael to eMerge Americas is both timely and consequential,” said Melissa Medina, Co-Founder and CEO of eMerge Americas. “As AI and emerging technologies redefine national security, this conversation highlights collaboration required between government and industry. eMerge Americas 2026 will unite global leaders across defense, healthcare, finance, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and venture.”
Expanded Programming and Global Participation
Now in its 12th year, the conference is expected to host its largest gathering yet. More than 20,000 attendees from over 60 countries are anticipated to participate. Consequently, the event continues to expand its international reach and influence.
This year, organizers will introduce a dedicated pre-conference day focused on artificial intelligence and quantum workshops. Meanwhile, the main three-day program will feature six stages covering AI + Deep Tech, National Security, HealthTech, and FinTech. Alongside these sessions, attendees will find networking lounges, exhibit areas, and live startup pitch events.
Additionally, the schedule includes community and networking experiences such as the Opening Night Block Party on Miami Beach’s Lincoln Road. These activities aim to foster collaboration while highlighting innovation across industries.
National Security Demo Day and Featured Speakers
Ahead of the conference, the second National Security (NATSEC) Demo Day will take place on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at PortMiami. During the event, vetted innovators will present mission-ready technologies directly to national security leaders. As a result, the initiative reinforces South Florida’s growing reputation as an innovation hub.
The conference will also feature a diverse lineup of speakers from technology, business, and media. Participants include Tim Tebow, Entrepreneur and New York Times Best-Selling Author; Jamie Siminoff, Founder of Ring; Dr. Alex Oshmyansky, Co-Founder & CEO, Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company; COL. Nicole Malachowski, USAF (Ret.); Ali Dasdan, Chief Technology Officer, Dropbox; Nicole Baer, Chief Marketing Officer, Carta; Adam Fletcher, Chief Security Officer, Blackstone; Manish Goyal, VP & Senior Partner, IBM Consulting; and Mariana Atencio, Journalist and Founder, GoLike Media.
Registration for attendees is currently open, with both VIP and Standard packages available. Furthermore, government discounts are offered for federal, state, and local officials, government innovation employees, active-duty military personnel, veterans, and first responders.
