The Whitefish Security Summit Young Professionals Program 2026 is an immersive, multi-day national security and leadership experience designed specifically for ambitious young professionals aged 21–27 who are ready to explore careers in intelligence, defense, technology, geopolitics, and strategic storytelling.
Taking place April 2–4, 2026 in Whitefish, Montana, this high-impact program runs alongside the broader Whitefish Security Summit and provides curated access to keynote speakers, intelligence veterans, defense innovators, AI experts, storytellers, and strategic policy leaders.
The event will be hosted at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake and other select venues in Whitefish, Montana.
Program Dates and Location
Event Dates: April 2–4, 2026
Arrival: April 1, 2026 (after 4:00 PM)
Departure: April 4, 2026 (by 12:00 PM)
Location: Whitefish, Montana, USA
Primary Venue:
The Lodge at Whitefish Lake
Whitefish, MT 59937
Additional venues include:
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Whitefish Performing Arts Center
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Great Northern Bar & Grill
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Larch House
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Firebrand Hotel
What Is the Young Professionals Program?
The Young Professionals Program is a specialized track within the Whitefish Security Summit designed to:
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Equip young professionals with real-world insight into national security challenges
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Develop strategic communication and storytelling skills
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Explore AI and emerging technology in defense and governance
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Foster meaningful cross-sector networking
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Provide exposure to intelligence and defense leadership
This experience blends physical training, keynote lectures, panel discussions, fireside chats, documentary screenings, and interactive sessions.
Participants will gain first-hand insight into how intelligence, AI, geopolitics, Hollywood, and digital influence intersect in shaping global security narratives.
Who Should Attend?
The program is designed for individuals aged 21–27 who are:
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Interested in national security, intelligence, or defense
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Exploring careers in AI, cybersecurity, or tech policy
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Curious about geopolitical strategy and storytelling
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Motivated to build networks within strategic sectors
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Seeking exposure to leaders in intelligence and special operations
Official Summit Agenda Overview
Day One – Thursday, April 2, 2026
Morning Physical Training (6:30–7:45 AM)
Participants begin with PT led by Retired Naval Special Warfare Commander Eric “Olly” Oehlerich.
Key Sessions Include:
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Welcome & Opening Remarks – Jeffrey Caruso
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Character as Strategy: Leadership for America’s Critical Frontiers – General Stanley McChrystal (US Army, Ret.)
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From Langley to Cupertino to the Front Lines of Geopolitics – Anthony DeMario
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Wise Women, Hard Targets: Strategy & the Future of U.S. Security
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Action Films and the Intersection of U.S. Intelligence – J. Mills Goodloe
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Intelligence, Influence, and Cultural Acuity – David Tinsley
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Reel vs Real: Espionage & Entertainment
Evening Documentary Screening & Q&A featuring Michael “Mick” Mulroy and Eric “Olly” Oehlerich.
Day Two – Friday, April 3, 2026
Morning PT with Eric “Olly” Oehlerich.
Major Sessions Include:
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SCRIPTED CRISIS: Turning Real-World Threats into Drama – Howard Gordon
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AI Cubed – Artificial Intelligence, Artistic Infringement, Anarchist Impact – Bianca Goodloe
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How Power Shapes the Story: Hollywood’s Influence Machinery – Tatiana Siegel
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Archetypes for AI Security and Governance – Benjamin Harvey, Ph.D.
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Adversarial Attacks Against Autonomous Drones – Robi Sen
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Building a Defense Startup – Lance Cottrell
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CIA–DoD Collaboration in Practice
Evening documentary screening hosted by Iron Butterfly Media.
Day Three – Saturday, April 4, 2026
The Lobo Treasure Hunt
An interactive experiential activity coordinated by Michael “Mick” Mulroy and Eric “Olly” Oehlerich.
Featured Speakers and Experts
The summit brings together distinguished leaders from intelligence, military strategy, AI, entertainment, and policy sectors, including:
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General Stanley McChrystal – Former Commander, U.S. Forces–Afghanistan
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Howard Gordon – Showrunner & Producer
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Darrell M. Blocker – Former CIA Deputy Director, Counterterrorism Center
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Carmen Medina – Former CIA Deputy Director of Intelligence
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Benjamin Harvey, Ph.D. – Former Chief of Data Science/AI, NSA
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Eric “Olly” Oehlerich – Former DEVGRU Commander
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Michael “Mick” Mulroy – Former CIA Paramilitary Operations Officer
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Julia Mossbridge, Ph.D. – Neuroscientist & Futurist
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Lance Cottrell – Venture Capitalist & Defense Entrepreneur
These leaders represent the convergence of intelligence, technology, media, and policy.
Additional Event Details
Conference Attire: Business Casual / Professional
Accommodations:
Whitefish Riverfront Hotel
920 Spokane Avenue
Whitefish, MT 59937
Phone: 1.406.862.7600
Transportation:
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Shuttle service available with 24-hour notice from Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) and Amtrak
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Shuttle service to and from The Lodge at Whitefish Lake
Amenities:
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Complimentary breakfast (6:00–10:00 AM)
Why This Program Matters
The Whitefish Security Summit Young Professionals Program is not a traditional academic conference. It is a curated immersion into the future of national security, artificial intelligence, strategic storytelling, and cultural influence.
Participants will:
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Learn from former CIA, NSA, and military leaders
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Explore AI’s role in warfare and governance
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Understand how media shapes global security narratives
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Build high-level professional connections
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Experience hands-on activities including PT and interactive sessions
This program is designed to prepare young professionals for careers that intersect policy, security, and technology.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can apply here.
Due to the curated nature of the program and limited spots, early application is recommended.
Click here to learn more about the Whitefish Security Summit Young Professionals Program 2026.
