Thursday, April 9, 2026
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM | Room: Spinnaker
Take the “Quantum” Leap converging IT with OT across legacy and new Wireless Technologies
Speaker: Kevin Smith, ELPRO Technologies
Why Quantum Edge is the smartest, most cost-effective choice for your project — today and tomorrow Industrial IoT projects demand more than a box that connects sensors to the cloud. They need resilience, protocol flexibility, low total cost of ownership, and a platform that won’t become obsolete the minute a new standard or use-case appears. That’s exactly the problem Quantum Edge was built to solve. Quantum Edge was designed to be the bridge between existing mission-critical assets and the future of edge intelligence — delivering measurable savings now while protecting your investment for years to come. Innovation that matters (not innovation for its own sake) Quantum Edge isn’t just new hardware — it’s a rethinking of how industrial communications, edge compute and secure cloud integration work together:
• Universal protocol support (Modbus, DNP3, HART, MQTT, Ethernet/IP, ProfiNet and more) removes the need for gateway sprawl and costly protocol converters. • Multi-band wireless and intelligent networking ensure reliable connectivity in harsh, remote, or RF-congested environments.
• Built-in edge compute lets you preprocess, filter and act on data locally — lowering bandwidth and cloud compute costs while reducing latency for time-sensitive control. • Industrial-grade security and device management reduce risk and simplify lifecycle tasks like firmware updates and configuration.
• Merge existing wireless technologies like Unlicensed FHSS 900MHz and Licensed Frequences with new ones such as LoRaWAN and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). These capabilities combine to create a platform that solves real operational problems rather than adding another point of failure. If you’re planning a project that must be reliable, secure, and affordable—now and in the future—Quantum Edge deserves a central place in your evaluation. Come view a presentation that assist you with modeling potential savings and design a migration path that minimizes risk.
Session Track: Compute/ Edge
 | Kevin graduated from the University of New Orleans in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering focused on Controls and Communications. He started to work for ELPRO Technologies this year as a Sales/Support Engineer and now is their Wireless Automation Director. He has experience in the Automation industry ranging from designing, configuring, programming, installing and supporting multiple types of control and communication systems. For the last 9 years has focused on IIoT solutions using MQTT |
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM | Room: Yacht
Quantum-Resistant Cybersecurity for SCADA Networks
Speaker: Greg Berlocher, NewStar Energy
Critical infrastructure operators face a growing convergence of cyber risk, regulatory pressure, and operational safety requirements. As SCADA networks become more connected, traditional cybersecurity models—built on patching, monitoring, and detection—are proving inadequate against nation-state threats, zero-day exploits, and the coming reality of quantum computing.
This session introduces a fundamentally different approach: hardware-enforced zero trust architecture combined with quantum-resistant one-time pad encryption. Rather than chasing vulnerabilities, this model eliminates attack vectors by removing unauthorized access altogether. Through a patented cryptology technique, called Key Space Technology, that creates an encrypted dark network between industrial assets, SCADA components become invisible to hostile actors and immune to malware lateral movement—even within a compromised environment.
Attendees will gain insight into how quantum-resistant symmetric cryptography, hardware-based trust anchors, and lifetime key management can deliver 10–15 years of secure operation without software patches, subscriptions, or recurring OPEX. This presentation will demonstrate how critical infrastructure operators can enhance safety, ensure regulatory compliance, and future-proof their networks against AI-driven and quantum-enabled attacks.
- Attendees will learn how hardware-based cryptology works.
- Attendees will learn how Key Space Technology, a patented cryptology technique, can instantly turn your SCADA network into a “dark network”, thereby making invisible to hackers.
- Attendees will gain insight into how quantum-resistant symmetric cryptography, hardware-based trust anchors, and lifetime key management can deliver 10–15 years of secure operation without software patches, subscriptions, or recurring OPEX.
Session Track: Networking / Security
 | Greg Berlocher is a 45-year veteran of the Telecommunication Industry with in-depth knowledge of a wide range of telecommunication technologies and SCADA networks. Mr. Berlocher is a pioneer in the Satellite Industry, helping launch the first Ku-band shared hub VSAT service while at Houston International Teleport in 1986. Over his career he has sold 3,000+ VSATs to pipeline customers. He is also a pioneer in the IoT Market dating back to the1990s. Mr. Berlocher is co-founder and CEO of New Star Energy Services, Inc. which supplies a comprehensive portfolio of products and services that companies use to build, or improve, SCADA and IoT networks. New Star Energy Services was recently appointed by Blueskytec LTD to represent their company’s hardware-based cybersecurity products in the Oil & Gas Industry. |
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM | Room: Harbor
How Enterprise Products implemented Videosoft’s Innovative Video Management System
Speaker: Stewart McCone, Videosoft Global & Chris Brodeur, Enterprise Products
Learn how Videosoft Global can help you to overcome the problem of streaming real-time video from remote sites over low bandwidth networks. See how our adaptive video compression and transmission technology can transform the performance of CCTV cameras and VMS systems when using cellular, satcom and wireless networks.
Real-time video data is often very high and uncontrolled. By being able to efficiently compress and manage the amount of video bandwidth being consumed across your networks, video surveillance systems become more usable, higher capacity and show a good return on investment.
Hear about our case study with Enterprise Products who worked with us to deploy a brand new Video Management System.
Session Track: Infrastructure / Wireless
 | Stewart McCone is the CEO and Founder of Videosoft Global, with over 25 years’ experience in video communications and technology. He is a recognized expert in low-bandwidth, real-time video for autonomous systems and remote surveillance. He regularly speaks at industry events across defense, autonomy, energy, maritime and public safety. |
| Chris Brodeur, Communications Manager IT Physical Security – Enterprise Products |
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM | Room: Galleon I
21 Billion Connected Devices and it all Started with a Better Way to do SCADA! – Session 1 – MQTT 101
Speaker: Arlen Nipper, Cirrus Link
In this session we will investigate why MQTT has become a dominant infrastructure component across so many vertical Internet of Things(IoT) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) markets. What features of MQTT are being leveraged and why is the adoption rate of this technology so high? We will highlight verticals including:
Oil/Gas Upstream/Downstream
Food and Pharma
Data Centers
Discrete Manufacturing
Grid Energy Management
Automotive Telemetry
Medical Device Telemetry
Others…
1) Understand the MQTT Messaging Middleware basics
2) Understand the zero-trust security advantages of MQTT
3) Understand how the Topic Namespace and associated Payload definitions of MQTT have affected its dominance in the market today.
Session Track: SCADA / Automation
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM | Room: Galleon I
21 Billion Connected Devices and it all Started with a Better Way to do SCADA! – Session 2 – MQTT 102
Speaker: Arlen Nipper, Cirrus Link
In this session we will investigate the uses of MQTT in the Industrial Automation vertical. MQTT was invented to solve a bandwidth and update rate problem for mission critical SCADA systems. In session #1 we will explain how the ability to “Publish Anything we Want on Any Topic” is one of the greatest advantages of MQTT. Conversely, in the Industrial Automation sector the greatest disadvantage is “Publishing Anything we Want on Any Topic!”.
1) Understand the impact of providing a “Single Source of Truth”
2) Understand the power of decoupling infrastructure
3) How does the MQTT Sparkplug specification help create “Plug and Play” SCADA infrastructure
4) What exactly is the Unified Namespace (UNS) that is exploding across the industry today
5) How are all of these features wrapped up in Ignition 8.3
6) Brief summary of the emerging Sparkplug V4 specification
Session Track: SCADA / Automation
 | Served for 8 years on the HART protocol board of directors (and still would like to see HART transmitters taken advantage of better!!). Prior to co-inventing MQTT had extensive experience with SCADA protocol implementations including Modbus, Enron Modbus, Elliot Modbus, Omni Modbus, Pemex Modbus, Daniels Modbus, Modbus TCP, Modbus+, big endian Modbus, little endian Modbus, several versions of broken Modbus, LANDAC, RDACSII, REDAC 70H, GE SRTP, Tano Model 10/100, TRW9550, Valmet Series 5, Transmitton MT700, TRW-S70, Varec Gray Code, AB DF1, AB HH+, AB EN/IP, Harris 5000, Honeywell ST300, Omron Host Link, ….. too many more legacy protocols to mention that ultimately shaped my notions around MQTT. Co-Inventor of MQTT in conjunction with Dr. Andy Stanford-Clark (IBM) in 1999. 26 years working to promote MQTT across the industrial vertical solution market sector. Worked with the Cirrus Link development team to create the first draft of the MQTT Sparkplug specification. Currently the Chairperson for the Eclipse Foundation MQTT Sparkplug Working Group. |
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM | Room: Harbor
Building a Unified IoT Architecture for Oil & Gas: Real-Time Monitoring, Edge Control & Predictive Intelligence with ArgusIQ™
Speaker: Jatin Talreja, Viaanix
Discover how modern IoT can unify field data across wells, pipelines, and remote assets. This session explores the technical architecture behind ArgusIQ™, including multi-network connectivity (LoRaWAN, BLE, cellular, satellite), edge processing, device management, and real-time monitoring. Learn practical strategies to deploy sensors in harsh environments, integrate OT/IT systems, and enhance safety, reliability, and operational efficiency.
1. Understand how to design and deploy a scalable IoT architecture using LoRaWAN, BLE, cellular, and satellite networks for remote oil & gas environments.
2. Learn best practices for device management, edge processing, and real-time monitoring to improve asset visibility, reliability, and safety.
3. Explore practical integration strategies for connecting IoT data with existing OT, SCADA, and enterprise systems without disrupting current operations.
Session Track: Infrastructure / Wireless
 | Jatin Talreja, Viaanix Jay Talreja is the CEO of Viaanix, a leading IoT and AI innovation company specializing in enterprise-scale digital transformation. With over a decade of experience in connected systems, he has built end-to-end platforms that power smart factories, smart cities, and advanced RTLS solutions. Jay’s expertise spans hardware design, cloud platforms, and large-scale deployments across major industries. |
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM | Room: Yacht
OT Security Skills: The New Essential for Protecting Industrial Environments
Speaker: James Risler, CISCO
As digital transformation accelerates, the line between IT and OT (Operational Technology) is blurring-introducing new risks and new skill requirements for cyber defenders. This session will highlight why OT security skills are now critical for organizations with industrial or critical infrastructure, and outline practical, accessible ways for IT and security professionals to bridge the knowledge gap. Learning Objectives:
1. Identify typical OT threats and why they require specialized skills
2. Describe foundational OT security concepts: segmentation, asset visibility, and secure remote access
3. Outline a skills learning development path for IT and OT professionals
Session Track: Networking / Security
 | James Risler, CISCO James Risler, CISSP and CCIE No. 15412, is a systems engineer and technical education consultant for Cisco Systems. His focus is on security technology and training development. James has more than 20 years of experience in IP internetworking, including the design and implementation of security solutions for enterprise networks. Mr. Risler is responsible for helping to design and develop the variety of security training courses that Cisco Learning produces. His area of expertise is Cyber security and threat defense training and strategies. Prior to joining Cisco Systems, James provided Cisco security training as a Cisco CCSI and consulting for Fortune 500 companies and government agencies. He has two bachelor’s degrees from University of South Florida and a MBA in Information Technology from The University of Tampa. |
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM | Room: Spinnaker
Breaking the Boundary: How Refineries and Chemical Plants Are Extending IT Outdoors at Scale
Speaker: Hunaid Lotia, Clover IQ
The plant floor is the hardest place to digitize — and the most expensive place to get wrong. In this session, Clover IQ CEO Hunaid Lotia draws on real deployments at a refinery and chemical plant to deliver a practical roadmap for outdoor digital transformation. Learn how to identify and overcome the roadblocks that stall most projects, build an ROI case that earns executive buy-in, select the right solutions for hazardous-area environments, and scale from pilot to enterprise. Every recommendation is grounded in live project data — not theory. Leave with a repeatable ROI framework, a solution selection guide, and a phased deployment roadmap built for the operational realities of oil & gas and chemical manufacturing.
Equip attendees with a structured ROI methodology for outdoor industrial wireless deployments, grounded in real project data from refinery and chemical plant operations.
Identify the most common technical and organizational roadblocks that derail outdoor digital transformation projects — and how to overcome them in hazardous-area environments.
Provide a practical, phased roadmap for scaling industrial connectivity infrastructure from pilot to enterprise, with clearly defined business outcomes tied to HSE performance, operational efficiency, and asset utilization.
Session Track: Networking / Security
 | Hunaid Lotia is the CEO of Clover IQ, an industrial technology systems integrator specializing in hazardous-area wireless deployments for refineries and chemical plants. He began his career at Ericsson in 2004, building deep expertise in wireless communications across technical roles supporting T-Mobile and AT&T, before expanding his experience at Cisco. He helps industrial operators extend connectivity with clear business outcomes and measurable ROI, bridging carrier-grade wireless foundations with the operational demands of oil & gas and chemical manufacturing |
