Secretary Hegseth to Address National Artificial Intelligence Association Defense Innovation Dinner
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Media Advisory
Secretary Hegseth to Address National Artificial Intelligence Association Defense Innovation Dinner
- What:
- AI and The Warfighter: Defense Innovation Dinner, hosted by the National Artificial Intelligence Association
- Who:
- The Honorable Pete Hegseth, Secretary of War
- Caleb Max, President, National Artificial Intelligence Association
- When:
- Thursday, June 11, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
- Where:
- The Westin Arlington, 801 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22203
- RSVP:
- Members of the press who want to attend and cover the event should RSVP by emailing the journalist name and media outlet to press@thenaia.org
- Logistics:
- The ballroom opens at 5:00 PM for set-up and liveshots. There will be designated press seating. A press mult box with standard audio feeds will be provided for stage audio. Camera operators are encouraged to arrive early to test their connections. This event will not be livestreamed by NAIA online.
HERNDON, VA — The National Artificial Intelligence Association (NAIA) today announced that Secretary of War Pete Hegseth will speak at the organization’s inaugural Defense Innovation Dinner tomorrow, Thursday, June 11 in Arlington, Virginia.
This special event will focus on the future of American defense in the age of artificial intelligence and the Department of War’s efforts to integrate this technology across its programs. The evening will bring together senior Department of War officials, AI industry executives, and national security professionals for an unparalleled exchange on how America can harness the transformative power of AI to protect its people, project strength abroad, and maintain military and technological superiority.
Since its launch in January 2025, the NAIA has grown to be the largest business coalition in the U.S. dedicated to advocating for responsible state and federal government policies that enhance AI innovation, support American AI leadership, and maintain global competitiveness for American companies building in AI.
NAIA represents hundreds of companies, with a presence in all 50 states and an aggregate market value of more than $700 billion. Its membership includes Fortune 500 companies, such as Oracle, Inc., HII Mission Technologies, and Capital One, as well as numerous innovative start-up businesses.
UPDATE: The Defense Innovation Dinner has concluded. Watch the full replay at https://player.mediadelivery.net/play/682434/53ef8f63-c41e-499e-8ccd-c7d66289220a
RSVP:
Reporters who want to cover this event should RSVP at press@thenaia.org.