Everything that's going to happen at the Montana Intelligence Summit / MI:1
At least, so far. There's more to come.
From April 2–3, 2026, between 100 and 200 operators, creators, analysts, producers, case officers, journalists, investors, and leaders from dual-use technology companies will converge in Whitefish, Montana for the first annual Montana Intelligence Summit, known as MI:1. Future summits will follow as MI:2, MI:3, and beyond.
MI:1 builds on the 14-year Suits and Spooks tradition of shaping a revolution in security affairs, expanding its scope beyond intelligence and technology to the increasingly important intersection between the Intelligence Community and the entertainment industry.
At its core, the Summit exists to improve the realism, responsibility, and nuance of how intelligence, conflict, and national security are portrayed on screen and in popular culture, while confronting a deeper truth: narrative, social media, and entertainment have become primary battlegrounds in persuasion, division, and distraction.
This is where intelligence professionals and storytellers meet not to posture, but to confront the consequences of the stories we tell and the power they carry.
Venues: A Walkable Intelligence Ecosystem
Unlike traditional conferences confined to a single ballroom, MI:1 turns the town of Whitefish itself into a living intelligence ecosystem for two and a half days.
Attendees will receive an MI:1 Briefing Book containing:
A map of all session venues
A curated list of hotels
Insider recommendations for the best burgers, breakfasts, coffee, and cocktails
A detailed schedule of sessions by time and location, including VIP meet-and-greets
The result is a summit that feels less like a conference and more like an embedded assignment.
Activities: Montana, Operationally
Early April is an ideal time to experience Whitefish. Crowds are lighter, the mountains still carry snow, and spring skiing, hiking, and outdoor exploration are all in play.
In addition to formal sessions, MI:1 will include:
Early-morning physical training led by a retired Naval Special Warfare Command officer
A treasure hunt designed to test navigation, observation, and orienteering skills
Participation is optional. Bragging rights are not.
Sessions: Confirmed and In Progress
The following list reflects the current agenda and will continue to evolve. A final schedule will be released to attendees one to two weeks prior to the Summit.
VIP Experiences
VIP Lunch and Meet-and-Greet with General Stanley McChrystal and keynote speakers
VIP Breakfast with members of Montana’s Congressional delegation (invited) and Governor Greg Gianforte (invited)
Featured Talks and Panels
Action Films and the Intersection of U.S. Intelligence — Mills Goodloe
Archetypes for AI Security and Governance in the National Security Sector — Benjamin Harvey, Ph.D.
AI Cubed: Artificial Intelligence, Artistic Infringement, Anarchist Impact — Bianca Goodloe
Blinding the Beholder: Adversarial Attacks to Defeat Autonomous Drones — Robi Sen
Character as Strategy: Leadership for America’s Critical Frontiers — General Stanley McChrystal
How Power Shapes the Story: Inside Hollywood’s Influence Machinery — Tatiana Siegel
The Evolution of Intelligence Collection and the Need for Cultural Acuity in Analysis — Dave Tinsley
Reel v. Real: The Melding of Espionage and Entertainment — Darrell M. Blocker
SCRIPTED CRISIS: Turning Real-World Threats into Drama—and Drama into Understanding — Howard Gordon
Secrets and Stories: Intelligence, Influence, and the Battle for Relevance — Fireside chat with Rodney Faraon, interviewed by Teresa Smetzer
Wise Women, Hard Targets: Story, Strategy, and the Future of U.S. Security — Panel with Carmen Medina, Laura Thomas, and Rachel Grunspan
Conflict in the Grey Zone: Operator Lessons — Panel with Mick Mulroy, Eric “Olly” Oehlerich, and RJ Casey, moderated by Susan Barrows Libby
Panel with RJ Casey, Matt Westbrook, and a special guest (title to be announced)
Screening
My Star in the Sky — A 30-minute documentary on child soldiers in Uganda, followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers
Evening Program
“Sip to Remember” bourbon tasting honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the nation, sponsored by Four Branches Bourbon
On January 1, 2026, ticket pricing will increase to standard rates. Early-bird tickets are available now.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it.