SC Capitol
Defense
South Carolina's cybersecurity conference, bringing together state leaders, educators, and industry innovators to defend our digital infrastructure.
Co-sponsored by
Where Policy Meets
Cyber Defense
SC Capitol Defense is a one-day conference designed for cybersecurity professionals across industries — state and local government (SLED), K-12 Directors of Technology, and commercial technology leaders.
Held at the Columbia Museum of Art, the conference combines keynote presentations from nationally recognized experts, hands-on technology demonstrations, and facilitated roundtable discussions — all focused on the practical challenges facing South Carolina organizations today.
The Capitol is not merely a backdrop — it is a reminder that cybersecurity is a civic responsibility, and that defending South Carolina's digital infrastructure requires the same commitment and coordination as defending its physical one.
Cyber Security Professionals Across Industries
Cross-sector collaboration
Keynotes, Presentations, Tech Demos & Roundtable
Full-day immersive program
July 15
One-day intensive conference
Columbia Museum of Art
1515 Main St, Columbia SC
The Voices Shaping
South Carolina's Cyber Future
Our featured speakers are practitioners, innovators, and leaders who have built careers at the intersection of technology, policy, and security.
Ryan Truskey
Director, SC CIC
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
Ryan Truskey serves as Director of the South Carolina Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity program and CIO for SLED. With deep expertise in intrusion detection, incident response, and security management, Ryan has led SC CIC's engagement across all critical infrastructure sectors — energy, healthcare, transportation, and government services — building one of the most respected state-level cyber programs in the nation.
Mac Avancena
Field CISO, Americas
Check Point Software Technologies
Mac Avancena is the Field CISO for the Americas at Check Point Software Technologies, where he partners with enterprise and public sector leaders to translate cyber risk into strategic business language. An accomplished technology executive with a proven track record, Mac brings a unique perspective on bridging the gap between technical security operations and executive decision-making.
Steve Walchek
CEO & Co-Founder
Liminal
Steven Walchek is the founder and CEO of Liminal, the leading horizontal security platform for generative AI. With over 15 years spanning Fortune 500 organizations and three successful exits — including a $1.1B acquisition — Steve previously served as EVP and Chief Innovation Officer at FIS and led technology partnerships at AWS, driving over $280M in new revenue.
Jeff Slapp
CTO & Co-Founder
SteelDome
Jeffrey Slapp is the Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of SteelDome, a global software cybersecurity company delivering software-defined data infrastructure platforms. With over 25 years of expertise in technical domains, Jeff leads SteelDome's product development and technology strategy, pioneering solutions that protect data against evolving threats through intelligent software-driven platforms.
July 15 — Full Day Program
A carefully curated program balancing strategic keynotes, technical sessions, hands-on demonstrations, and collaborative discussion. All times are approximate and subject to change.
Registration
LogisticsCheck-in opens. Coffee and light refreshments in the museum atrium.
Welcome
KeynoteOpening remarks from conference co-chairs and co-sponsors SC CIC and SCAET.
Lunch
LogisticsCatered lunch in the museum's gallery spaces.
BYOD Tech Demo
Tech DemoBring Your Own Device — Live hands-on demonstrations covering AI gamified cybersecurity challenges and email security. Laptops required.
Roundtable
RoundtableFacilitated roundtable discussion bringing together cybersecurity professionals across sectors to address shared challenges and opportunities.
End
LogisticsConference close.
* Agenda is preliminary and subject to revision. Final schedule will be distributed to registered attendees.
BYOD
Bring Your Own Device
The BYOD Tech Demo is one of the most distinctive features of SC Capitol Defense. Attendees are invited to bring their own laptops and participate in live, hands-on cybersecurity demonstrations.
Demonstrations will cover an AI gamified cybersecurity challenge and email security — practical, immediately applicable experiences designed for professionals across all sectors.
This is not a passive presentation — it is an active learning experience designed to give attendees practical, immediately applicable skills and insights.
AI Gamified Cybersecurity Challenge
An interactive, AI-powered challenge that tests and sharpens your cybersecurity instincts in a competitive, gamified format. Laptops required.
Email Security Demo
Live demonstration of modern email threat vectors, phishing techniques, and defensive tools to protect your organization. Laptops required.
Cross-Sector
Cyber Collaboration
The afternoon roundtable is a facilitated, open discussion bringing together representatives from state and local government, K-12 education, and the commercial sector to address the shared cybersecurity challenges facing South Carolina.
Topics will include information sharing frameworks, incident response coordination, workforce development, and the policy landscape shaping cyber investment across sectors. This is a working session — attendees are expected to contribute, not just listen.
Political & Civic
Leadership Behind the Mission
SC Capitol Defense draws its strength from the commitment of South Carolina's elected officials and civic leaders who recognize that cybersecurity is a foundational pillar of public safety, economic development, and educational equity. Their endorsement signals to attendees that this conference carries real weight at the highest levels of state government.
"By aligning and strengthening the efforts of our partners across the state, we are building a more secure and resilient cyber future. This will help protect our people, support our businesses, and enhance our long-term competitiveness."
Governor Henry McMaster
State of South Carolina
Source: Governor McMaster, announcing the Center for Cybersecurity at SCRA, December 3, 2025"Malicious cyber activity undermines the safety and security of all South Carolinians. The need for partnerships and collaboration to protect our critical infrastructure and key resources is essential to safeguard our way of life."
SLED Chief Mark Keel
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
Source: SLED Chief Mark Keel, Executive Order 2017-08 announcement, April 19, 2017"Our adversaries will attack us where we are vulnerable and where they can have the greatest and most damaging effect. We are continuing to build partnerships and working with multiple agencies at the state and federal levels to ensure our fellow citizens are protected in all domains to include cyber."
Adjutant General Bob Livingston
South Carolina Military Department
Source: Adjutant General Bob Livingston, Executive Order 2017-08 announcement, April 19, 2017"When it comes to protecting against cyber attacks of any kind, collaboration is key. Just as the South Carolina Department of Administration's work to enhance the cybersecurity of state agencies is rooted in partnership, Admin will work together with other members of the SC CIC Program Executive Group to efficiently execute this vital task."
Director Marcia Adams
South Carolina Department of Administration
Source: Director Marcia Adams, Executive Order 2017-08 announcement, April 19, 2017All statements are sourced from public records and official government communications. Additional endorsements from elected officials are in progress.
Organizations Investing
in South Carolina's Security
SC Capitol Defense is made possible by the commitment of these organizations to building a more secure South Carolina.
Become a Sponsor
Sponsorship packages are available for organizations of all sizes. Contact us to learn about visibility, speaking, and engagement opportunities.
Columbia Museum
of Art
SC Capitol Defense is hosted at the Columbia Museum of Art, one of the Southeast's premier cultural institutions. Located in the heart of downtown Columbia at 1515 Main Street, the CMA provides a distinctive, inspiring setting that reflects the conference's commitment to bringing together diverse perspectives.
The museum's combination of historic architecture and contemporary gallery spaces creates an environment that is both serious and welcoming — appropriate for a conference that bridges government, education, and industry.
1515 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Tuesday, July 15
Multiple public parking garages within 2 blocks
Columbia Museum of Art · 1515 Main St · Columbia, SC 29201
Secure Your Place
at the Table
Registration is open to cybersecurity professionals across government, education, and the commercial sector. Space is limited.