SHLD 2026

SHLD (pronounced 'shield') is a new one-day cybersecurity conference in Hamburg built by CISOs for CISOs. Its agenda is shaped by security leaders from companies, institutions and public authorities rather than vendors, and it concentrates on three challenges the organisers see as defining the next era of security: AI security, OT security and quantum readiness, set against rising geopolitical cyber risk.

Who attends

The conference is aimed at the people who answer to the board for security: CISOs, CIOs and CTOs, and leaders responsible for IT/OT security and critical infrastructure. Sessions are framed around the questions they face in practice, such as what a risk means for their organisation, what to recommend to the board and how to enable growth securely.

Programme

The inaugural edition runs on Wednesday 9 December 2026 in Hall D of the CCH, with English as the presentation language. The preliminary schedule mixes talks, debates, break-out sessions and fireside chats; the call for speakers is open and the line-up will be added over time.

• 08:00–09:30 Networking breakfast
• 10:00–11:00 Opening, registration and mingling
• 11:00–18:30 Talks, debates, break-outs and fireside chats
• 18:30–20:30 SHLD & GSIS networking event

Linked to GSIS

SHLD is organised as a side event under the umbrella of the Global Security & Innovation Summit (GSIS), which ties cybersecurity to national security and resilience, defence capabilities, the protection of digital infrastructure and geopolitical risk, rather than treating it in isolation.

Advisory board

The content is steered by an advisory board of Hamburg-area security and IT leaders, including CISOs from Jungheinrich, Aurubis and DONNER & REUSCHEL and IT leaders from OTTO, SIGNAL IDUNA Asset Management and Hamburg Messe und Congress. Solution providers can take part as Presenting or Premium Partners.