For the past 30+ years, ACCS-VA has held an annual conference to foster the relationship and sharing of knowledge of information technology professionals across the Commonwealth of Virginia's myriad colleges and universities. The annual conference typically takes place during spring break, lasting approximately 2.5 days (oftentimes with training and special interest group opportunities the day before the conference start).
The Hotel
We will again be holding the ACCS-VA 2025 conference at the gorgeous Renaissance Portsmouth-Norfolk Waterfront Hotel, 425 Water St, Portsmouth, Virginia, USA, 237044
If you have a Marriott number, do NOT enter it now - wait and give it onsite when you check-in. If you need to cancel your reservation for any reason, please contact Hope Adams, hope.adams@accsva.org, first - once a reservation is canceled, it will not be removed from the block.
All conference hotel blocks have sold out,
Parking / Ferry Information
Conference Parking:
Parking Information
All parking fees are paid by ACCS-VA for overnight guests, and commuter/day attendees, IF you self-park in the Renaissance Hotel Parking Garage, or Middle Street Parking Garage (442 Middle Street, Portsmouth). Please observe space signage on the 1st floor (handicapped, over height vehicles, motorcycles and a few reserved spaces). If a space on the 1st floor has no signage it is available for use, and everything is available above the 1st floor.
Ferry Tickets (If staying in Norfolk or at the Sheraton Waterside)
If you are staying in Norfolk and want to take the ferry over to the hotel, ferry tickets can be purchased on the ferry, $4.50 (all day) or $2.00 (one way), cash only. You can also purchase the tickets at Visit Norfolk, 232 East Main Street, Norfolk, VA. We are sorry, but there will NOT be any complimentary ferry tickets given out this year.
the space
Renaissance has renamed some of the conference space room names. Check out the revised layout.
The Schedule
We'll have tons of great presentations planned, along with social activities and SIG meetings.
the keynotes
Wednesday Keynote
Bio
Jesse Kirkpatrick is a research associate professor and the co-director of George Mason University’s Mason Autonomy and Robotics Center. He is an International Security Fellow at New America, regularly serves as a consultant in the public and private sectors, and is an official “Mad Scientist” for the U.S. Army. Jesse's research focuses on the ethical, societal, and policy implications of emerging technologies, cutting across such fields as Computer Science, Philosophy, Political Science, Public Policy, and the Life Sciences. He received his PhD from the University of Maryland and was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the US Naval Academy.
Keynote Description
Kirkpatrick draws on real-world examples from classrooms, boardrooms, and government institutions to show how ethical principles such as responsibility, transparency, accountability, and alignment with human values become concrete leadership decisions in high-stakes environments. Drawing on his own unique educational journey, and his research on Responsible AI, he explores the necessary courage to navigate tradeoffs between innovation and risk.
Thursday Keynote
Bio
Jake Kouns is a renowned cybersecurity expert and Managing Partner at JK2 Heavy Industries. He was the founder of Risk Based Security (acquired) and has spent his career helping organizations protect critical assets against evolving threats. His expertise spans vulnerability intelligence, third-party risk, and enterprise security risk management, and he is a sought-after speaker and trusted advisor to organizations of all sizes. Jake holds an MBA from James Madison University with a concentration in Information Security and has held multiple security certifications. Jake is a founding partner of RVAsec and the annual RVAsec Security Conference (rvasec.com). Jake is an active angel investor and startup advisor, including being an LP at two different VC firms, and has authored multiple books on computer security. Beyond cybersecurity, he was recently featured as an ICON on the investment TV show America’s Real Deal. Jake is also focused on building his passion project, Dead Meat Society, a community for grilling enthusiasts that brings people together around the grill to fight the loneliness epidemic and feed local communities.
Keynote Summary
Most people who end up working in cybersecurity don’t just “work in it” — they start seeing the world differently. For me, I see security in everything that I do… and over the years especially when I have been on beach trips with my kids. We play a sandcastle game my parents taught me: build it, defend it, and watch the waves test every decision you made. What does that have to do with cybersecurity?
More than you think. Because security is everywhere.
2026 Sponsors
ACCS-VA 35th Anniversary Inaugural After Party Sponsor
Higher Ed Presentation Sponsor
Welcome Reception Sponsor
Networking Reception Sponsor
Happy Hour Reception Sponsor
Conference Theme & Thursday Hospitality Sponsor
Bag Sponsor
Lanyard Sponsor
SIG Sponsor
AV Provider
Print & Marketing Sponsor
Breakout / Session Hall Sponsor
Wednesday Keynote Sponsor
Thursday Keynote Sponsor
Projector Sponsor
Hospitality (Wed)
WiFi Sponsor
Session Sponsor
Higher Ed Parking Sponsor
Sched Sponsor
Lock Pick Village Sponsor
HP & HPE Zone Sponsor
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
