APEX 2026 Educational Forum

The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is pleased to announce APEX 2026, a new conference dedicated to advancing education, research, and professional development in the field of cognitive security.

APEX brings together students, educators, researchers, practitioners, and institutional partners to explore the challenges and opportunities associated with operations in the information environment. The conference will provide a forum for collaboration, shared learning, and the development of new ideas that strengthen our collective understanding of cognitive security and information-related competition.

The conference will feature:

• Undergraduate, graduate student and practitioner research paper presentations
• Discussions on the future of Cognitive Security professional certification
• Guest speakers and expert panels from government, academia, industry, and international partners
• Networking opportunities for students, faculty, practitioners, and institutions
• Working groups focused on advancing education and professional development in the information environment

As part of APEX 2026, IPA is launching a paper competition for undergraduate, graduate students and an open category for practitioners and researchers. We invite submissions addressing topics such as:

• Cognitive Security
• Cognitive Warfare
• Operations in the Information Environment
• Information Operations
• Information Warfare
• Foreign Influence and Malign Information Activities
• Political Warfare

Selected finalists will have the opportunity to present their work before leaders, practitioners, and researchers from across the cognitive security community.

Whether you are a student seeking to showcase your research, an educator developing the next generation of information professionals, or a practitioner working to address emerging challenges in the information environment, APEX provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of the field.

Submission requirements are posted here. 

We encourage you to share this event with colleagues, students, and professional networks who may be interested in participating.

Together, we can help advance the education, research, and professional practice necessary to secure advantage in the cognitive dimension.

A link to register for the event will be provided after a review of your RSVP and any questions we send you to follow-up.  IPA requests you first register your interest in APEX via the RSVP link below.  A registration link will follow your RSVP.  Questions can be addressed to apex@information-professionals.org.

The RSVP indicates your interest and has no cost; if approved for registration there is a $120 fee covering the cost of two meals each day and a reception each evening of the event.