Events

Designing Security – A Conference for Those Who Shape the Future of Defense

On 2–3 September 2025, leading minds from military, government, industry, and academia will gather at Helmut-Schmidt-University in Hamburg to explore how design can enhance operational adaptability, institutional learning, and innovation ecosystems in defense.

We are pleased to invite you to the Designing Security Conference, hosted by the Helmut-Schmidt-University in collaboration with Archipelago of Design (AOD), and under the patronage of the German Armed Forces Planning Office.

Taking place as part of the German Armed Forces’ Education and Training Convention, the conference brings together over 150 senior leaders, planners, innovators, and educators from Germany, NATO, and allied countries.

Across three parallel tracks – The Adaptive Leader, Navigating Hybrid Threats, and Governing the Defense Ecosystem – the program features immersive workshops, scenario-based wargaming, expert keynotes, and high-level panels.

We invite you to engage with new ways of thinking about command, education, and defense innovation & procurement – and to help shape the future of a resilient security architecture in Germany, Europe, & throughout NATO.

Date: 2–3 September 2025
Location: Helmut-Schmidt-University, Hamburg, Germany

Program Overview

Over two days, the Designing Security Conference offers a rich and unconventional program designed to challenge assumptions, connect perspectives, and spark innovation.

Day 1 opens with bold keynotes and a provocative opening speech on “Designing Security as a Grand Challenge.” From there, the conference splits into three thematic tracks:

• The Adaptive General explores how military education can build leaders for non-linear, contested environments – including masterclasses, foresight workshops, and institutional critiques.
• Navigating Hybrid Threats dives deep into scenario-based wargaming and sensemaking under pressure, guided by experts from Germany, NATO, and allied countries.
• Governing the Defense Ecosystem rethinks innovation, procurement, and cross-sector collaboration – with inputs from Strategy&, VDI, Lufthansa Technik and others.

The day features hands-on design workshops, interactive lectures, and critical peer exchange. It concludes with deep reflection on how doctrine, command logic, and innovation cultures can be redesigned from within.

Day 2 begins with high-level keynotes and a strategic panel featuring generals from Germany, Canada, and NATO ACT.

Afterwards, the three thematic tracks continue with practical deep-dives, design experiments, and insight-driven discussions:

• Education focuses on prototyping new curricula and integrating AI into strategic learning.
• Operations explores testing assumptions, rehearsing future missions, and designing adaptive command models.
• Ecosystem looks at defense finance, integration interfaces, and novel approaches to procurement and resilience.

The conference closes with a joint keynote:

“From Reflection to Responsibility – Three Tracks, One Military Future.”

Detailed program to follow.

Registration

Conference Tracks

– The Adaptive General (Military Education & Doctrine)
– Navigating Hybrid Threats (Operational Design & Command Logic)
– Governing the Defense Ecosystem (Innovation, Procurement & Integration)

Registration Process & Fees

Participation is free of charge for representatives of public institutions, government agencies, and recognized non-profit organizations.

Participants from private-sector companies are subject to a conference fee of:

• €320.00 for bookings made by July 20, 2025,
• €360.00 for bookings made by August 27, 2025,
• €380.00 at the box office from September 2, 2025.

To register, please send an email to DesigningSecurityConference@hsu-hh.de. Fees are to be paid at the event box office.

You are kindly asked to either fill out the registration form (attached below) electronically or send the required information directly by email.

Please note that the number of available spots is limited.

Registrations will be processed on a first come, first served basis and are subject to internal approval. All confirmed participants will receive a final confirmation by email.

Event Program:

Registration Form:
Designing Security Conference - Invitation & Registration Form

Terms and Conditions:
General Terms and Conditions for Tickets and Data Protection

Travel Information:
AoD Conference Hamburg - Travel Information and Hotel Recommendation

Celebrating 5 Years of Innovation at AOD

This year marks a significant milestone in AOD’s journey: five years of dedication, innovation, and growth.

Since our founding, we have remained committed to shifting mindsets, building a community, forming strong partnerships, and creating lasting impact in the defense and security field.

In this information package, you’ll find highlights of our key accomplishments over the past five years, including the development of three transformative games, the AOD Annual Event, the launch of The Tension podcast, special publications, and much more!

Single-Page Version:

AOD 5th Anniversary Brochure - Single Page View

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