We sat down with Catherine Galoppin to learn more about how NATO Edge benefits NCIA and the Alliance as a whole.
What is your role at NATO Edge 24?
I am the Project Manager for NATO Edge, as well as the Lead Operations and Logistics. This role combines my love for logistics with the dynamic nature of event planning. No two days are ever the same and I relish the challenges that require me to think out of the box multiple times a day. Bringing people together through well-executed events is what motivates me, and NATO Edge is a prime example of this in action.
NATO Edge combines previous NITEC and NIAS conferences. How has the vision for NCIA events evolved over the last 15 years?
The journey to NATO Edge reflects NATO's commitment to adapting to an increasingly complex technological and security environment. For years, NIAS conference served as a cornerstone for NATO’s cybersecurity community, providing a platform for in-depth technical discussions and brought together experts to strengthen NATO's cyber defences. In parallel, NITEC conference emphasized innovation and collaboration, providing business opportunities between NATO, industry, and academia through discussions on emerging technologies.
Recognizing the interconnected nature of these events, NCIA General Manager, Ludwig Decamps, merged these two flagship events into a single, unified conference: NATO Edge. This event covers the wide range of technologies that NCIA needs, in order to address current and future security challenges. This year’s edition will focus on artificial intelligence, strategic sourcing, cloud adoption, partnerships and cyber security.
What are the key factors that make an event like NATO Edge successful and memorable?
First and foremost, the event’s agenda must be highly relevant, aligning with NATO’s strategic priorities and addressing topics that resonate with NATO, industry, academia, and government.
A prominent aspect of NATO Edge is the opportunity for "knowledge to meet knowledge," where NCIA technology experts engage directly with industry representatives. These exchanges ensure that innovative solutions are informed by real-world needs and operational priorities.
Networking opportunities also play a central role in the event’s success, as in-person interactions remain unparalleled in building relationships, sharing ideas and strengthening collaborations. While digital platforms hold value, events like NATO Edge underscore the enduring value of face-to-face engagement, particularly for flagship gatherings of such scale and importance.
All of this allows attendees to leave NATO Edge with a clearer understanding of NATO’s current priorities, actionable ideas to enhance collective security, and a strong sense that business opportunities, including for startups and SMEs, are within reach.
How do you select and collaborate with partners to ensure the success of NATO Edge?
Selecting the right event partner is crucial to the success of events like NATO Edge, so it required a very demanding statement of work. My deep understanding of every aspect of the event, from planning to execution, enabled me to assess potential partners effectively and ensure seamless collaboration that aligns with the event’s objectives.
For NATO Edge in particular, we wanted someone with fresh perspectives and new ideas, attuned to modern trends and challenges, who can contribute a lot of creativity to the process. The combination of all these elements ensures that an event is impactful and memorable for all participants.
Organizing an event of this scale can be challenging at times, what keeps you motivated?
It certainly comes with its challenges, but what truly keeps me motivated is the fantastic team I have the privilege to work with. They are motivated, full of fresh ideas and I value their opinions immensely! I firmly believe that we should learn from young diverse talents, as they bring new perspectives and energy that push us to continually question ourselves and improve.
Additionally, credibility has always been very high on my list: say what you do and do what you say. This approach fosters trust among people and ensures that even the most complex challenges can be tackled with confidence.
What is the most rewarding part of seeing the event come to life after months of preparation and planning?
That is easy to answer: seeing all the pieces come together—from the logistics to the interactions—and to watch people genuinely enjoy and benefit from the experience!
And one of the most enjoyable moments comes after the event, when the organizing team gathers to share our experiences over a good glass of wine. It is a time to reflect, exchange funny anecdotes from behind the scenes, and celebrate what we have accomplished together. These moments of connection and camaraderie are as rewarding as the event itself, reminding me why I love working with such an incredible team.