San Diego, CA – October 27–29, 2025 | Town & Country Resort
The Techno Security & Digital Forensics Conference makes its highly anticipated return to San Diego this fall, taking place at the iconic Town & Country Resort from October 27–29, 2025. This annual event is a cornerstone of the cybersecurity, eDiscovery, and digital forensics communities, bringing together a dynamic mix of government agencies, private sector investigators, legal professionals, and technology innovators.
This year’s conference boasts an expansive agenda, featuring more than 70 sessions led by experts in digital forensics, cybersecurity, investigations, and eDiscovery.
“We’re incredibly proud of the caliber of speakers and companies participating in this year’s program,” said Jennifer Salvadori, Event Director for Techno Security & Digital Forensics Conference. “Our speaker lineup includes frontline investigators, global technologists, federal agents, and the top SME’s in digital forensics, cybersecurity and eDiscovery, all sharing critical insights. They’re not just discussing the future – they’re shaping it.”
A High-Impact Keynote: Operation Shamrock
The conference opens with a compelling keynote address titled “Operation Shamrock: Disrupting Transnational Crime and Protecting Victims.” Presented by Erin West, a renowned prosecutor and the founder of the groundbreaking Operation Shamrock, the session delves into the world of global ‘pig butchering’ scams, complex fraud schemes run by transnational criminal networks that use social engineering and cryptocurrency to devastate victims financially.
West will discuss how law enforcement, financial institutions, and policy leaders must collaborate to dismantle these enterprises, offering both a sobering look at the threats and a hopeful path forward. Attendees can expect an eye-opening hour filled with real case examples, investigative strategies, and global impact.
Spotlight Sessions: AI, Cryptocurrency, and Cyber Fraud
A major theme running through the 2025 program is the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and cybercrime. Sessions like “Staying Ahead of Cybercriminals: Generative AI and the New Era of Financial Fraud” with Michele Boland of Check Point Software explore how AI is accelerating fraud tactics, including deepfake scams and phishing automation. Boland will share proactive tools and technologies to help organizations stay one step ahead.
In the cryptocurrency space, Stephanie Talamantez from Guidepost Solutions leads a deep dive into crypto forensics with “Behind the Wallet,” teaching investigators how to trace illicit funds, deal with mixers and DeFi complexities, and comply with the latest regulatory guidance.
Adding to the international perspective, Rohit Heera, Digital Forensic Lab Manager with Punjab Police, will walk attendees through a case study involving global scam call centers that defrauded over 100,000 victims. His session highlights how forensic imaging, evidence preservation, and inter-agency collaboration led to successful takedowns.
Child Exploitation & Human Trafficking Investigations
Another urgent focus of the conference is Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) and the role of digital forensics in exposing trafficking rings and online predators.
Melissa Maranville, founder of DeVille & Associates, presents a disturbing yet crucial session on dark web marketplaces and child exploitation, showing attendees how traffickers use encrypted platforms and crypto to stay hidden — and how investigators can unmask them.
The multidisciplinary session, “The Nexus of Tech and Trafficking,” brings together experts including Melissa Kaiser, David Weiss, and Christian Souvenir from the Kings County DA’s Office. They present a collaborative model where analysts, prosecutors, and social workers build trauma-informed, tech-supported cases to support victims and boost prosecution success rates.
Daniel Ortiz, Detective with East Hartford Police Department, will present “The Federal Conviction of Jose Antonio Quiroz-Martinez in a Child Exploitation Case,” a compelling case study detailing the investigation that resulted in a 22.5-year federal prison sentence. Ortiz will describe how the rapid response of patrol officers, effective use of mobile forensics, and a collaborative effort involving HSI, ICAC, and Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) helped build a strong, victim-centered case. The session highlights the value of humility, cooperation, and strategic tech use in securing justice.
Cutting-Edge OSINT & AI Tools
AI is also transforming Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) and digital investigations. Cynthia Hetherington of the Hetherington Group explores how AI-generated data can both empower and mislead investigators. Her session “Countering AI Hallucinations” provides strategies to verify and validate OSINT outputs in high-stakes investigations.
Other AI-centric sessions include:
- Todd Shipley (Dark Intel): “Cracking the Code – How AI is Reshaping OSINT and Investigations”
- Evan Smith (Fivecast): “Transforming OSINT: AI and Automation in Threat Detection”
- Julie Lewis (Digital Mountain) & Chester Hosmer: “Generative AI: Taking Discovery by Storm”
Each of these sessions brings a forward-looking lens to how investigations must evolve alongside technological advancements.
Mobile Forensics, IoT, and Image Authentication
Digital forensics professionals will benefit from sessions like “The Six Pillars of Digital Evidence,” led by Chad Gish and Jeff Rutherford of Magnet Forensics. Covering everything from infotainment systems to cloud platforms, this session underscores how comprehensive evidence collection strengthens cases.
Blake Sawyer of Amped Software explores deepfakes in “Understanding Image and Video Authentication,” equipping attendees to validate visual evidence amid rising manipulation threats.
Amber Schroader (Paraben Corp) highlights how IoT devices — from smartwatches to home assistants — are fast becoming goldmines for digital investigators in “The Rise of IoT in Digital Investigations.”
eDiscovery Front and Center
Digital evidence doesn’t stop at forensics — eDiscovery is a key pillar of the Techno West agenda.
Brett Burney (Nextpoint Law Group) will present “Cost-Effective eDiscovery Production Strategies,” while Bree Murphy and Angie Nolet of the eDiscovery Chicks Podcast aim to demystify the EDRM framework.
A notable highlight: Doug Austin, founder of eDiscovery Today, joins a panel to discuss real-world trends like metadata challenges, hyperlinked documents, and managing mobile-first evidence.
A Community of Practice, Not Just a Conference
The value of Techno Security & Digital Forensics Conference goes far beyond its sessions. Attendees connect with hundreds of professionals across public and private sectors — from federal law enforcement and district attorneys to legal advisors, and software developers.
In the exhibit hall, top sponsors and solution providers will showcase the latest in digital investigation tools, AI-driven platforms, forensic hardware, and secure data environments.
“What makes Techno different is the depth and quality of our community,” Salvadori added. “We’re not just bringing people together to talk — we’re bringing people together to solve problems, share solutions, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in digital investigations.”
View the growing list of sponsors/exhibitors below:
Techno West 2025 Exhibitor List
Exclusive Discount for Forensic Focus Members
Techno Security is offering a 10% discount for members of Forensic Focus. To redeem, attendees can use Promo Code: FOR25 during registration. This offer is not valid on already reduced government rates.
Full Conference Program: Techno Security & Digital Forensics West Program 2025
