May 07, 2026
The term “homeland security” was not widely used in 1999, the first year the conference was held.
“It was called the Terrorism Conference when it first started,” said Jackie Hampton, one of the event’s original planners in the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD), what was then known as the Emergency Management Division. “The conference was much smaller than today; we had 75 attendees and it was held at the MSP Training Academy.”
The gathering moved offsite in its second year with attendance more than tripling. Then came 9/11.
“Following the terrorist attacks on 9/11, federal funding drastically increased for education and training related to homeland security,” said Wendy Galbreath, manager of the MSP/EMHSD Hazardous Materials Training Unit. “As a result, we reworked our event to attract leaders and decision makers, in addition to first responders.”
Attendees in a session in 2006
Their unwavering commitment is reflected in an extraordinary milestone: both Hampton and Galbreath have attended every conference since its inception. Even in retirement, Hampton, former manager of the MSP/EMHSD Training, Exercise and Preparedness Section, continues to lend her support, joining again this year for the 25th gathering.
Speaker during the 2026 conference
Now known as the Great Lakes Homeland Security Training Conference and Expo (GLHSTCE), the conference has grown into Michigan’s largest homeland security event drawing more than 1,000 professionals from law enforcement, emergency response, public health and related sectors. The MSP/EMHSD hosts it in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
The conference continues to evolve as trends change and new threats arise. Each year, it features 30 breakout sessions, including six dedicated specifically to school officials.
“When it comes to homeland security and emergency management, there is no shortage of content for this conference,” said Tammy Blackburn, MSP/EMHSD Emergency Preparedness Unit Manager, who leads the conference planning team today. “By remaining vigilant, we continue each year to deliver relevant sessions that reinforce our shared commitment to safeguarding our state from potential threats.”
Col. James. F. Grady II, director of the MSP, speaking during the 2024 conference
“This homeland security conference has brought together an exceptional lineup of nationally recognized leaders and inspiring voices over the past 25 years”, said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “Their expertise, resilience and real‑world experience have not only elevated the conversation but have shaped this conference into one of the most respected and impactful events of its kind.”
Colin Powell speaking in 2007
Past speakers include General H. Norman ‘Stormin’ Norman’ Schwarzkopf; former New York City Mayor Rudy Giulani; retired U.S. Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell; Frank DeAngelis, former principal of Columbine High School; legendary coach Lou Holtz; Capt. Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger, U.S. Airways pilot; Benghazi survivors Kris ‘Tanto’ Paronto, Mark ‘Oz’ Geist and John ‘Tig’ Tiegen; George Tenet, former director of the CIA, and many more.
“We continue to assess emerging trends and topics here in Michigan and across the nation in order to bring the best and most relevant speakers and sessions to attendees,” said Sweeney. “As the conference grows, so does our capacity to safeguard and secure our state today, tomorrow and in the years ahead.”
The conference is funded through registration fees, vendor fees and federal grants. This year it was held May 5 – 7, in Grand Rapids, Mich.
