Defending the Edge: AI-Powered Perimeter Security in an Era of Drone Threats
March 18, 2026
1:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM CT / 10:00 AM PT / 6:00 PM GMT
Duration: 1 hour
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Summary
Perimeter security is undergoing a rapid transformation as AI reshapes how organizations detect, assess, and respond to emerging threats—most notably the rise of small, inexpensive, and highly maneuverable drones. Traditional physical security systems were designed to detect ground-based intrusions along fixed lines, but today’s adversaries can exploit the airspace, bypassing fences, cameras, and patrol routes with unprecedented ease. This shift has compelled security leaders to reassess the concept of the “edge” as a multidimensional perimeter that necessitates continuous, intelligent monitoring.
AI-powered sensing and analytics now serve as force multipliers, enabling faster recognition of anomalous aerial behavior, improved classification of drone types, and automated escalation workflows. Modern systems fuse video, radar, RF analytics, and thermal data to deliver real-time situational awareness that human operators alone cannot achieve. As regulations evolve and drone usage—both legitimate and malicious—continues to scale, organizations must integrate dynamic, adaptive capabilities to identify threats while minimizing false alarms and operational disruptions.
The convergence of AI, autonomous detection, and counter-UAS technologies marks a pivotal moment for critical infrastructure, public venues, and private-sector facilities alike. Defending the edge now requires a holistic approach that accounts for all three domains— air, ground, and digital—simultaneously.
Topics for Panel Discussion
· How AI is redefining perimeter awareness and threat detection
· Emerging drone attack vectors and operator vulnerabilities
· Integrating counter-UAS solutions with existing security infrastructure
· Regulatory, privacy, and operational challenges in autonomous response systems
Speakers
Chris Eggers
President
Manzanita Security
Chris Eggers is President of Manzanita Security and a nationally recognized security industry executive with 15+ years in law enforcement, including undercover narcotics operations with the Oakland PD and SFPD. He founded and scaled multiple security companies before acquiring Manzanita in 2025, building a technology-forward portfolio spanning guard services, drone/UAS, and proactive video monitoring. A published author and California cannabis security Subject Matter Expert, Chris has been cited by BBC World News, Business Insider, and Marijuana Venture Magazine. He is also a Rolling Stone Culture Council contributor and CALSAGA Ambassador Board Member.
Don Morrow
Founder and CEO
HighlandTech
Don Morrow is the Founder and CEO of HighlandTech, an AI automation agency that builds domain-specific AI Agents designed to function as outcome-driven digital workers. HighlandTech focuses on vertical AI solutions that eliminate operational friction and deliver measurable ROI for businesses.
Don is also the creator of Electra, an Agent Operating System and emerging agent marketplace. Electra’s first Vertical Agent is a Customer Success Agent purpose-built for physical security integrators, designed to automate high-friction workflows and improve service outcomes across the customer lifecycle.
With over a decade of experience in enterprise and cloud sales leadership at Honeywell and Brivo, Don brings a practical, operator-first approach to AI adoption. He is a Board Advisor for Security Technology and Artificial Intelligence at LifeSafetyAlliance.org and hosts the podcast AI PHYSEC TODAY, where he explores how AI is reshaping the physical security industry.
Don holds an MBA from Florida Atlantic University and a certification in Artificial Intelligence from MIT Professional Education. His work centers on building AI Agents that combine domain expertise, outcome alignment, and real-world execution.
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