IoT Texas

DFW Airport's Cybersecurity Challenge: Protecting 83M Travelers & 66K Employees

Thu, May 7 · 6:30 PM CDT

SpringHill Suites Dallas Richardson/Plano, 3251 E President George Bush Hwy, Richardson, TX, US

START TIME CHANGED TO 6:30 PM.

These IoT/Technology Meetups are held on the first Thursday of each month (except July and January when we'll meet the following Thursday after the holiday) and are free to attend for anyone interested in the business of high technology.

Come and connect with other like-minded technologists, business execs, entrepreneurs, etc.
or join us online (Google Meet) at:
https://meet.google.com/qjq-aaoe-xdj

This month's presenter will be:

Dan Bonkiewicz
(https://www.linkedin.com/in/danbonkiewicz/)

• Principal of Technology Services, Operation and Cyber Security for DFW Airport

He will present:

DFW Airport's Cybersecurity Challenge: Protecting 83M Travelers & 66K Employees

Abstract

Cybersecurity is often framed as a technology issue, but at its core, it is a leadership issue. It is about trust, resilience, and protecting the systems people depend on every day.

At DFW, that mission carries enormous responsibility. Supporting 66,000 employees, 83 million annual passengers, and a broad network of partners and stakeholders requires cybersecurity to be more than a technical function. It must be part of how the airport operates, adapts, and prepares for the future.

Dan Bonkiewicz brings a leadership perspective shaped by years of aligning cybersecurity with critical operations and business priorities.

Known for translating complex cyber risk into practical strategies, Dan helps organizations understand how to protect essential systems while enabling resilience, innovation, and operational performance. His leadership is grounded in building strong teams, fostering shared accountability, and creating a culture where cybersecurity is lived rather than just talked about.

In this talk, Dan will share how DFW’s Cybersecurity Enterprise Team is helping lead that shift through governance, education, threat awareness, and forward-looking security solutions.

This is not just a story about defending systems. It is a story about changing mindsets, strengthening trust, and preparing one of the world’s busiest airports for the risks and opportunities ahead.

Bio

Dan Bonkiewicz is a strategic IT Director and cybersecurity leader with deep experience in infrastructure, cloud, operational technology (OT), and enterprise security.

He specializes in driving digital transformation, building high-performing teams, and delivering secure, resilient technology environments that support business growth.

Dan owns the operational cybersecurity for DFW Airport's 24×7 OT environments supporting critical airport operations, leading asset discovery, vulnerability management, network segmentation, and incident response across ICS and IoT systems, with executive reporting on risk and remediation.
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The meeting is now held at SpringHill Suites (east Richardson) near the intersection of Geo. Bush and E. Renner Rd. (2 blocks south on Shiloh from the Methodist Hospital at Renner and Shiloh - see below for details).

Come early and stay late if you can. Bar opens at 5 pm (self-paid).

Program runs from 6:30 to 7:45 pm.

***
1st Thursday IoT Happy Hour:

These are hybrid and free events. For those that can attend in person, it allows us to come together and network with other IoT and technology professionals, business execs, entrepreneurs, etc... and help us find resources, talent and solutions to our issues... and learn about new trends and tech in the industry.

Come early and stay late if you can (bar opens at 5 pm. - self paid. Leave whenever you like... or when the bar closes.)

The folks that attend have technical and business expertise in many varied segments of the IoT/tech industry... from end device/sensor/actuator builders, to connectivity gurus (wired, wireless, satellite), to backend computer systems/platforms and analytic tools specialists... and even edge computing/processing, security and AI/ML/ChatGPT/Agentic AI and Quantum experts.

1st Thursday IoT Happy Hour @ SpringHill Suites ((3251 E. Geo. Bush Tpke, Richardsson, TX))
Each 1st Thursday of 2025 · 6:30 – 7:45pm

Google Meet (a Zoom-like platform) joining info:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/qjq-aaoe-xdj

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 443-399-3866‬ PIN: ‪891 528 379‬#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/qjq-aaoe-xdj?pin=8679601782853

A sincere thanks to our sponsors:

4.0 Solutions (www.iiot.university/)
- founded by Walker Reynolds (www.linkedin.com/in/walkerdreynolds/)
4.0 Solutions was created around the concept of the restructuring the way we think about systems integrators, suppliers, hardware & software manufacturers, and distributors in a way that is compatible with the 4th industrial revolution.

ObjectSpectrum, LLC (www.objectspectrum.com)
- founded by Eric Lenington (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericlenington/):
"ObjectSpectrum was founded with the sole purpose of making the Internet of Things an Internet of useful, efficient, cost-cutting, ROI-maximizing things."

James Brehm & Assoc. (https://www.jbrehm.com/)
- James Brehm, Founder and Chief Technology Evangelist
(https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesbrehm/)
James Brehm & Associates is a consulting and market intelligence firm providing project based and retained strategic advisory services to technology companies worldwide focused on IoT and digitial transformation.

Chuck McCoy (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chmccoy/),
Founder of: TechTargets - Smart Targets. Smarter Shooters.
(https://techtargets.com/)
TechTargets uses modern IoT components to bring low cost interactive target systems to Law Enforcement live fire training environments.

If you'd like to support these meetings through a one-time donation, or ongoing monthly support, contact Ed Hightower at ed.hightower@iotandbeyond.com. I can send an invoice via PayPal and you can pay/ donate via credit card. Thanks.

This link takes you to many of the presentations that have been presented at our IoT Texas meetings over the last 6+ years. Enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC69LBjxiKDx8tVkkVs9T0NA/videos

DALI NEXUS: An Intelligent/AI-driven Traffic Management Infrastructure by Dr. Z.

Tue, May 19 · 11:30 AM CDT

3000 Waterview Pkwy, 3000 Waterview Parkway, Richardson, TX, US

Come join us on May 19, 2026 (11:30 am - 1 pm) for our next IEEE CVT luncheon meeting at UTD

and hear:

Dr. Rym Zalila-Wenkstern

present:

DALI NEXUS: An Intelligent/AI-driven Traffic Management Infrastructure by Dr. Z., UTD

Join us each month if interested in great networking and thought-provoking meeting topics.

You do not need to be an IEEE member to attend.

Register at:
https://events.vtools.ieee.org/event/register/556762

(Feel free to use the "Register as a Guest" button if not a member of IEEE and be sure to click on the "I accept the IEEE Privacy Policy" box).

Meeting details and cost to attend are below
and at: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/556762

Reservation at IEEE site (vTools) is required by Friday (4-17-26) noon if you'd like lunch. Free to attend if not having lunch.

On May 19th:

Dr. Rym Zaiila-Wenkstern
(https://www.linkedin.com/in/rym-zalila-wenkstern-031bab/)

will present:

DALI NEXUS: An Intelligent/AI-driven Traffic Management Infrastructure by Dr. Z., UTD

Abstract

Traffic congestion remains one of the most pressing urban challenges of our time.

In the Dallas-Fort Worth region alone, motorists spend more than 127 million hours in traffic delays each year, waste 44 million gallons of fuel, and incur an estimated $3.1 billion in annual costs.

These impacts extend well beyond lost time and money, contributing to environmental degradation and adverse public health outcomes.

This talk presents DALI NEXUS, an innovative AI-driven traffic infrastructure designed to transform rigid traffic management systems into collaborative, intelligent networks.

DALI NEXUS brings together three tightly connected components:

• DALI-TCS, which transforms existing traffic control systems into adaptive intelligent systems without requiring new hardware;
• DALI-Connect, a cloud-based infrastructure that links intersections and road users; and
• DALI-App, which delivers real-time alerts, safety notifications and live updates to drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

As a pilot deployment, DALI-TCS was implemented across 15 intersections in the City of Richardson, where it has proven effective in reducing congestion and improving traffic operations.

Bio

Dr. Rym Zalila. Wenkstern is a Professor of Computer Science at the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science at The University of Texas at Dallas.

She founded the UT Dallas Center for Smart Mobility, which she directed from 2021 to 2025, and she is the Founding Director of the Smart Cities Applied Research Lab.

Her research focuses on the engineering of large, complex, real-world systems using distributed AI, with a particular emphasis on Smart Cities applications.

Her work in Intelligent Transportation Systems has received broad recognition, including the Smart 20 Award, the Smart 50 Award, and two AAMAS Best Application Awards, and has drawn attention from municipalities, industry stakeholders, and the media.

Meeting Date: May 19, 2026 (Program from 12 to 1 pm)
Location: UTD Synergy Park North Building; 3000 Waterview, Richardson, TX
Directions: NE Corner Synergy Park Blvd and Steward Dr.
Lunch Cost: see below.

Most importantly, come to network with fellow technologists, business execs, entrepreneurs and IEEE CVT members.
You do not have to be an IEEE member to attend.

Registration: Please pre-register at:
https://events.vtools.ieee.org/event/register/556762

(If you're not an IEEE member, you are welcome to use the "Register as Guest" button at the bottom of the page - be sure to click and check the "I accept the IEEE Privacy Policy" box).

Please pre-register by Friday (5-15-26) 1 pm CDT if you plan on having lunch. The lunch order must go on at 1 pm Friday prior to the meeting on Tuesday (5-19-26).

Lunch will start at 11:30 am and the program runs from 12 to 1 pm.

You do not need to be a member of IEEE and the meeting is free if you do not intend to eat.

Location:

UTD Synergy Park North Building; 3000 Waterview, Richardson, TX
Directions: NE Corner of Synergy Park Blvd and Steward Dr. (map and more details below)

Prepay via the IEEE website by noon Friday (5-15-26 ):
https://events.vtools.ieee.org/event/register/556762

IEEE Members $10.00
IEEE Life Members $5.00
Non-IEEE Members (Guests) $15.00
UTD students: $2.00 (First 5 Students who have registered in vTools as recorded within vTools date/time stamp on the registration will be given their $2 back at the event, provided they attend. All students must show UT Dallas ID at the desk the day of the meetings.)

Feel free to sign up using the "Register as Guest" button at the bottom of the page. You do not need to be an IEEE member to attend and the meeting is free to attend if you are not eating.

Pay in person the day of the meeting:
IEEE Members $15.00
IEEE Life Members $10.00
Non-IEEE Members (Guests) $20.00
UTD ECE students with ID $2.00

Anyone who has not pre-registered for lunch will be asked to wait until all pre-registered folks have had a chance to go through the buffet line.

Anyone not pre-registered will be charged the ‘Guest’ rate.

There is No charge for "No Lunch, just attending the talk".

Parking passes will be available to those that register, and lunch for a fee.

Future meetings (subject to change but most likely):
May 19, 2026
Summer break/no meetings: June, July, Aug.
Sept. 15, 2026
Oct. 20, 2026
Nov. 17, 2026
Dec. 15, 2026