Episode #13
Safeguarding Major Events: How Counter-UAS & Biometrics Are Changing Security
“This is the technology protecting millions worldwide.” In this episode of Meet the Mission, we go behind the scenes with industry experts Dustan Hellwig and Cory Coyne to explore how technologies like counter-unmanned aircraft systems (CUAS) and biometrics are transforming event security.Listen in to this episode to learn how our teams deploy rapid command centers, integrate across agencies, and use AI-driven analytics to detect threats before they happen. From monitoring drone activity to real-time identity verification, this episode reveals the tools keeping millions of people safe in complex environments.What You’ll Learn How counter-drone systems detect and respond to airborne threats The role of biometrics in identity verification and crowd management Why shared situational awareness is critical to event security How AI and machine learning are improving threat detection Lessons learned from securing high-profile global eventsEpisode Breakdown 0:00 – Introduction 0:23 – Why event security matters 0:36 – CUAS and biometrics overview 1:50 – Meet the experts 5:45 – What is counter-UAS? 9:56 – What is biometrics? 12:38 – Growing demand for event security tech 18:50 – Key challenges at major events 22:12 – How teams deploy on-site 24:39 – Lessons learned in security operations 28:56 – Future of AI in security 32:20 – Closing thoughtsAbout Our GuestsDustan Hellwig, SVP of Rapid Growth at Parsons, has been working in the EW and Spectrum environment for over 35 years. As the Founder, former CTO, former CEO, and current Chief Strategy Officer at Chesapeake Technology International (CTI) (a Parsons company) he focuses on business strategy, forward-leaning technology development, and helping CTI fulfill the needs of its users across the department and the force. Dustan recently sold CTI to Parsons Corporation where he is now helping guide strategy and integration of CTI and its breadth of capabilities. Dustan lives in “Colorful Colorado” and spends any time not working with his wife and dogs outdoors!Corey Coyne, Strategic Account Manager at Parsons, manages Parsons’ Biometrics and Identity Intelligence contracts with customers across the Intelligence Community, Inter Agency, and U.S./Partner-nation Special Operations units. He brings 26 years’ experience from operations side of the Intelligence and Special Operations communities. As a U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret Cory spent years leading commandos conducting Counterinsurgency, Special Reconnaissance, Direct Action, Unconventional Warfare, and Sensitive Activities across the Middle East. After rotating back to the states, he spent time with multiple intelligence agencies focused on illuminating threat networks. In 2020, Cory joined InCadence. Cory has been with Parsons through acquisitions by Xator and then by Parsons. Cory’s passion is working with operators, analysts, and law enforcement to translate real-world mission requirements into practical technology solutions that make people more effective. He is married with two teenage daughters and, when not in a meeting or on a video conference, can usually be found hiking, snowboarding, or scuba diving with his family.Explore MoreCareers at Parsons: https://jobs.parsons.com/ TAK-as-a-Service (TAKaaS - TAK Integration, Training, And Support For Mission Success): https://www.parsons.com/products/takaas/ CUAS Solutions: https://www.parsons.com/cuas/ Biometric Identity Solutions: https://www.parsons.com/products/ares/ Connect With Us! Get the latest news: https://www.parsons.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.parsons.com/subscribe/ Follow Parsons on LinkedIn: / parsons Follow Parsons on Instagram: / parsonscorporation Follow Parsons on Facebook: / parsonscorporation Follow Parsons on Threads: https://www.threads.com/@parsonscorpo... Follow Parsons News on X: https://x.com/parsonscorp #cuas #biometricsecurity #eventsecurity #worldcup2026 #publicsafety
