2026 Southwest Regional Tribal Technology Forum

Breakfast on behalf of our sponsors.

The TribalHub staff is ready to welcome you! Pick up your badge and important forum materials. TribalHub Members, grab your welcome gift!

Your official welcome to TribalHub's Regional Forum- a quick preview of what to plan for and how to make the most of your time here!

Consistently one of the most well-attended and meaningful sessions at our regional events, this roundtable gives you the chance to connect with fellow professionals working at tribal governments and enterprises from your region. Share wins, challenges, and questions in an open discussion—while making valuable peer connections. Facilitated by TribalHub and your Regional Ambassadors

Do you know what technology and infrastructure is most important to tribes in 2026? This session time will give each attendee dedicated time to review and complete the nationwide Tribal Technology & Infrastucture Readiness Survey which aims to benchmark the current state of technology across Indian Country. The results of this data can help your tribe (and every tribe) better advocate for greater resource allocation and infrastructure support. Results will only be shared in a de-identified, aggregate format with survey participants and Regional Event attendees. Preliminary nationwide and regional results will be shared in tomorrow's 10:30 session - so plan to be here to become among the first to see these results - just by being at this regional forum.

Event sponsors only - Join the TribalHub team to learn how to make the most of your time here.

Join together for lunch on behalf of your sponsors! PLUS hear briefly how our sponsors are currently supporting tribes.

Stop and say "Hi" to each of the event sponsors at their table (and drop your drawing tickets) for more chances to win some great prizes AND someone will be the lucky winner of $500! Drawing at 3:15.

Cybersecurity continues to be an ongoing concern, evolving investment area, and persistent challenge for tribal governments and enterprises. In this session, Tribal-ISAC will share key cybersecurity insights and findings from tribes across the nation, including highlights from The Pulse report and emerging 2026 threat trends.

This session combines insight with discussion, providing a regional view of evolving threats while creating space for peer conversation on how these risks are showing up across tribal organizations, with actionable takeaways for attendees.

Led by Robin Villareal, CIO, Gila River Resorts & Casinos.

This engaging session will have you and your peers in the room navigating difficult but common technology related scenarios that IT leadership at tribes and enterprises often face. Budget got cut...how do you professionally respond and react? Another shadow IT purchase is made on a software system you knew nothing about but are now expected to install and support...what is the proper or best action to take? AI moving too fast? Join us to share your own experiences and hear and learn from others on effective strategies to multiple different difficult challenges. Leave this session with fresh ideas and stronger connection to the peers in your region.

Led by TribalHub, Executive Officer , Mike Day.

By working together your region can achieve more! After all, this is YOUR regional group and this hour is set aside to be lead by the current regional ambassadors. Learn more about current regional priorities, discussion topics, meeting schedules, and how you can benefit all year long by participating. This is the time to discuss how to continue to build your region, the critical relationships and the valuable partnerships that can last well beyond todays event.

Be sure to join us for this quick round of prizes from our lunch and learn/meet the sponsors drawing. A chance to win some great prizes including one lucky winner will take away $500! Don't miss the announcement of the winners of a FREE TribalHub membership. This is a great time for the regional group photo as well- so don't be shy!

It's time to make new friendships or strengthen existing ones as we kick back in a fun casual setting in this event leading into dinner!

Enjoy wrapping up the day with a great dinner and conversation on behalf of our title sponsor.

Get ready for another great morning!

As artificial intelligence becomes an integral part of organizational strategy, leaders face the challenge of adopting AI in a way that is effective, ethical, and aligned with tribal goals. We will explore AI policies, trends, implementation practices and risks. Attendees will gain practical insights on building a foundation for AI success, including risk assessment, stakeholder engagement, and ongoing governance. Whether you are just beginning your AI journey or looking to refine your existing approach, this session will provide actionable strategies to navigate the complexities of AI policy and implementation.
Led by Todd Lawrence Kimbriel, VP Analyst, Gartner.

Be the first to review the eye-opening data specific to your region and nation side when you are led through a deeper dive of the results of the State of Tribes- Tribal Technology & Infrastructure Readiness Survey. See how your region stacks up against all the other tribes across the country.

Led by TribalHub, Executive Officer , Mike Day.