Agenda
26th Annual TribalNet Conference & Tradeshow

Fuel up for the day on behalf of our sponsor!

Separate ticket must be purchased in order to participate! Visit tribalisac.org for more info. Grab a water or coffee on behalf of our sponsor to get you ready for the day and hop on our shuttle for a free ride to the course!

Grab your breakfast sandwich and help yourself to bloody marys and mimosas! Try your hand at the putting contest and don't forget to buy your raffle tickets!

4-person scramble format, club rentals available for purchase.

Stick around for this fun gathering!

If you didn't purchase a ticket to continue the fun onto the boat cruise after golf, don't miss your ride back to Grand Sierra Resort!

If you are continuing the fun from today's Tribal-ISAC golf outing and joining us to cruise Lake Tahoe on the M.S. Dixie, don't miss your ride! A purchased ticket is required for entry into the boat cruise event. NOTE- space is limited and there are NO refunds at anytime. You can purchase your ticket through your attendee registration OR via a separate link https://tribalhub.ticketspice.com/tribalnet-lake-tahoe-cruise to pay separately from your conference badge/registration.

Kick off your conference week on a beautiful cruise around Lake Tahoe on the M.S. Dixie. Don't miss your ride! A ticket for the TribalNet Lake Tahoe Boat Cruise must be purchased separately and through TribalHub. A purchased ticket is required for entry into the boat cruise event. NOTE- space is limited and there are NO refunds at anytime. You can purchase your ticket through your attendee registration OR via a separate link https://tribalhub.ticketspice.com/tribalnet-lake-tahoe-cruise to pay separately from your conference badge/registration.

Boarding will begin to cruise Lake Tahoe! Don't miss the boat! A ticket for the TribalNet Lake Tahoe Boat Cruise must be purchased separately and through TribalHub. A purchased ticket is required for entry into the boat cruise event. NOTE- space is limited and there are NO refunds at anytime. You can purchase your ticket through your attendee registration OR via a separate link https://tribalhub.ticketspice.com/tribalnet-lake-tahoe-cruise to pay separately from your conference badge/registration.

Don't be late, we will be departing the dock at 5:00 PM sharp. A ticket for the TribalNet Lake Tahoe Boat Cruise must be purchased separately and through TribalHub. A purchased ticket is required for entry into the boat cruise event. NOTE- space is limited and there are NO refunds at anytime. You can purchase your ticket through your attendee registration OR via a separate link https://tribalhub.ticketspice.com/tribalnet-lake-tahoe-cruise to pay separately from your conference badge/registration.

Enjoy the view from the M.S Dixie as we cruise Lake Tahoe! An incredible way to kick off the conference week. A sunset cruise, appetizers, drinks, music, beautiful scenery and lasting connections and memories to be made this night. A ticket for the TribalNet Lake Tahoe Boat Cruise must be purchased separately and through TribalHub. A purchased ticket is required for entry into the boat cruise event. NOTE- space is limited and there are NO refunds at anytime. You can purchase your ticket through your attendee registration OR via a separate link https://tribalhub.ticketspice.com/tribalnet-lake-tahoe-cruise to pay separately from your conference badge/registration.

Back to shore! Returning to the dock at 7:00, shuttle departure immediately to follow and will depart on time.

Don't miss your shuttle back to Grand Sierra! Will depart on time.

Grab breakfast on behalf of our sponsor!

We love our TribalHub Members! Come enjoy refreshments and grab your welcome gift!

Come see the TribalNet team to pick up your badge and all your conference materials to get you set for the week!

The DataHub is your go-to resource for keeping your tribe or tribal enterprise’s technology profile accurate and current. Stop by to quickly verify or update your organization’s information—it only takes a few minutes! Everyone who completes an update or checks in from their team will be entered to win great prizes. Don’t miss your chance!

Special thanks to Microsoft for keeping us connected. No need to run back to your room or find the business center—stop by the Microsoft Device Center to keep up with emails in between sessions.

Exhibitors ONLY- SETUP Begins

TribalNet Conference MC, Chad Dixson, kicks off TribalNet 2025!

Who determines the technology strategy that affect the operations, service delivery, security and overall success of your entire tribe and tribal enterprises? In best practice, this type of decision making would come from an organization-wide technology steering committee, providing input and direction from all key executive stakeholders. If you need to create or improve your technology steering committee, this session is for you.

It is no secret that the cost of virtualization has changed significantly for most tribes in the past few years, while the dependence on this technology continues to be critical. Do you have any other options? Learn about how tribes are tackling this issue and looking to create a technology infrastructure that meets their available budget.

What do you need to have in place NOW to be prepared to successfully and safely harness the benefits of AI? In this session speakers will demystify the AI landscape and learn a practical framework for tech selection. Explore real-world examples of strategic tech adoption and gain practical insights on applying the framework. Leave this session with ideas to develop a strategic, outcome-driven approach to innovation. Join us in exploring how to innovate with purpose—not just noise. Beyond the AI Buzz!

Successfully introducing a cashless wallet to your property is far more complex than simply installing an out-of-the-box solution. Cashless creates a need for operational changes, system interface changes, marketing changes and customer experience education. Attend this session to help build or enhance your own roadmap to cashless wallet success at your property. Hear tips and lessons learned through both early stages and after launch.

Thank you to our break sponsors for helping us all re-fuel!

Technology is being used by cultures around the world to enhance language learning and language preservation. Is your tribe using tech to help preserve your language and encouraging a new generation to learn and speak their traditional language? The reality is, language loss is a critical systems issue, not just a cultural issue. Aligning people, data, and processes is essential to addressing it. In this session the presenters will discuss how to work with what you have and explore practical ways to turn low-resource language sources (audio, notes, texts) into something usable. Attend this session to take home a blueprint while you walk through live examples from Choctaw Nation’s language preservation work, including steps taken, lessons learned, and a repeatable process you can adapt to your own needs.

Do you, your team and the entire organization have a clear and shared picture and definition of what exactly constitutes the crown jewels of data that you manage? Is all data equally important? How can you properly secure data or open it up to AI services if your tribe or tribal enterprises has not defined exactly what data needs to be confidential, sovereign or protected? In this session we discuss reasonable strategies for better understanding, classifying and governing your data. Understand how AI changes the landscape of data sovereignty and tribal privacy. Identify hidden risks in sharing data with AI vendors or platforms and develop AI-specific data governance policies to prevent misuse. Leave this session with a clear framework to assess your organization’s readiness for AI, from people and systems to data practices. Walk away with actionable insights on preparing tribal data for secure, sovereign use.

Healthcare organizations are facing a sharp uptick in cyberattacks, especially ransomware targeting sensitive patient data and critical systems. To combat these threats, implementing strong authentication practices is essential. Proactive security measures may significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches. What are those measures? And what if we were faced with the event of a data breach? Rapid and effective disaster recovery is critical in healthcare to protect patient safety, maintain trust and ensure compliance. Recovery plans should include immediate containment, analysis and restoration. Backups must be secure, frequent and tested regularly. Post incident, systems must be hardened against future threats. Are you being proactive and also prepared to be reactive?

Hear directly from gaming system providers about where they think the industry is going, what new advancements we should expect in gaming systems, how gaming systems are staying secure in an age of increasing cyber-attacks, and how casinos can better leverage their CMS capabilities. We will have panelists representing gaming system leaders at Aristocrat, IGT, Light & Wonder, and CasinoTrac speaking on these topics and taking questions from the audience. Moderated by Tara Fisher, Director of IT Gaming & Hospitality at Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, and Patrick Tinklenberg, VP of IT at Sycuan Casino. You don’t want to miss this engaging and informative discussion!

Thank you to our lunch sponsor!

While the need for dedicated project management resources is widely recognized, those resources are limited or, sometimes, non-existent. This session will focus on a scalable approach to effective expectation setting, project management and organizational change management throughout the project life cycle. Focus areas will be achieving pre-project buy in, project planning, management, implementation, execution, closure, sustainability, and measuring customer satisfaction.

Participate, lead, or simply listen in during this session that dives into the essentials: vital cybersecurity resources and the value of information sharing. Preview real-world stats from across Indian Country and discover the powerful tools, insights, and collective strength of the Tribal cybersecurity community. Led by Tribal-ISAC, this session is full of opportunities to engage with your peers in a fun and low-pressure environment. From dissecting threat trends and incident data to exploring Tribal-ISAC’s tools, services, and member benefits, attendees of this session will leave empowered, educated, and inspired. Whether you're a cybersecurity newcomer or a seasoned defender, you'll walk away with deeper insights and actionable knowledge to help protect what matters most. Because in this game, your best defense really is Tribal-ISAC.

Whether you’re running a casino, a government program, or a tribal enterprise, getting staffing right is always a moving target. In this session, we’ll walk through how to use data and tools you probably already have—like your HRIS or budgeting system—to improve scheduling, reduce gaps, and plan labor more effectively. You’ll hear practical examples from the field and learn simple techniques that can help you build a more reliable, realistic workforce plan—without needing a brand-new system or huge budget.

Data becomes truly valuable when it delivers clear, actionable insights that support informed decision making. In this session we discuss the importance of understanding the essential attributes of high-quality data—accuracy, timeliness, relevance, and structure—and how they influence effective decision-making. As we recognize the importance of context and analytical tools in transforming raw data into meaningful, actionable insights we can make more informed decisions in healthcare and be proactive in care. Uncover best practices for aligning data use with organizational goals and improved care.

Thank you to our break sponsors for helping us all re-fuel!

Artificial Intelligence is transforming healthcare by streamlining clinical workflows and reducing burdens on clinicians. For early adopters, AI tools can automate tasks such as CPOE, document retrieval, clinical documentation, and optimization of health systems. AI can lead to less provider burnout and increase revenue for health systems.

Customers continue to get more digitally savvy, and their desire to access their gaming and hospitality experience via mobile solutions is only increasing. What is your mobility strategy when it comes to setting your property up for success? What mobile apps and solutions are being used effectively by tribal properties, and what should you be considering? Attend this session to; determine where mobile apps fit in your broader digital strategy while also comparing custom-built and off-the-shelf app approaches for tribal operators. Presenter discusses identifying the integrations that most enhance the guest experience as well as addresses the rising security and compliance concerns in mobile environments.

Connecting tribal citizens to tribal information and services through a digital online portal has been a difficult to achieve goal for tribes. Aggregating siloed data, data security and lack of out-of-the-box ready solutions complicate this. Some tribes have attempted to develop their own web portal. Some tribes have engaged with third party providers to source this citizen connectivity. Attend this session to learn how some tribes are connecting their own tribal citizens, successes and challenges, and how you might move this forward in your own tribe.

Members get more and this is no exception!

Conversation, cocktails, and entertainment—you won't want to miss this!

Fuel up and get yourself ready for a great day ahead!

Come see the TribalNet team to pick up your badge and all your conference materials to get you set for the week!

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize our world, it brings both immense opportunities and significant risks. This keynote will explore how organizations can harness the transformative power of AI while addressing the challenges and potential threats it poses. Learn practical strategies and gain insights into how to strike the right balance between leveraging AI’s vast potential to drive innovation, efficiency, and growth, while navigating risks such as data security, ethical concerns, and unintended consequences in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Sponsors can begin booth setup before tradeshow officially opens!

Special thanks to Microsoft for keeping us connected. No need to run back to your room or find the business center—stop by the Microsoft Device Center to keep up with emails in between sessions.

Technology has never been more important in determining the success of every employee, department, operation and customer satisfaction across your tribe or tribal enterprise. A healthy and engaged partnership between IT leadership and the executives and board members they support is critical to success. Learn about strategies, structures and techniques to strengthen and grow the CIO & C-Suite relationships at your tribe.

A session for IT professionals on how to inspire and equip the next generation to use technology for cultural preservation, creativity, and career growth. Participants will explore strategies, tools, and community partnerships that connect technology to tradition, fostering both digital skills and cultural pride among Tribal youth.

Are you prepared to quickly react if a threat actor attempts to steal or impersonate your brand, your image, your voice or your organization or employee identities? How can you spot these impersonations and what can you do if this happens? This is growing threat that every tribe needs to be prepared for and ready to take the necessary action.

Get ready to hear how things are moving along with the latest updates on the IHS transition to the new PATH EHR system! This dynamic session will reveal exciting developments, share progress milestones, and offer an exciting look at what’s ahead. Designed to provide information you may not have heard before, we will highlight new capabilities, system improvements, and what they mean for patient care across the country. Whether you are on the clinical front lines or in IT support, come find out how we’re modernizing healthcare delivery and empowering our facilities with better tools for better outcomes.

Ready to get your hands on some real cyber tools, have fun and work hand-in-hand with some of your technology and cyber peers from tribes across the nation? If so, this "by registration only" workshop is for you! Get ready as our CTF workshop leaders at World Wide Technology open up their CTF environment and resources to a curated afternoon of hands-on cyber challenges designed to help you learn, apply knowledge, and solve real world cyber challenges. It's a mix of fun, challenge and learning! This workshop includes a proctored environment, labs, and hands-on access to Red Team and Blue Team tools. Bring your own team or join a team of peers from other tribes to learn, and perhaps hoist a trophy of sorts, at the conclusion as the most effective cyber team. Pre-registration when completing your conference registration form is required to attend this session.

An engaging session designed to help you make the most of your time at TribalNet. Learn about year-round opportunities, sign up for future events, ask questions, and get informed. This is also a great time to learn about TribalHub Membership—you can sign up on the spot! New members will receive a ribbon for their badge, a member pin to wear, and the option to add a table runner to their booth to showcase their support in the industry. All attendees will be entered to win prizes: Associate Members could win a TribalNet Swag Bag filled with maps and other goodies, and non-members have a chance to win a one-year TribalHub Membership. Don’t miss it!

Thank you to our break sponsors for helping us all re-fuel!

Enough with the AI hype - time to focus on real world implementations of AI at tribes and tribal enterprises that are showing real results. Listen as our presenters discuss what they have already implemented and how it is changing how they operate.

In this session we look at some of the newest technology that is currently changing Gaming & Hospitality, and even discuss some predictions of the technology changes you might want to be thinking about in the coming years. Technology changes quickly and the best technology minded leaders always keep an eye and an ear open to what the future holds for their teams and their tribe or tribal enterprise. Join us as we look at the technology future of gaming & hospitality.

You don't want to wait until a serious incident occurs to understand the important role that management and executives outside of IT play in remediation. During this session, we will discuss the critical role that Legal, Marketing, Insurance, Executives, Board Members, Operational Management, and beyond play in the quick and successful road to recovery from a serious cyber incident.

The service desk is at the heart of most IT structures and the first line of defense and notification for any technology related issues. However, based upon the size of the organization and the available resources, the structure and function of the service desk can vary greatly. Our presenters discuss; help desk empowerment, troubleshooting methodologies, communication/customer service, policies and procedures and how to create the most effective structure for small to midsize IT teams.

Thank you to our lunch sponsor!

This is your chance to find out who is in your "backyard". Meet, connect, and find out what's happening in your region.

Is it better to have ONE IT team/structure that supports tribal government, gaming, health and enterprises, or is it better to have completely separate teams? This is a question that many tribes continue to ask as they look to minimize cost, maximize support, create a more secure environment and prepare their entire tribe and operations for the future. Our presenters will discuss the various common IT structures and help you determine what might be best for your tribe.

In this session we will be covering how AI is both our friend and our enemy when it comes to cybersecurity. The threat actors are leveraging AI to create new and harder to detect threats, while our security vendors are adding AI powered features to their products intended to make us more secure. This is a quickly and ever-changing space that you need to remain up to speed on. Understand how cybercriminals are using AI to automate, scale, and personalize attacks- including deepfakes, AI-powered phishing, malware generation, and evasion techniques that challenge traditional defenses. Attendees leave this session with the ability to better evaluate the capabilities and limitations of AI-enhanced cybersecurity tools, identify the key risks and unintended consequences of adopting AI in cybersecurity. Gain critical insight into how AI will reshape the cyber threat landscape over the next 12–24 months.

Technology can drive new revenue and create cost saving efficiencies. Viewing technology as an investment over a cost, is an important mindset for leadership. That may become more challenging when navigating your technology investments during times of economic uncertainty or downturn. When it comes to technology, the decisions to either invest more or less can lead to unexpected results, even greater organizational cost or potentially missed opportunity. Join this discussion on how to lead and succeed in the best or the toughest economic times.

Join us for an insightful fireside chat exploring the evolving landscape of Electronic Health Records (EHRs). This session will focus on the key considerations when transitioning between EHR systems, including what stakeholders need to agree on for a successful switch. Hear firsthand lessons learned, common challenges, and what to watch for when modernizing health record infrastructure.

Come to the MAIN entrance outside of Summit Pavilion to join the fun as we officially open the doors to the 2025 TribalNet Tradeshow Floor!

Thank you to our break sponsors for helping us all re-fuel!

Make your way around the tradeshow floor—over 200 products and solutions to explore! Plus, fun, prizes, and great new connections.

Don’t forget your wristband—wear it to enjoy food and drinks on the tradeshow floor!

Thanks to our sponsor for bringing the fun! Don't forget to check your badges for your drink tickets.

Fuel up for a great day ahead!

Last chance to pickup badge/conference materials from the TribalNet team.

As technology continues transforming our work, the most forward-thinking leaders recognize that success isn't just about technology—it's about people. Organizations that thrive in the tech era will balance innovation with emotional intelligence, ensuring that human connection remains at the core of leadership. This session will explore how kindness-driven leadership creates a competitive edge by fostering trust, collaboration, and resilience within tech teams. You'll learn to integrate emotional intelligence into decision-making, create psychologically safe workplaces, and leverage tech without losing the human element. By embracing empathy, authenticity, and ethical leadership, you'll gain the tools to future-proof your leadership style and inspire teams to innovate purposefully. The future of work isn't just tech-driven—it's people-powered. Join us to discover how leading with kindness can be your most significant strategic advantage.

Special thanks to Microsoft for keeping us connected. No need to run back to your room or find the business center—stop by the Microsoft Device Center to keep up with emails in between sessions.

AI is everywhere and it seems like every vendor is promoting new AI tools and features in their products. But what does “AI-powered” really mean for your organization’s data, systems, and risk posture? In this session, we’ll cut through the hype and explore the real implications of AI in third-party solutions. You’ll learn how to ask the right questions, evaluate vendor claims, and implement leading practices to protect your organization.

Employees remain one of the biggest risks to cybersecurity—not because they don’t care, but because traditional training often fails to engage. This session will break down innovative, behavior-driven strategies to revamp your security awareness program. From personalized content and micro-campaigns to real-world scenarios and measurable impact, you’ll walk away with fresh tactics to cut through fatigue and build a culture where security is second nature. Don’t just train—transform.

What are the keys to creating an environment at a tribal government that holistically and effectively collects and uses data? This session will cover how to plan strategically and digitally incorporate government and community goals and initiatives, aligned with data. The anticipation of uncertainty whether that's an economic shift, key resource changes or other events impacting tribes, the ability to adapt and build financial and operational resilience can start with knowing the facts. Accurate, presentable and measurable data can also strengthen transparency and community trust and fiscal responsibility. Attend this session to take a big picture view of your tribe and leave with ways to incorporate data collection and best practices for action that has real impact.

There are many challenges and concerns that fall upon the executive leadership team, especially when it comes to technology. Our panelists will discuss their own perspectives on all things technology and how they perceive what the future might hold.

Thank you to our break sponsors for helping us all re-fuel!

In this session, Anthony will explore essential best practices in vulnerability management, with a focus on real-world application in cyber defense. Topics will include establishing comprehensive asset inventories, assessing and prioritizing vulnerabilities based on risk impact, and implementing effective remediation strategies. Attendees will examine approaches to applying security patches, optimizing network architecture for resilience, and leveraging established frameworks such as NIST CSF, SANS and ISO 27001 to guide policy and control alignment. The discussion will also address sustained risk mitigation through continuous monitoring, evaluation, and process improvement—critical components for those safeguarding tribal nations and enterprises from evolving threats.

How do you determine the right time to change a core system to another solution? This is a question that every technology leader must face, and your reaction, actions and decisions in this situation can positively or negatively affect the organization for many years into the future. What do you need to do first? What are the factors you should always consider?

Technology leaders in Tribal organizations aren’t just managing systems; they’re guiding transformation across communities. Leading change takes more than technical skill. It requires influence, emotional intelligence, and the ability to speak the language of those you serve. In this fast-moving session, you’ll explore how deep self-awareness, of your own style and how others perceive you, can make you a more effective, engaging, and trusted leader. You'll gain insights on how to; quickly build trust and reduce resistance across non-technical teams, communicate complex ideas with clarity and empathy, be recognized as a strategic voice in your organization and use emotional intelligence to drive alignment and buy-in. Whether you work in gaming, health, hospitality, or government, this session will give you powerful tools to lead beyond the IT role, and into organizational influence. You’ll also get a sneak peek at the Certified Tribal Technology Professional (CTTP) program, designed to recognize and elevate the next generation of technology leaders at tribes.

Integrated health services rely on a unified, patient-centered approach that connects care across providers, settings, and systems. A complete health record—including clinical data, behavioral health, social determinants of health (SDOH), and historical trends—enables more informed, equitable, and proactive care. Understanding patterns in chronic conditions, utilization, and lifestyle factors helps predict risks and personalize treatment. An integrated health record will allow clinicians to see the whole picture. The result: better coordination, earlier interventions, and improved outcomes across the continuum of care.

Grab your lunch and find a seat—this is our closing lunch with an outstanding keynote and a $1000 prize drawing to follow. Must be present to win.

In The Power of the Middle Seat- discovering connection at the edge of your comfort zone, Dr. William Paiva shares how the most meaningful growth comes not from comfort, but from connection in the places that stretch us. Drawing on lessons from science, business, and healthcare innovation, he reveals how embracing the “middle seat” leads to resilience, innovation, and community transformation. Attendees will leave inspired to find opportunity and connection at the edges of their comfort zones.

Don't forget to check your badge holder and drop your keynote raffle ticket in the ballot box at the ballroom entrance to be entered to win! Winner announced at the close of the keynote. Must be present to win!

Last chance to make your way around the tradeshow floor—over 200 products and solutions to explore! Plus, fun, prizes, and great new connections.

Thank you to our break sponsors for helping us all re-fuel!

Don’t forget your wristband—wear it to enjoy food and drinks on the tradeshow floor!

Attendees gather as we give away some amazing booth prizes from the exhibitors on our show floor. PLUS, one lucky winner will win $2500—be sure you’ve collected your stamps and participated in the bingo run for your chance to win! Must be present to win.

Thanks to our sponsor for bringing the fun! Don't forget to check your badges for your drink tickets.

This fun event brings together people who love to play music and listen in! Come together for a great time and wonderful way to spend your last evening of the conference week!

Fuel up for a great day ahead or if you are traveling home today—let us get you started!

Does your organization have a culture that supports mentoring, coaching, and leadership development? Please join us for this interactive workshop that will lead you on the journey from creation to implementation of the culture that will make your succession program a success! Part One: Building a strong foundation through company culture for succession. Part Two: Identifying high-potential candidates, teachings, and tools to identify potential successors. Part Three: Humanity. An incredible way to close out your TribalNet week.

Prepare for Takeoff with Paula Starr, CIO of Cherokee Nation, and Bill Barkovic, Director of MW at Microsoft. During this hackathon and workshop, attendees will be hands-on hacking one or more solutions together that are specific to tribes. Wondering who should attend? When it comes to AI, honestly, everyone should attend! AI is not scary; it’s empowering and can truly be your “Copilot” in accomplishing everyday tasks. Just think, who’s transcribing executives’ calls and providing the after-action report? In Finance, who’s really an Excel genius? Copilot can literally help find errors in the data, reformat the data, etc. Who finds it difficult to sort their email after being on vacation? Finding all the hot emails that need to be addressed first? Let Copilot do that for you, so you can handle the responses and get things moving quickly. At the end of training, everyone who attends will receive a credential/badge marking successful completion of their learning in Microsoft Copilot. The event is only for attendees from tribes; no vendors, please. No added cost, but pre-registration is required specifically for this event.

Thank you to our break sponsors for helping us all re-fuel!

Be sure to join us next year for TribalNet 2026!