Connection, Community, and Collaboration Drive Impact at TribalNet 2026

DALLAS, Tex. — The 2026 TribalNet Conference & Tradeshow is in the books, leaving tech leaders, solution providers, and tribal representatives across Indian Country with actionable takeaways and renewed momentum. 

From presentation sessions to meaningful conversations on the floor, attendees shared a common message: the future of tribal technology relies on intentional leadership, robust cybersecurity, and the growth of the TribalHub Community.

With participants spanning TribalHub Members, Associate Members, vendors, speakers, and traditional attendees, the conference was one of the largest ever. 

A major takeaway echoing throughout the conference was that the next generation of tribal technology leadership is not about acquiring more tools, but rather building strong governance, internal capability, and sovereign control over systems.

Many attendees took to LinkedIn to share their reflections, highlighting what made their conference and tradeshow experience invaluable. 

Brent Nelson, of the Navajo Nation Department of Information Technology, said the conference & tradeshow remains a vital player in supporting growth in technical and leadership knowledge, and driving change across industries within tribes. 

"The next generation of tribal technology leadership isn’t about owning more technology," Nelson said. "It’s about building the governance, people, measurements, security, and sovereign capability to control technology and use it intentionally for our people.”

Nelson added that TribalNet breakout sessions emphasized that artificial intelligence, vendors, and threats will continually change, and tribes must stay apprised of those shifts. 
He said the conference & tradeshow showed that tribes focused on data sovereignty, internal capability, and measurable value will be positioned to handle whatever comes next. 

"Our job isn’t simply to keep up with technology," Nelson said. "It’s to make sure our organizations are prepared to lead through the change".

Industry leaders also reflected on how their engagement with TribalNet has transformed over time. 

Isaac Percy, information security officer at Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Health and Human Services, reflected on his growth since attending his first conference in 2023. 

"When I attended my first conference in 2023, I was focused on networking and searching for answers," Percy said. "I still go with that same mindset, but now I also have the opportunity to share the tips, tricks, and solutions that helped solve my own challenges. Learning from others is invaluable. Being able to give back and help others do the same is even better".

Cybersecurity remained a central focus of discussions, with sessions providing actionable insights to safeguard tribal environments.

First-time attendees also pointed to technical sessions as highlights, including Sai Pal, solution architect at Dell Technologies, who noted she enjoyed "exploring the Microsoft stack, particularly the tactics used to detect and mitigate Kerberoasting and other identity-based attacks in Active Directory environments.”

While technical sessions provided practical value, attendees overwhelmingly cited human connection as the week's most impactful element. 
From the Tribal-ISAC Charity Golf Events to breakout sessions hosted by technology and leadership experts, the conference exemplified a shared commitment to elevating technology and security standards across tribes nationwide.

"TribalNet is memorable because of the people, teams, and talent that come together to make it all happen," said Brent Hutfless, founder and principal advisor at Jubilee Advisory LLC. "This conference is about community, those that represent their tribes, and those that serve them. It’s about relationships, friendships, and laughter.”

Rachael Clay, of LevelBlue Public Sector, echoed that sentiment, sharing that her biggest takeaway was "the friendships, connections, shared knowledge and genuine sense of community that make TribalNet different.”
Toni Pepper, Executive Director of Tribal-ISAC, said the genuine connections are key to TribalNet. 

"It’s the people, relationships, and willingness to help one another that make this community so special,” Pepper said. 

Tori Hoffman, account manager for Tribes and Indian Health Service, noted the gathering's unique energy.

"After a long year of hard work, everyone showed up happy, energized, and ready to connect," Hoffman said.

As attendees return home with fresh perspectives, clear strategy, and strengthened relationships, momentum is already building for the upcoming Cybersecurity Summit at Gila River Resorts & Casino at Wild Horse Pass in March.

For more information on upcoming TribalHub events, visit https://tribalhub.com/events/.