Written by Olivia Fellows, TribalHub Industry Engagement & Narrative Producer in Press Releases
Date: 08/21/2026
DALLAS, Tex. — For nearly 30 years, TribalNet Conference & Tradeshow has been the place where technology leaders from across Indian Country come together to connect, collaborate and shape the future of technology for tribes and tribal enterprises.
The conference will take place Sept. 20–24 at the Hilton Anatole Dallas at 2201 N. Stemmons Freeway in Dallas, Texas.
One of the few events truly dedicated to Native American government, gaming, and health technology with topics relevant to what is happening both nationally and locally, the conference & tradeshow will be packed with real-world solutions and breakthrough technologies that are already helping tribes across the country save money, operate more efficiently, and protect their digital infrastructure.
Tara Fisher, Director of IT Gaming and Hospitality at Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, said she sees TribalNet as a great source for education and connection in the technology world.
Fisher is also a member of TribalNet’s Gaming & Hospitality Advisory Board.
“I'm always interested in hearing about what's happening in gaming and hospitality, especially the new technologies and digital experiences that are being developed and deployed,” Fisher said. “What I find interesting is how the different topics come together from AI and cybersecurity to gaming, hospitality, and leadership. The sessions highlight how technology can be used strategically to improve operations and enhance guest experiences.”
The gathering will offer opportunities to tap into a growing network of resources, experience, and industry connections, ensuring that enterprise and government leaders have the tools and information they need to thrive in their industries.
TribalNet Conference & Tradeshow offers a variety of sessions within several different concentration tracks, including general technology, cybersecurity, AI, leadership/executive, let’s get technical, tribal gaming/hospitality, tribal government/member services, tribal health information management and more.
JR Walters, Information Technology Executive Director with the Samish Indian Nation and a member of TribalNet’s Government & Member Services Board, said he enjoyed working with other members for the conference and helping make it impactful.
“The most exciting aspect for me is the sheer volume of useful, relevant topics presented by experts across the industry,” Walters said. “It’s truly a conference that offers something for everyone. This was my first year serving on the Government & Member Services Board. I was impressed by how involved TribalHub members were and how much their opinions were valued throughout the creation and evaluation of the agenda. Input from every TribalHub board was carefully considered, and we left each meeting feeling that our perspectives mattered and that we were helping bring more relevant content to attendees.
“Many conferences offer content relevant to IT professionals, both within and beyond the tribal space. What sets TribalNet apart is its focus on the unique needs of tribal organizations, including the distinct governance structures of tribes and the importance of sovereignty,” he said. “Even when a specific topic is not covered in a session, attendees gain valuable insights through conversations with peers who have already navigated similar challenges. You leave the conference not only with knowledge from industry experts, but also with a strong network of tribal technology leaders who continue to serve as resources long after the event ends.”
🔥 HOT TOPIC SESSIONS
General Technology
- Understanding What Technology Structure is Right for Your Tribe – Sept. 22
- Strategy and Innovation: Where Technology Really Shines – Sept. 23
Cybersecurity
- Third-Party Vendor Risk: Is this your Weakest Cyber Link? – Sept. 23
- We Will Rock You: The Power of Information Sharing – Sept. 23
Artificial Intelligence
- AI Purchasing and Licensing: What to Consider in Agreements and Operations – Sept. 21
- The Foundational Policies and Practices for Tribes – Sept. 21
- Upskilling: Preparing your Employees for AI – Sept. 22
Leadership/Executive
- Technology Responsibilities of Non-Tech Executives – Sept. 21
- Leadership's Role in AI – Sept. 21
- Transformation and Automation: What to Focus On – Sept. 22
Let’s Get Technical
- Active Directory Security: Deeper Dive – Sept. 21
- Tools and Tips to Defend Against Phishing and Vishing – Sept. 22
Tribal Gaming/Hospitality
- The Tech Behind Better Guest Experiences – Sept. 21
- Gaming Systems Panel: Hear From Industry Leaders – Sept. 22
Tribal Government/Member Services
- Data Sovereignty Best Practices – Sept. 22
- Engaging Tribal Youth in Government Through Culture and Technology – Sept. 22
Tribal Health Info Management
- Using PATH EHR to Enhance Traditional Medicine Practices for Holistic Care – Sept. 21
- Enterprise AI in Healthcare – Sept. 22
🌐 Tradeshow Highlights
The Annual TribalNet Tradeshow is a dynamic gathering that continues to expand year after year, consistently attracting a focused audience of over 700 key decision-makers from tribes and tribal enterprises across the country and over 200 exhibitors on the tradeshow floor.
Participants represent diverse sectors including Tribal Gaming, Tribal Government, and Tribal Healthcare and hold influential roles such as CIOs, IT Directors, VPs of IT, Network and Systems Administrators, Tribal Council Members, General Managers, CFOs and other senior leaders.
Fisher said TribalNet is a unique opportunity to explore solutions and broaden their knowledge.
“What makes TribalNet such a unique experience is that the topics are intentionally organized around the challenges tribal organizations face, with tracks such as AI, cybersecurity, leadership, general technology, tribal gaming & hospitality, tribal government and tribal health,” Fisher said. “The conference is centered around helping tribal organizations use emerging technologies, leadership strategies, and vendor partnerships to improve operational efficiencies, leverage technology and strengthen security.”
Registration is now open for TribalNet 2026. Early registration savings are available through Aug. 10.
Contact
Olivia Fellows: 269.478.7652 olivia@tribalnetonline.com
About TribalHub
TribalHub, a membership-based organization, is the largest community of technology-minded leaders from Native American tribes and enterprises across the United States. Over the past 25 years, TribalHub has grown into the trusted community and platform that connects and informs tribes and tribal enterprises across the tribal government, gaming, and healthcare verticals. Across the nation, tribes and their many enterprises look to TribalHub as a go-to guide for technology strategy and the ability to make better-informed technology decisions. Solution providers work with TribalHub to help them to create solid partnerships within this one-of-a-kind market. TribalHub has fostered many long-lasting peer-to-peer relationships that have proven beneficial to the tribal community, individual tribes, and our valued TribalHub Members. Along with the many services and events that TribalHub provides each year, our annual TribalNet Conference & Tradeshow remains the longest-standing and largest technology and leadership event for tribes nationwide. The first TribalNet event took place in 1999, and we remain true to our primary purpose: bringing tribes, tribal employees, and resources together. Over the past two decades, it has continually grown into the event that connects and offers opportunities in solutions, best practices, and technology across the tribal government, gaming, and healthcare industries. Learn more at tribalhub.com.
